Nintendo Switch 2 and new “Mario Kart World” game to be released in June

Nintendo has officially announced the launch date for its highly anticipated gaming console, the Switch 2. Set to hit the market on June 5, the Switch 2 boasts a range of exciting features that are sure to revolutionize the gaming experience for fans around the world.

During the 60-minute Nintendo Direct presentation, the company unveiled the Switch 2’s vibrant display, larger screen, and a host of new games that will be available at launch. One of the standout features of the updated system is the introduction of a new “C” button on the Joy-Con controller, which will activate the innovative “GameChat” feature. This feature allows players to communicate with friends and family while playing games, as well as share their game screen with other players. To access the “GameChat” feature, a subscription to Nintendo’s Switch online service will be required.

Hannah Cowton-Barnes, a video game industry expert for Tech Advisor, commented on the focus of the new feature, stating, “When you think about some of the biggest titles on the Nintendo Switch, it’s like Mario Kart, Super Mario Jamboree, even though that’s quite a new title, has cracked the top 10 of most played games on the console. So, it does make a lot of sense that the headline feature is geared primarily towards that sort of use.”

In addition to the interactive chat and screenshare functions, the Switch 2 also offers the unique ability to use the Joy-Con controllers like a computer mouse, opening up new possibilities for gameplay. The console features a 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution, and when docked, it can support 4K resolution for compatible games.

The launch lineup for the Switch 2 includes highly anticipated titles such as “Mario Kart World,” “Project 007,” “Donkey Kong Bananza,” and “Kirby Air Riders.” Third-party exclusives like Koei-Tecmo’s “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment” and From Software’s “The Duskbloods” are also set to create buzz among gamers.

For fans of classic games, Nintendo has announced that Switch Online subscribers will have access to a limited selection of GameCube titles, including popular titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker” and “F-Zero GX.”

The Switch 2 will be backwards compatible, allowing users to play both physical and digital Switch games. However, a microSD express memory card will be required for the new console, as normal SD cards will not be compatible. The presentation also revealed that data from the original Switch can be transferred to the new console using a transfer feature.

With a price tag of $449.99 at launch, the Switch 2 is priced higher than its predecessor, the original Switch. A bundle including the “Mario Kart World” game will also be available for $499.99. Despite the higher price point, Gene Park, a Washington Post reporter, noted that the Switch 2 is a more powerful system, offering enhanced gaming experiences.

The Trump administration’s tariffs have impacted the video game console industry, leading to price hikes for devices like the Switch 2. Joost van Dreunen, author of “One Up: Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games,” explained that the tariffs have forced manufacturers to increase prices, ultimately passing the cost on to consumers.

To give gamers a hands-on experience with the new system, Nintendo plans to host “Switch 2 Experience” events in various cities around the world, including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris. These events will allow fans to test out the new features and games before the official launch date.

Overall, the Switch 2 is poised to make a splash in the gaming world, offering a range of exciting features and games that are sure to delight fans of all ages. With its innovative technology and immersive gameplay experiences, the Switch 2 is set to redefine the gaming landscape for years to come.