Nintendo's event today was light on specs for the new console, but it did reveal a lot about the new system.

As the teaser in January showed, the Switch 2 is bigger (but the same thickness). It will have a 1080p screen that can run 120 fps and support HDR, two USB-C ports (one on top and one on bottom), a built-in kickstand that now extends at a wider angle for more flexible viewing, improved speakers with immersive 3D sound, and a built-in mic for voice chat with noise cancelling technology.

The Joy-Cons are larger, as are the SL and SR buttons on the inside and the joysticks. They attach magnetically now and can be used attachment-side down as an optical mouse. Nintendo did not announce this today, but a support page seems to reveal that original Switch Joy-Con controllers can connect wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2.

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While it might seem small, the addition of another USB-C port is significant because it means you can use more than one accessory at a time and charge it in tabletop mode. With the original Switch, you had to spring for a third-party adapter. It's also likely the Switch 2 adopts actual USB-C standards, something the first version did not do.

The Switch 2 makes a big jump in storage, going from 32GB to 256GB, and the dock has been retooled, adding a built-in cooling fan, 4K support for compatible games, and HDR in TV mode.

One final big announcement was GameShare, a feature that lets you play select titles with friends using just one game copy.

Two bundles are available -- one with a digital version of the new Mario Kart game, and one without. 

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The bundle without the game will cost$449.99, while the bundle with will cost$499.99. For comparison, the original Switch debuted in March 2017 for$299. The higher-end Switch OLED model retailed for$349.

The Switch 2 will officially debut on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Nintendo is giving a peek at the console at three events over the next week: New York from April 4 to April 6, Los Angeles from April 11 to April 13, and Dallas from April 25 to April 27. Preorders will begin on April 9, but retailers have been known to open early.

It would not be a Nintendo release without Mario, and Mario Kart World leads the way as a launch title for this new console. The latest entry in the popular racing series adds open-world driving and up to 24 racers at once, something the franchise has never done before. There's also a Switch 2 Welcome Tour game to show off the console's features, but surprisingly, it's a paid title.

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A number of Switch games are getting special upgraded Switch 2 editions, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom. Cyberpunk: 2077, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Street Fighter 6, Hitman: World of Assassination, and Split Fiction. EA is bringing version of FIFA, Madden, NBA 2K, and WWE.

Civilization 7 will be available for the Switch 2, which seems like a fantastic use of the new mouse capabilities. Duskbloods, a gothic fantasy adventure, was also revealed as a console exclusive.

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Lastly, a new open-world-looking Donkey Kong game is coming in July, and Nintendo added that Switch Online members will get a limited selection of GameCube games exclusively on Switch 2.

While consoles these days are offering digital-only versions, the Switch 2 will still play both physical and digital games, including original Switch games. The system does have some limitations, as not every Switch game is compatible -- but that list isn't huge.

Most premium titles for the Switch 2 appear to be in the$70 or$80 range.