Nintendo Switch 2 explained: release date, price, games, and new Joy-ConsMichael BeckwithPublished January 16, 2025 6:07pmUpdated January 16, 2025 6:07pm So, when can we get one? (Nintendo)Now that Nintendos announced the thing, we run down every important detail about the Switch 2, from its new Joy-Cons to its games.There has been a lot of chatter about the Nintendo Switch 2 over the past several months. So much so that it felt like we already knew everything about it before Nintendo properly revealed it.While the first trailer was brief, and lacked any narration or text to explain what was being shown, it still managed to confirm a number of details about the console or at least corroborate some of the leaks.Below weve compiled everything you need to know about the Switch 2, from its features to when you can try it out for yourself.What is the Nintendo Switch 2 release date?Nintendo has yet to announce a release date for the Switch 2, beyond a vague 2025 window. However, based on what we do know, it seems like you shouldnt expect it to launch any earlier than April.Aside from the fact that Nintendo has a dedicated Switch 2 Direct planned for April 2, which will no doubt be where a bunch of new games will be shown, it is running events for people to get first-hand experience with the console over the coming months.As summarised by Wario64 on X, these public events are running from as early as April 4 all the way to June, which could point to Switch 2s release not being until after that.If you cant bear to wait that long to get your hands on the console, you can register to attend the London event, which runs from April 11 to April 13, on Nintendos website. Registration opens from January 17 at 2pm GMT until the end of January 26 and tickets will be given away at random. Theres no indication of a price yet (YouTube)How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?Nintendo has not announced a price for the Switch 2 yet and likely wont until much closer to the consoles launch.There have so far been no reliable leaks about its potential price, but even if there were theyd be subject to change. The original Switch is currently 259.99, so the Switch 2 will almost certainly be more expensive than that.How much more expensive could also depend on whether proposed tariffs by US president elect Donald Trump go through, but youre probably looking at over 300.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextHow powerful is the Nintendo Switch 2?Nintendo has not commented on the power of the Switch 2, which isnt surprising since thats never been something the companys been interested in discussing.Based on leaked information and images of its motherboard, the prevailing theory is that it will be roughly equivalent to a souped up PlayStation 4.Not necessarily a PS4 Pro, but with enough modern components to be able to run some PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X games at a lower resolution and frame rate. It may also allow for 4K visuals thanks to DLSS upscaling. The Switch 2 is still a hybrid console (YouTube)Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible?Nintendo had already confirmed backwards compatibility for the Switch 2, but the reveal did dig a little deeper into that detail.Firstly, both physical and digital Switch games will be playable on the Switch 2, with the trailer confirming Super Mario Bros. Wonder as one example. However, it does mention that certain games wont be supported or fully compatible.Nintendo says it will share more info on its website at a later date, which will hopefully include a full list of which games wont be compatible. This sort of thing isnt uncommon for a new console and will likely only include a few minor titles.The Switch 2 will obviously have its own exclusives, as confirmed in the trailer, but Nintendo hasnt mentioned if theyll be cross-gen and also released on the original Switch.Are the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons magnetic?Yes, the Switch 2s new Joy-Con controllers will be magnetic, although this was rumoured to be the case as far back as April.The aforementioned manufacturer leak and a replica by accessory company Genki only reinforced the idea, and the reveal trailer by Nintendo corroborates that the controllers now click into the sides of the console rather than needing to be slid into them.Can the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons be used as computer mice?Another leaked detail corroborated by the Switch 2 reveal is that the new Joy-Con controllers can function like computer mice.Although Nintendo doesnt outright say it, the shot of the two Joy-Cons sliding across the ground is pretty clear. You can also briefly see the controllers being attached to new grip accessories, suggesting those are what you use to allow the Joy-Cons to slide about. Computer mouse functionality could be a game changer (Nintendo)What does the new mystery button on the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons do?The presence of a new button on the Joy-Con controllers has been corroborated by the Switch 2 reveal. However, whereas leaks showed the button with the letter C on it, the button is completely blank in the trailer.Nintendo has not confirmed what it does yet. Theories have ranged from it being related to a new internal camera to a possible new social feature or a cast option that lets you beam whats on the screen to a TV without connecting the console to its dock. We want to get our hands on that new Mario Kart ASAP (YouTube)What games are in development for Nintendo Switch 2?So far, Nintendo has not explicitly announced any games for the Nintendo Switch 2, with the exception of a new Mario Kart teased during the reveal. That will most likely be a launch title or, at the very least, be out before the end of 2025.There have been theories of Metroid Prime 4, which is slated for 2025, being a cross-platform release for the current Switch and Switch 2. However, thats not believed to be the case for Pokmon Legends Z-A.More TrendingThe only other first party rumour has been a new Donkey Kong game, which was posited back in 2021, as the next big game from the Super Mario Odyssey team.There have been far more rumours of third party games coming to Switch 2, mainly ports of PlayStation and Xbox games, such as Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Halo.Ubisoft, in particular, is said to be planning a lot of Switch 2 ports, including ones for Assassins Creed Mirage and Assassins Creed Shadows. Konami is also rumoured to be bringing Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater to Switch 2 in 2025.Retailer listings point to Bandai Namco, EA, Bethesda, Take-Two, and Warner Bros planning Switch 2 releases as well, though whether these will be ports or entirely new games is unclear. Is Master Chief about to make the jump to Nintendo? 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