Nintendo Switch 2 Console Leak Reveals Release Window, Price, and Revolutionary Features

The countdown is almost over: Nintendo Switch 2 hits shelves worldwide on 5 June 2025, and demand is already eclipsing the original hybrid’s 2017 frenzy. Priced at $450 / £395.99 for the base system—or $499.99 / £429.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle—the new console doubles storage, adds cutting-edge silicon from Nvidia, and kicks handheld gaming into the 4K era in docked mode. WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE HOOD • Custom Nvidia Ampere-based processor with dedicated AI cores for DLSS-style up-scaling and real-time ray tracing. • 7.9-inch 1080p LCD running at 120 Hz in handheld mode; the dock boosts output to 4K HDR. • 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage (microSD Express up to 2 TB supported) for lightning-fast load times. • Magnetically attached Joy-Con 2 controllers add larger, drift-resistant sticks, a dedicated “C” button for voice chat, and optional mouse-style motion when laid flat. • Battery life ranges from 2 to 6.5 hours, aided by a quieter, higher-efficiency cooling system. DESIGN TWEAKS THAT MATTER Nintendo keeps the 13.9 mm thickness but trims bezels, so the screen gains nearly an inch without enlarging the chassis. The reinforced, full-width kickstand from Switch OLED returns, while an anti-scattering film acts as a factory-fitted screen protector—removal voids warranty. BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY & UPGRADE PATH Physical Switch cartridges and digital libraries migrate seamlessly, but select titles require legacy Joy-Con for motion features (Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo Labo). Dozens of first-party hits—from Breath of the Wild to Pokémon Scarlet/Violet—receive free “Enhanced” patches, unlocking higher frame rates, HDR, and GameChat voice integration. LAUNCH-DAY SOFTWARE LINEUP • Mario Kart World – the series’ first open-world racer, supporting 24 simultaneous players. • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Editions). • Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Street Fighter 6, Sonic X Shadow Generations, and 15+ more third-party AAA conversions optimized for the new hardware. • Exclusive newcomers include Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour and roguelike Split Fiction. Q3–Q4 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Expect Metroid Prime 4, Pokémon Legends Z-A, Donkey Kong Bananza (17 July), and Kirby AirRiders to keep the pipeline hot, alongside Square Enix’s Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 remake. ACCESSORIES & PERIPHERALS Day-one add-ons feature a 1080p USB-C camera, $84.99 Pro Controller, a $59.99 256 GB microSD Express card, and retro-flavored GameCube pads. Most first-gen Switch docks, Pro controllers, and Joy-Con remain compatible—great news for existing accessory owners. PRE-ORDER STATUS & AVAILABILITY Retailer invites have already sold out twice in the US and UK; Nintendo warns that in-store stock on launch week will be “extremely limited.” If you missed pre-orders, monitor restocks on June 5 and enable Nintendo Store notifications for wave-two shipments later in the month. WHY SWITCH 2 MATTERS With Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally proving appetite for powerful handheld PCs, Nintendo’s iterative but polished upgrade arrives at the perfect moment. By marrying smartphone-class efficiency with console-grade visuals and an unmatched first-party library, Switch 2 positions itself as the must-own device of 2025 for families, commuters, and competitive gamers alike. Bottom line: Whether you’re craving 120 Hz Mario Kart on the go or 4K Zelda on your living-room TV, Nintendo Switch 2 delivers the most versatile gaming experience yet—and if early demand is any indication, securing one on launch day will be a victory in itself.