The Nintendo Switch 2, colloquially known as the Switch 2, is a video game console developed and distributed by Nintendo. It is their eighth home platform and second hybrid console, acting as the successor to the Nintendo Switch. It launched worldwide on June 5, 2025. It primarily competes with Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S consoles as part of the ninth generation of video game hardware.

Since launch, Nintendo Switch 2 is available with two configurations. Alongside the standard SKU, a bundle with a digital copy of Mario Kart World was available for a limited window until Fall 2025, while a second bundle with Pokémon Legends: Z-A succeeded it that October. A second SKU, which is sold at Japanese retailers at a reduced cost, operates only in the Japanese language and contains region-locking to Japanese Nintendo Accounts, while the region-free SKU sold worldwide is available at Nintendo's Japanese online store. Additional accessories such as the Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, standalone Joy-Con 2, or a discrete Dock, are available separately.

Description[]

As with its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 comprises a dedicated, powerful handheld system that is capable of being docked to a TV and used as a traditional home platform.^[1] The console's screen has been increased in size to a 7.9 in LCD panel capable of displaying in 120Hz at 1080p resolution, with support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).^[2] In TV Mode, the Switch 2 can output a performance-priority target of 1440p (QHD) at 120 frames-per-second (FPS), or a fidelity target of up to 4K (3840x2160) resolution at 60 FPS.^[3] The Nintendo Switch 2 Dock also features an integrated Ethernet port and an active fan that cools the system during more intensive gameplay on the TV.^[4]

Its primary controllers, the Joy-Con 2, are now attached to the console and associated peripherals with magnetic locks embedded in the SL/SR bumpers, which have also been increased in size for comfortable pressing.^[5] Both gamepads feature optical sensors that introduce control configurations mimicking mouse movement on PC games.^[6] The right Joy-Con 2 has a new "C" button that enables GameChat, a hub where users and their friends can voice chat and screen share their game sessions with each other, with an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.^[7] The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has been updated with the inclusion of the C button for accessing GameChat, GL/GR macro buttons on the grips that are remappable to any input, and an audio jack for wired headphones and headsets.^[8] Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with the vast majority of its predecessor's game library, supporting both physical Game Cards and digital games downloaded through the Nintendo eShop.^[9][10] Existing Joy-Con and Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers are also forward-compatible and able to be used in tandem with Switch 2 peripherals,^[11] though are unable to perform certain functions such as waking the console from Sleep Mode.^[12]

Distribution[]

Like Nintendo Switch, games for Nintendo Switch 2 are distributed either through physical Game Cards at retail, or as digital software that can be bought from the Nintendo eShop and directly downloaded onto the system. Game Cards for Nintendo Switch 2 are colored red to distinguish them from first-generation Switch games (light-gray).^[13] Select Nintendo Switch games will also support updates that improve resolution and framerate, or add specific content.^[14] Said enhancements will either be released as free updates or as purchaseable 'Upgrade Packs' for set prices, at the developer or publisher's discretion.^[15]

Certain Nintendo Switch 2 games are also distributed physically on "Game Key Cards" which do not store any of the game's data on the format, and instead prompt a full installation of the title onto the console over an internet connection.^[16] Unlike download vouchers however, Game Key Cards are not tied to the console or the user's Nintendo Account, and are able to be shared and played on other Switch 2 systems.^[17]

Final Fantasy games for Nintendo Switch 2[]

Game	Game format	Release Date			Metascore
		Japan	North America	Europe
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	Digital download[18]	September 30, 2025	September 30, 2025	September 30, 2025	88
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade	Game Key Card[19]	January 22, 2026	January 22, 2026	January 22, 2026	89
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth	Game Key Card[20]	June 3, 2026	June 3, 2026	June 3, 2026	TBD

Backwards-compatible Nintendo Switch titles[]

Game	Release Date			Metascore
	Japan	North America	Europe
Collection of ManaIncludes Final Fantasy Adventure	June 1, 2017	June 11, 2019	?	83
Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD	September 13, 2018	September 13, 2018	September 13, 2018	69
World of Final Fantasy Maxima	November 6, 2018	November 6, 2018	November 6, 2018	79
Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon Every Buddy!	March 20, 2019	March 20, 2019	March 20, 2019	73
Final Fantasy VII	March 26, 2019	March 26, 2019	March 26, 2019	81
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered	?	September 3, 2019	September 3, 2019	80
Final Fantasy IX	February 14, 2019	February 13, 2019	February 13, 2019	76
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster	April 11, 2019	April 16, 2019	April 16, 2019	85
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age	April 25, 2019	April 30. 2019	April 30, 2019	85
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered Edition	August 27, 2020	August 27, 2020	August 27, 2020	60
Collection of SaGa Final Fantasy Legend	Decenber 15, 2020	December 15, 2020	December 15, 2020	70
Chocobo GP	?	March 10, 2022	March 10, 2022	63
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion	December 13, 2022	December 13, 2022	December 13, 2022	77
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line	February 16, 2023	February 16, 2023	February 16, 2023	87
Final Fantasy I (Pixel Remaster)	April 20, 2023	April 19, 2023	April 19, 2023	TBD
Final Fantasy II (Pixel Remaster)	April 20, 2023	April 19, 2023	April 19, 2023	TBD
Final Fantasy III (Pixel Remaster)	April 20, 2023	April 19, 2023	April 19, 2023	TBD
Final Fantasy IV (Pixel Remaster)	April 20, 2023	April 19, 2023	April 19, 2023	TBD
Final Fantasy V (Pixel Remaster)	April 20, 2023	April 19, 2023	April 19, 2023	TBD
Final Fantasy VI (Pixel Remaster)	April 20, 2023	April 19, 2023	April 19, 2023	TBD
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles	September 30, 2025	September 30, 2025	September 30, 2025	TBD

[]

• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• Bravely Default II
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• Super Mario RPG (2023 remake)

Citations[]

External links[]

• Official site