Nintendo Switch 2: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Generation Console and Canadian Price
The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Nintendo officially announces the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025. With upgraded hardware, new gameplay innovations, enhanced online features, and expanded compatibility, the Switch 2 is poised to redefine hybrid gaming. Whether you're a longtime Nintendo fan or a newcomer eager to explore, this next-generation console has something for everyone.
But what exactly makes the Nintendo Switch 2 stand out? Is it worth the upgrade? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Nintendo’s latest gaming revolution.
A New Era of Hybrid Gaming: What’s Different?
The original Nintendo Switch changed the gaming industry by offering seamless handheld and docked gameplay, allowing players to switch between portable and TV gaming effortlessly. Now, the Nintendo Switch 2 takes that concept even further with several game-changing improvements.
1. Larger, More Vibrant Display
One of the biggest upgrades is the 7.9-inch full HD LCD screen, which provides 1080p resolution in handheld mode. This is a significant jump from the original Switch’s 6.2-inch 720p display, offering sharper visuals and more immersive gaming on the go.
2. Magnetic Joy-Con 2 Controllers with Mouse Functionality
The Joy-Con 2 controllers introduce magnetic connectors, allowing for a smoother and more secure snap-on attachment to the console. But the most exciting feature? Each Joy-Con 2 can now function as a mouse, allowing for more precise aiming, smoother navigation, and new gameplay possibilities.
3. More Power, Better Graphics
The Nintendo Switch 2 delivers a major boost in performance thanks to its upgraded CPU and GPU, leading to:
- Faster loading times
- More detailed graphics
- Higher frame rates for smoother gameplay
In docked mode, the Nintendo Switch 2 can output up to 4K resolution with 120 FPS support, making it Nintendo’s most powerful console yet.
4. Upgraded Audio & 3D Spatial Sound
The audio experience has also been improved, offering more balanced and immersive 3D sound whether you’re playing in handheld, docked, or tabletop mode. This means richer environmental sounds, clearer dialogue, and deeper bass for an enhanced gaming experience.
5. Expanded Storage & New Memory Cards
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, which is eight times the capacity of the original Switch. Additionally, it supports microSD Express cards, which read data faster than previous microSD models, allowing games to load quickly.
New Features That Change the Way You Play
GameChat: A Built-in Voice & Video Chat System
For the first time, Nintendo is introducing GameChat, a built-in voice and video chat feature that lets you talk to friends while gaming—without needing an external app like Discord.
- Press the "C" button on the right Joy-Con 2 to start GameChat.
- Use the system’s built-in microphone or connect a USB-C camera (sold separately) for video calls.
- Up to 12 players can chat together during online multiplayer sessions.
- Up to 4 players can share their screen.
- GameChat is free to use until March 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
GameShare: Play Games with Friends, Even If They Don’t Own Them
Nintendo Switch 2 introduces GameShare, a revolutionary feature that lets you share and play games with friends who don’t own the title.
- Local Play: One person with the game can share it with others nearby.
- Online Play: Multiple players can access a game via GameShare and GameChat simultaneously.
This feature removes barriers to multiplayer gaming, making it easier than ever to play with friends and family.
Virtual Game Cards: A New Way to Manage & Lend Digital Games
Nintendo Switch 2 introduces Virtual Game Cards, allowing players to:
- Store and access digital games more easily.
- Play games on multiple systems.
- Lend and borrow digital games within family groups.
Question for you: Would you be more likely to buy digital games if you could lend them like physical copies?
Backward Compatibility & Classic Game Support
One of the best things about the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it supports existing Nintendo Switch games, ensuring that players don’t have to start their library from scratch.
Additionally, Nintendo is bringing GameCube classics to the platform via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, with F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and SoulCalibur II available at launch.
Question for you: Which classic Nintendo game would you love to see remastered for the Switch 2?
Pricing, Pre-Orders, and Special Bundles
The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, with a suggested retail price of $629.99 CAD.
A special Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will also be available for $699.99 CAD, including a download code for Mario Kart World.
Pre-orders open on April 9, 2025, at participating retailers.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of every major game coming to the Switch 2, including:
- Exclusive new titles unavailable elsewhere
- Enhanced "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades for existing games
- Major third-party blockbusters making their Nintendo debut
- Under-the-radar gems and unexpected collaborations
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Titles (June 5, 2025)
1. Mario Kart World – Redefining the Racing Experience
- Supports 24-player races across interconnected tracks
- Introduces Knockout Tour mode, where poor performance leads to elimination
- Free Roam exploration allows off-track driving and photo opportunities
- Available in a launch bundle priced at $699.99 CAD
Discussion Point: Does this entry potentially surpass Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as the series' peak?
2. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- This marks the game's first appearance on a Nintendo platform
- Includes the full base game and Phantom Liberty expansion
- Optimized for Switch 2 with improved performance and loading times
3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Editions
- Enhanced to run at 4K/60fps when docked and 1080p/60fps in handheld mode
- Features the new ZELDA NOTES app with guidance from Princess Zelda
- Offers reduced load times and upgraded textures
Debate Topic: Are these visual and performance upgrades enough to justify revisiting these titles?
4. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
- Delivers the complete Midgar experience alongside the INTERmission DLC
- Combines command-based and real-time combat systems
5. Street Fighter 6 – With Switch 2 Exclusive Features
- Introduces motion-controlled modes like Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest
- Supports local wireless one-on-one matches
- Includes new amiibo figures and cards
6. Sid Meier's Civilization VII – Switch 2 Edition
- Implements mouse controls for more intuitive gameplay
- Display and performance enhancements take advantage of the new hardware
7. Hades II (Console Launch Exclusive)
- Maintains 60fps performance in this rogue-like dungeon crawler
- Expands the world and narrative depth
8. SPLIT FICTION (New Intellectual Property)
- Cooperative adventure alternating between sci-fi and fantasy settings
- Offers a free Friend's Pass for cross-play functionality
Question for Readers: Which launch title stands out as your must-have purchase?
Summer 2025 and Beyond: Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusives
July 17 – Donkey Kong Bananza
- 3D platformer focused on environmental destruction to progress
- Switch 2 exclusive title
July 24 – Super Mario Party Jamboree – Switch 2 Edition
- Features the Bowser Live game show mode with team-based challenges
- Utilizes Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and camera functionality
August 28 – Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Switch 2 Edition
- Adds new Star-Crossed World story content
- Improves cooperative play and technical performance
Winter 2025 – Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
- Expands Zelda lore by exploring the canonical Imprisoning War
- Set before the events of Tears of the Kingdom
2025 – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Offers choice between 4K/60fps (Quality Mode) or 1080p/120fps (Performance Mode)
- Incorporates Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for precision aiming
Late 2025 – Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Switch 2 Edition
- An enhanced version of the Lumiose City adventure
Third-Party Highlights on Switch 2
1. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (2025)
- Bundles the base game with Shadow of the Erdtree expansion
- Includes additional weapons and armor sets
2. Borderlands 4 (2025)
- Introduces the new planet Kairos as a setting
- Implements advanced movement options like grappling and gliding
3. Hogwarts Legacy (Launch Day Release)
- Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for spellcasting
- Eliminates open-world loading screens
4. Yakuza 0 Director's Cut (Launch Day Release)
- Adds never-before-seen cutscenes
- Includes the new Red Light Raid multiplayer mode
5. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 (Summer 2025)
- Features brand-new skate parks for the first time in years
Discussion Starter: Which third-party announcement surprised you the most?
The Duskbloods
From the creators of Dark Souls and Elden Ring, FromSoftware presents The Duskbloods—a gripping new multiplayer experience where the moontears flow for one alone. Arriving next year as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, this dark fantasy adventure will be unveiled further in Creator’s Voice, a developer diary series featuring director Hidetaka Miyazaki, premiering April 4th.
HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition
Become the ultimate assassin in HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition. Infiltrate meticulously crafted worlds, master disguises, and eliminate targets with precision. This definitive package includes the full HITMAN, HITMAN 2, and HITMAN 3 experiences—campaigns, Contracts Mode, Escalations, and more—launching day one on Nintendo Switch 2.
Project 007
Live the life of James Bond in Project 007, an all-new 00-agent origin story. Crafted for the modern era, this spy thriller will arrive on Nintendo Switch 2.
Fortnite
Jump into the ever-evolving universe of Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 2 at launch. Whether you're battling for survival in Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, or Fortnite OG, exploring LEGO Fortnite, racing in Rocket Racing, or rocking out in Fortnite Festival, the choice is yours.
Enter the Gungeon 2
The bullet-hell roguelike returns in Enter the Gungeon 2, now with a bold 3D art style, deadly new weapons, and fresh gameplay twists. Lock and load on Nintendo Switch 2 next year.
EA SPORTS Madden NFL & EA SPORTS FC
EA SPORTS brings the world’s biggest football experiences to Nintendo Switch 2—dominate the gridiron in Madden NFL and conquer the pitch in EA SPORTS FC.
NBA 2K & WWE 2K
From the hardwood to the ring, NBA 2K and WWE 2K are coming to Nintendo Switch 2, delivering high-stakes competition and superstar showdowns
Backward Compatibility and Upgrades
- The majority of Nintendo Switch games remain compatible
- Some titles offer paid "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades
Controversial Question: Should Nintendo have provided free upgrades for all existing Switch games?
Final Assessment: Nintendo's Most Robust Launch Lineup?
The Nintendo Switch 2's strength lies not just in its hardware but in its software offerings:
- Strong exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza
- Enhanced versions of classics including Zelda and Metroid titles
- Unprecedented third-party support from Cyberpunk to Elden Ring
The Bottom Line: For fans of Nintendo's franchises or those seeking premium portable gaming experiences, the Switch 2 delivers an unparalleled package.
Reader Participation
- Which game tops your purchase list?
- Do the upgrades to existing titles interest you?
- Has this lineup convinced you to upgrade to the new system?