At last, we have the critical details millions of gamers have awaited for years: the release date and other details about the Nintendo Switch 2. The console will arrive on June 5.
As expected, the Nintendo Switch 2 is larger than its predecessor. It measures 7.9 inches, compared with 6.2 inches for the original system, though no thicker than the previous console. The Switch 2 has around double the pixel density of the original Switch, Nintendo says, as it has a 1080p display. There's some great news for frame rate appreciators, as the system will support up to 120 Hz gameplay on its own screen. There's HDR support too. Sadly, it's an LCD display rather than an OLED.
Nintendo says it improved the speakers to deliver clearer audio, while you'll be able to enjoy 3D audio in select games through compatible surround sound systems or headphones. There's a built-in mic with voice cancelling tech too (more on that in a moment).
Joy-Con 2
The rumors were true, the Joy-Con 2 includes a mouse control feature. Each controller can be used as a mouse, so you can maybe expect more strategy games and even first-person shooters — Nintendo is adding this feature just in time for Microsoft to start bringing Call of Duty games to its systems.
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The controllers attach to the main unit magnetically. To detach them, you need to press release button on the rear. The control sticks and SL and SR buttons are all larger.
C button and GameChat
The much-discussed new C button on the right Joy-Con 2 can do several things, including switching on voice chat. The microphone is built into the main Switch 2 unit, and Nintendo says it can pick up your voice from across a room when the console is in docked mode. Through the GameChat feature, the option to share your gameplay with your friends, so you can all see what each other is doing (though these friend streams seemed to be running at a low frame rate in Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct).
A camera accessory will allow you to jump into video chat with your buds. You can choose to superimpose your camera feed over your gameplay. The camera will be available on the Switch 2 launch day.
GameChat will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription in the long run, but access will be free until March 31, 2026. Parents and guardians can set GameChat restrictions through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
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Complete Switch 2 coverage:Watch the Nintendo Switch 2 video stream andfollow our Switch 2 liveblog at 9AM ET on Wednesday, April 2. Then check outeverything we know about the Switch 2,including pre-order plans, specs, pricing and upcoming games.