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Nintendo Switch 2: $450 Price Tag and June 5 Launch Date Announced; Pre-orders Start April 9

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Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 for $450, launching June 5, 2025; pre-orders start April 9.
  • Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch 1080p display (up to 4K docked), 256GB storage, and 120Hz gameplay.
  • Joy-Con 2 controllers feature magnetic attachment, steel buttons, and a mouse control feature.
  • Switch 2 GameChat enables voice, gameplay, and video chat, requiring Nintendo Switch Online after March 31, 2026.
  • "Mario Kart World" announced for Switch 2: larger courses, open world, and 24 racers.

Nintendo Gaming Updates

Nintendo Switch 2: $450, June 5 launch, pre-orders April 9

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2, launching on June 5, 2025, for $450. Pre-orders begin April 9, 2025, requiring registration and prioritized invitations for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, with email invites starting May 8, 2025, giving recipients 72 hours to purchase.

Switch 2: 7.9-inch 1080p display, 4K docked, 256GB storage

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo revealed the Switch 2's specs: a 7.9-inch 1080p display (up to 4K docked), 256GB internal storage, 120Hz gameplay, HDR, improved speakers, and 3D audio support.

Joy-Con 2: Magnetic, steel buttons, mouse control feature

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo revealed the Joy-Con 2 controllers featuring magnetic attachment, larger steel control sticks/buttons, and a mouse control feature; a new Pro controller with assignable buttons, audio jack, and C button will also be available.

Switch 2 GameChat: Voice, screen sharing, video chat

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo announced GameChat for Switch 2, enabling voice chat (up to 12 people), gameplay sharing (up to four), and video chat (up to four via camera accessory). It utilizes a dedicated 'C' button and requires Nintendo Switch Online after March 31, 2026; the demo showed potentially janky screen sharing and video chat.

Switch 2 editions: Zelda, Kirby, Metroid get upgrades

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo announced "Switch 2 editions" of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond with improved resolution, frame rates, and new features; Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers get free upgrades if they own the originals.

Switch 2: Backward compatibility, GameShare feature

On April 2, 2025, it was announced that the Switch 2 offers backward compatibility with most Switch games and a GameShare feature for playing the same game on multiple consoles (limited to select titles); users can transfer game/save data and Nintendo Switch Online memberships.

Switch 2: Supports faster microSD Express cards

On April 2, 2025, it was revealed that the Nintendo Switch 2 features support for faster microSD Express cards, offering quicker load times and improved storage performance; older UHS-I cards are only usable for videos and screenshots.

Switch 2 supports Wi-Fi 6 and 120 fps

On April 2, 2025, it was reported that the Switch 2 supports Wi-Fi 6 and 120 fps when 1920x1080/2560x1440 resolutions are selected.

GameCube games coming to Nintendo Switch Online

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo announced that the Nintendo Switch Online service will add GameCube games on June 5, 2025, including The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and SOULCALIBUR II, running at higher resolutions with online multiplayer support.

Metroid Prime 4, Drag x Drive utilize mouse Joy-Cons

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo announced a Switch 2 version of Metroid Prime 4 and a new game called Drag x Drive, both utilizing the new mouse-like Joy-Con functionality.

New GameCube controller coming with USB-C, wireless

On April 2, 2025, it was reported that Nintendo will release a new version of the GameCube's classic controller that features a USB-C connection, wireless connectivity and a dedicated C button for GameChat functionality.

Switch 2 battery life: Estimated 2 – 6.5 hours

On April 2, 2025, it was reported that the Switch 2's battery life is estimated to be shorter than the current Switch, lasting approximately 2 – 6.5 hours, while Nintendo estimates that a Switch OLED should last around 4.5 to 9 hours.

Switch 2 won't support HDMI 2.1

On April 2, 2025, it was reported that the Switch 2 won't support HDMI 2.1.

Joy-Con 2 controllers lack IR sensor

On April 2, 2025, it was reported that neither the left nor right Joy-Con 2 controllers have an IR sensor.

Switch 2 Launch Titles

"Mario Kart World" announced: Larger courses, open world, 24 racers

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo announced "Mario Kart World" for release on June 5, 2025, featuring larger courses, an open world, changing weather, off-course driving, and 24-competitor races; also announced was Masahiro Sakurai's new game, Kirby Air Riders, a follow-up to the 2003 GameCube title.

Switch 2 games: Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, more

On April 2, 2025, several games were announced for the Switch 2, including launch titles like Mario Kart World and third-party titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Split Fiction, Hitman World of Assassination, and Street Fighter 6, Elden Ring, and more.

"Donkey Kong Bananza" announced for Switch 2

On April 2, 2025, Nintendo announced a new 3D platformer, "Donkey Kong Bananza," for the Switch 2, scheduled for release on July 17, 2025, marking the first 3D Donkey Kong game since 1999.

FromSoftware's "The Duskbloods" exclusive to Switch 2

On April 2, 2025, FromSoftware's The Duskbloods, a steampunk vampire adventure, was announced as coming exclusively to Switch 2 in 2026.

Software Central

Google Gemini app: Josh Woodward replaces Sissie Hsaio

On April 2, 2025, it was reported that Josh Woodward will replace Sissie Hsaio as Google prepares the 'next evolution of the Gemini app'; Woodward will remain the head of Google Labs while shaping the next chapter of Gemini.

Premiere Pro 25.2: AI Generative Extend, caption translations

On April 2, 2025, Adobe launched Generative Extend, a new AI-powered feature in Premiere Pro 25.2, allowing users to extend video clips by up to two seconds, powered by Adobe's Firefly; the update also includes an AI-powered search panel, caption translations into 27 languages, and improved color management.

Tech Horizons

Anthropic: Claude for Education initiative launched

On April 2, 2025, Anthropic announced Claude for Education, an initiative to equip universities to shape AI's role in society; they also introduced a new Learning mode within Claude for Education and partnered with universities to provide Claude to all students.

TikTok's US future uncertain; OnlyFans CEO bids

On April 2, 2025, it was reported that TikTok's future in the United States is still uncertain, despite being back online; OnlyFans CEO Tim Stokely, via his startup Zoop, partnered with the Hbar Foundation to bid on TikTok.

Gadget Mania

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: Available April 10, starting at $500

On April 2, 2025, it was announced that Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ will be available on April 10, 2025, in the US, starting at $500 and $650 respectively; both have AI capabilities.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6: Dolby Atmos soundbar announced

On April 2, 2025, Sony introduced the Bravia Theater Bar 6, a new Dolby Atmos soundbar with 3.1.2-channel audio and a wireless subwoofer; pricing and availability are not yet announced, but the products are expected to arrive this spring.

Framework Laptop 12: Pre-orders start April 9

On April 2, 2025, Framework's entry-level 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop, the Framework Laptop 12, will be available for pre-order on April 9, 2025, at 11 AM ET; the laptop features a 12.2-inch touchscreen display, a 360-degree hinge, and modular components.

Apple AirTag on sale: Starting at $68

On April 2, 2025, Apple AirTags are on sale at various retailers, including Amazon (4-pack for $99), Walmart ($68), and Adorama ($89); these Bluetooth trackers are designed for iPhone users.

Apple Pencil Pro: On sale for $99 ($30 off)

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