Nintendo never considered making the Switch 2 a piece of "high-performance hardware" aimed at consumers who wanted more-powerful tech. Takuhiro Dohta from Nintendo's Entertainment Planning and Development Department made the comments in part of the company's lengthy Q&A session following the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.

A Nintendo representative asked Dohta and Kouichi Kawamoto, also from the Entertainment Planning and Development Department, why the team decided to call the system the Switch 2. Kawamoto said the team toyed with the idea of calling it the Super Nintendo Switch, but in addition to Nintendo already having a system with "Super" as a descriptor--Super Nintendo--the team didn't want people to focus on the console's specifications.

"Switch 2 is a new system with improved performance, but we'd like players who get their hands on it not to focus on the specs, but rather to think of it as the latest system developed by Nintendo," Kawamoto said. "So, in the hope that it becomes the new standard for Nintendo Switch, we named it Nintendo Switch 2."

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Nintendo pulled back the curtain on its anticipated Switch successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, during its lengthy April Nintendo Direct presentation. In addition to giving fans a closer look at the hardware itself, Nintendo confirmed that Switch 1 owners will be able to transfer their system data over to the upcoming console.

According to the company, you can move your data from the original Switch to the Switch 2 by logging in to your Nintendo Account and using the System Transfer feature. This will transfer your game saves, digital titles, user profiles, screenshots you've taken, and other data (such as your settings and parental controls) to the new console.

As detailed on the Switch 2 transfer guide website, you will need to have an active internet connection to perform a system transfer. Once the transfer is complete, digital Switch 1 titles you own will be automatically redownloaded on Switch 2, allowing you to pick up where you left off on the new system.

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Bravely Default will finally break free of the Nintendo 3DS, with an HD remaster of the turn-based JRPG set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 as a launch title.

Officially titled Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster (a reference to the game's original subtitle in Japan), the game will feature remastered visuals, a redesigned UI, upgraded online compatibility, quality-of-life features like the ability to speed up battles, and two new minigames that take advantage of the Switch 2's Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality, according to a trailer shown during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and the Switch 2, will release June 5.

Bravely Default brings to mind classic Final Fantasy titles, as a group of warriors of light seek to defeat evil and restore light to the four crystals that maintain peace and balance in the world of Luxendarc. The game features turn-based combat and a job system where players can mix and match different jobs and abilities to create unique party compositions. The game's title refers to its battle system, where Brave Points can be spent to increase the number of actions per turn. Alternatively, players can "Default" to stock up on actions and shore up their defenses.

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Nintendo Switch 2 releases on June 5, and it's shaping up to be an impressive successor to the existing Nintendo Switch. A bunch of new accessories are arriving for the handheld console, including new Joy-Con, an updated Charging Grip, and the Joy-Con 2 Wheel that's ideal for the upcoming Mario Kart World. Preorders for Switch 2 go live on April 9, and we're expecting the same for all the upcoming accessories.

Joy-Con 2 Controllers $90

The new Joy-Con are going to be a bit more expensive than their predecessors, which were priced starting at $80. However, the Joy-Con 2 make some nice improvements. Along with motion controls and HD Rumble 2, you'll find a new C button to quickly access the GameChat feature. They can also be used as a mouse for certain games, with your movements tracked as you scroll it across a flat surface. You'll also find slightly larger bumper buttons for easier access when using a single Joy-Con, which should make it less painful to share with a friend.

This set includes a left and right Joy-Con, plus a pair of Joy-Con 2 straps. Note that these are only compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. You can also purchase Joy-Con 2 (L) and Joy-Con 2 (R) separately, though pricing is yet to be confirmed. Expect a single Joy-Con to cost around $45.

A pair of Joy-Con and straps are included with your Switch 2 console.

See more at the Nintendo Store Charging Grip $35

For a more traditional gamepad experience, the Joy-Con 2 can be connected to the Charging Grip. Along with a USB-C cable and charging port to juice up your Joy-Con, the Charging Grip features two customizable back buttons--a feature that's also found on the new Switch 2 Pro Controller.

While the Joy-Con 2 are included with your Switch 2 purchase, the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip is sold separately. It also cannot be used with the original Switch Joy-Con.

See more at the Nintendo Store Joy-Con 2 Wheel (Set of Two) $20

If you're planning to play Mario Kart World--which can be bundled with your Switch 2 console--consider picking up the Joy-Con 2 Wheel. This two-pack includes a red and blue wheel that's perfect for local multiplayer, and a magnetic connection helps keep your Joy-Con 2 in place no matter how wild you drive. These only work with the new Joy-Con 2 and not the existing Joy-Con.

See more at the Nintendo Store Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector $35

Carry your Switch 2 in style with this official Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case. Along with a sturdy exterior and two colorful zippers for quick access, you'll get a screen protector and cleaning cloth as a bonus.

See more at the Nintendo Store Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case $80

Want to lug your entire Switch 2 system around with you? Then pick up the All-In-One Carrying Case. Designed with enough space for your Switch 2, docking station, Joy-Con 2, cables, and six game cards, it's a compact way to bring your whole setup on the road.

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Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will release on Nintendo Switch 2 as one of many third-party games announced for the console.

As of writing, specific details are scant. There is no price point or release date for the game's Switch 2 port. In a short video segment, which was part of the April Nintendo Direct, Square Enix director Naoki Hamaguchi promised "more updates on the Final Fantasy VII Remake project for Switch 2." What exactly this statement means is unknown. Perhaps the sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, will also see a Switch 2 port. The aforementioned video segment showed off a couple early portions of the game, with principle characters Cloud and Barrett fighting robots. Other third-party games releasing on the Switch 2 include Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, Sid Meier's Civilization VII, and Borderlands 4.

For anyone unaware, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade originally released in 2021 as a PC port and PS5 upgrade for the erstwhile PS4 exclusive. It improved graphical features and added a mini-story featuring party member Yuffie. Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a partial remake of the classic game, covering the party's journey through the city of Midgar.

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Nintendo has confirmed that it explored "a lot of ideas" for what to called the Switch 2 before landing on that name. In an Ask the Developer interview published on Nintendo's website, Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto said Nintendo's teams had a difficult time coming up with a name for the console.

"There were a lot of ideas for the name, and we really struggled to find the right one," he said.

One of the ideas that Nintendo considered was "Super Nintendo Switch." Nintendo decided against this, however, because it "didn't feel right to use the same naming convention as the Super NES."

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During the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, Deltarune was revealed as one of the upcoming titles for Nintendo's next-gen console. Deltarune has historically been released chapter by chapter, and this is the first time we've heard about Chapters 3 and 4.

Deltarune Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 will launch with the Switch 2. Even though they were announced during the Switch 2 Direct, Chapters 3 and 4 aren't exclusives for the new Switch. Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4 will also be available for the standard Switch, Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

Deltarune, the turn-based RPG by Undertale creator Toby Fox, features a parallel universe similar to the world of Undertale. The main character Kris stars as the protagonist, surrounded by strong personalities like the bully-turned-friend Susie and mild-mannered mage, Ralsei. It launched on October 31, 2018 with a free demo of Chapter 1. Then, on September 17, 2021, Toby surprised us with Chapter 2.

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Nintendo fans won't have to wait much longer to get their hands on the Switch 2. The successor to one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time is slated to release June 5, Nintendo announced during its hour-long livestream that fully lifted the veil on the Switch 2. You also don't have to wait much longer to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2, as Nintendo revealed that major retailers will open reservations online and in stores on April 9. The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $450 at launch. There will also be a bundle with a digital copy of the Switch 2-exclusive launch title Mario Kart World for $500.

Where to Preorder Nintendo Switch 2 $450 | Releases June 5

When you open the Nintendo Switch 2's box, here's what you'll find inside:

• Switch 2 console with 7.9-inch display
• Two of Nintendo's new Joy-Con controllers
• Joy-Con grip for TV mode
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock for TV mode
• AC adapter with USB-C power cable
• HDMI cable

Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop, and Target will be taking Nintendo Switch 2 preorders starting April 9. It's unknown at this time if Amazon will add the Switch 2 or the upcoming first-party games and accessories to its inventory.

• Best Buy - Sign up for preorder notifications
• Walmart's Nintendo store page
• GameStop's Nintendo Switch 2 store page
• Target's Nintendo store page
• Amazon's Nintendo store page

See at Best Buy See at Walmart See at Target Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Bonuses

Video game consoles typically don't come with preorder bonuses in the same way that games often do, but with Nintendo products, retailers often have exclusive bonuses. These range from practical products themed around Nintendo, such as tote bags and popcorn buckets, to display pieces and little trinkets. One unknown retailer is rumored to have a collectible coin for those who preorder the Switch 2. We will update this article as Switch 2 preorder bonuses are confirmed.

We expect that all major retailers who typically carry Nintendo hardware and first-party games will create placeholder pages for the Nintendo Switch 2 either today or in the coming days. Best Buy, for instance, has had a sign-up page on its site since Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 in January. You can still sign up to receive notifications now, if interested. At GameStop, the actual store page where you'll be able to order the Switch 2 is now live. Like Best Buy, you can sign up for notifications to be informed on preorder timing. Target and Walmart have banners on their Nintendo store pages for the Switch 2.

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Fans eagerly anticipating news about Hollow Knight: Silksong have received a sliver of hope, as the recent Switch 2 Nintendo Direct briefly featured Team Cherry's long-in-the-works sequel.

Hollow Knight: Silksong made an appearance during a montage of third-party games set to come to Switch 2. The gameplay clip was only a few seconds long but did confirm that Hollow Knight: Silksong is slated to release on Switch 2 in 2025, though no other details were provided.

Team Cherry's highly anticipated metroidvania was originally announced for Nintendo Switch and PC as part of an E3 2019 Nintendo Direct, and was later confirmed to also be releasing on Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

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Nintendo showcased a ton of games for its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 system during its April Direct presentation, including a brand-new racing game starring the adorable puffball Kirby.

Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to the GameCube cult hit Kirby Air Ride, is coming exclusively to Switch 2. Moreover, it's being directed by series creator Masahiro Sakurai, most famous for his work on the Super Smash Bros. franchise. This marks Sakurai's first Kirby title since the original Air Ride.

The announcement trailer, seen above, offers a brief look at the new game, showcasing Kirby on a rocket-powered Warp Star racing through a verdant meadow against three other Kirbies. No other details were shared, but Nintendo confirmed the title will launch sometime this year.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller was officially revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct, and it's making some incremental improvements to the existing gamepad. Launching on June 5 alongside Switch 2, it includes several new buttons--including a C button to launch GameChat and two back buttons.

Beyond the inclusion of new buttons, you'll also find a headphone jack--a notable omission on the current Switch Pro controller. Beyond that, it looks to share many of the same features. Nintendo is yet to confirm all its specifications, but we'd expect gyro controls and rumble to make a return. It's unclear if Hall Effect or TMR sensors are used for the joysticks.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro ControllerGallery

As far as looks are concerned, it's quite similar to the standard Switch Pro Controller. Featuring offset analog sticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, and four bumpers on the top of the gamepad, it looks remarkably similar to its predecessor.

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As part of the Nintendo Direct today, Nintendo announced a brand-new 3D Donkey Kong game It's called Donkey Kong Bananza, and it will release on July 17, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2.

A trailer for Bananza showed DK smashing and pounding everything in his way. More details will be announced for the title in the time ahead, Nintendo said. Check out the announcement trailer below.

Be sure to check out GameSpot's news roundup gallery below to see all the biggest news and reveals from the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.

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As part of the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo has announced that GameCube games will come to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for the first time--and they'll be exclusive to the Switch 2.

A small library of GameCube games will be available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service as soon as the Switch 2 launches, with the launch games including favorites like Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. Some titles will even have extra functionality on the Switch 2, with games that support multiplayer now supporting online play for up to four players, as well as local play.

While only the three games will be available from launch, Nintendo has teased some of the other GameCube games that will come to the Switch 2 further down the track, including:

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Nintendo has announced a new 3v3 sports title: Drag x Drive. Releasing exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, Drag x Drive will put your hoop-shooting skills--and the Joy-Con 2's mouse controls--to the test.

Use the mouse controls of both Joy-Con 2 at the same time and experience Drag x Drive, a new 3v3 sports game launching for #NintendoSwitch2 this summer. #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/6oK5DNMDUo

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 2, 2025

Revealed as a part of April's Nintendo Switch 2 direct, Drag x Drive sees you take control of your own wheelchair-wielding athlete in an intense game of something kinda-sorta resembling basketball. In order to move around and pull off maneuvers, players will have to use the new console's mouse controls, then take aim and lift the Joy-Con 2 into the air to shoot for the basket.

Drag x Drive's release date has yet to be announced.

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During today's Nintendo Switch 2 broadcast, From Software announced a brand-new title, The Duskbloods, which will be exclusive to the new console.

The Duskbloods appears to be centered around vampires, or similar creatures, and features a range of familiar From Software mechanics and gameplay.

The Duskbloods is exclusive to the Switch 2 console.

It looks to bear the same challenging combat style, as well as impressive and immersive worldbuilding. The trailer begins with a scarred hand reaching out to another, and a female voice stating, "I give you my blood. I give you my life. Turn, oh wheel, and transport him to a night of moonlight, to humanity's very dusk." This could be interpreted as the method of humanity turning into a vampiric state.

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As part of the Nintendo Direct, CD Projekt Red confirmed that it's bringing Cyberpunk 2077 to Nintendo Switch 2. It'll be a launch title for the system, debuting on June 5.

CD Projekt Red's The Witcher 3 came to the original Switch, so it's not the first time the company is supporting a Nintendo platform.

Cyberpunk 2077 originally released in December 2020 and had a challenging launch, as the game's buggy state was so problematic that Sony pulled the game from sale on the PlayStation Store for a period of time. CD Projekt Red spent years updating and improving upon the game, and now it's one of the best-selling RPGs in the history of video games.

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Nintendo Switch 2 is attempting to streamline the process of connecting with your friends, thanks to the addition of a new C button that launches a chat interface. You'll also get a chance to have actual video chats with your friends, as the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera will launch alongside the console on June 5.

While we don't have a full specification list for the camera, it's designed to connect to your Switch 2 via a USB-C port. It'll then allow you and your friends to join webchats, negating the need to use the Nintendo Switch Online app on your phone. There also seem to be some in-game features that require the camera, including various mini-games in Mario Party Jamboree.

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera

You'll need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use GameChat. However, GameChat will have a brief open access period that allows everyone to try the feature for free. When using the camera feed, your screen will split into two sections--a large top portion showing your game and a smaller panel at the bottom showing your group's streams.

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Announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the next Dynasty Warriors-style game set in The Legend of Zelda universe. The game's story leads into the story of Tears of the Kingdom, following Zelda.

Experience the untold story of the Imprisoning War when Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment releases exclusively on #NintendoSwitch2 this winter! #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/3ut5JqoVUe

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 2, 2025

Age of Imprisonment is an action game in which you have to fight larges armies of enemies at once. While there will be multiple playable characters, it appears that Zelda is the main character here. The story is set during the Imprisonment War, following Zelda's journey into the past. These events tie directly to the main story of Tears of the Kingdom.

As for the rest of the playable cast, there are several holders of the Secret Stones--the characters from the past in Tears of the Kingdom. These warriors were kept to flashbacks in Tears of the Kingdom, but Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will let them show off their combat skills.

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During today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, Warner Bros. and Portkey Games announced a Nintendo Switch 2 port of Hogwarts Legacy, the open-world adventure set in the Harry Potter universe.

Hogwarts Legacy is developed by Avalanche Software, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game has been embroiled in controversy due to transphobic remarks from Harry Potter author JK Rowling. Although she is not personally involved with its development, she stands to profit from its success. For more, read our in-depth article on how Rowling's comments have impacted the trans community. In this article, you will also find links to trans creators you can support, as well ascharities you can donate to.

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As part of the Nintendo Direct today, IO Interactive announced multiple games for the Nintendo Switch 2. First off, Hitman: World of Assassination will come to Switch 2 as a launch title this June.

After that, IO will bring its upcoming James Bond title--which tells an original story and is not based on any of the previous movies--to the Switch 2 at some point in the future.

IO is one of many third-party publishers supporting the Switch 2. Also during the Nintendo Direct, Hazelight announced Split Fiction for Switch 2, while Bandai Namco confirmed that it's bringing Elden Ring to the console. Warner Bros., meanwhile, confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy is coming to Switch 2.

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