Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 on Wednesday, marking the long-awaited sequel to its highly successful hybrid console from over eight years ago. Now, the gaming giant must prove it can follow up one blockbuster hit with another—a challenge it has struggled with in the past.
For the first time, Nintendo shared detailed information about the Switch 2, including specifics on its hardware. While the company had previously revealed the console’s design and compatibility with older games back in January, this was the first in-depth look at the device. The Switch 2 will launch on June 5, priced at $449.99—substantially higher than the original model’s $300 price tag.
The original Switch revolutionized gaming by offering a console that could be played both on a living room TV and on the go, inspiring a wave of PC gaming brands to adopt similar designs. Now, the Switch 2 represents Nintendo’s most significant launch since the original debuted in 2017, and its success will likely shape the direction of the company for the next decade.
However, Nintendo faces challenges that didn’t exist in 2017, such as tariffs on Chinese goods that could raise production and shipping costs, increased competition from mobile games, and the pressure to meet the pandemic-era peaks the gaming industry saw in 2020. Most significantly, the company is taking a big gamble, hoping Nintendo fans are willing to spend $450 on what’s essentially a refined version of the current console, rather than a completely new gaming experience.
“The success of the Switch is a double-edged sword,” said Mat Piscatella, executive director for video game coverage at market research firm Circana. “On one hand, it’s a great foundation to build on. On the other, it sets a high bar to reach in terms of replicating that success.”
What’s New in the Switch 2
The Switch 2 builds on its predecessor with several new features designed to enhance gameplay. One of the standout additions is the Game Chat function, which enables real-time communication with other players. The console will also allow users to share certain games with other Switch owners while playing locally, even if the other player doesn’t own the game.
The Joy-Con controllers, which can be attached to the Switch when used as a handheld console or used separately, will now offer mouse-like functionality. The Switch 2 will also be compatible with a separate camera, enabling players to see each other on screen during Game Chat and other features.
Nintendo is betting on these enhancements to set the Switch 2 apart from its predecessor. During its Nintendo Direct live stream, the company demonstrated how players can slide the Joy-Con controllers across a surface like a computer mouse to move characters on screen in new and innovative ways.
Nintendo Switch 2: What’s New and the Challenges Ahead
Nintendo has made significant hardware upgrades to the Switch 2, including a larger 7.9-inch display compared to the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen. The Joy-Con controllers now snap magnetically to the console, making them easier to attach or remove. The Switch 2 also offers eight times the storage capacity of its predecessor, and the dock now supports 4K resolution, allowing for better visuals when connected to a compatible TV and offering more room for game storage.
In addition to hardware upgrades, Nintendo revealed exciting new titles from some of its most popular franchises, including Donkey Kong and Mario Kart. Nintendo’s exclusive games have always been a key factor driving console sales. However, the company also emphasized the importance of non-Nintendo games, such as Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Hogwarts Legacy, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 and 4. This focus on third-party games is crucial, as it may help Nintendo attract a broader audience beyond its loyal fan base.
Recreating Success
The Switch 2 follows in the footsteps of the highly successful original Switch, which sold approximately 150 million units, making it the third-best-selling gaming console of all time. Nintendo’s DS handheld console, which sold 154 million units, and Sony’s PlayStation 2, with 160 million units sold, remain ahead in sales.
Nintendo has struggled to replicate success in the past. For instance, the Wii U, released in 2012, sold only 13 million units, a far cry from the 101 million units sold by its predecessor, the Wii. The 3DS, an upgraded version of the DS, also saw lower sales compared to the original DS.
This time, however, Nintendo is approaching the Switch 2 differently. While it has sometimes branded new consoles as part of an existing family (as with the Wii U and Wii), or introduced entirely new gaming experiences (like the motion controls of the Wii or the hybrid nature of the Switch), the Switch 2 is being positioned as a direct sequel—a more polished version of the original.
“This would be the first time we’re really seeing something like the Switch to Switch 2,” said Mat Piscatella, executive director for video game coverage at market research firm Circana. “It’s such a straight transition, especially for Nintendo, which has always tried to introduce new elements.”
The Challenges Ahead
Even with a new approach, Nintendo faces significant challenges in replicating the success of 2020, when the gaming industry saw a surge in engagement due to pandemic lockdowns. During that time, Nintendo’s profits skyrocketed, but post-pandemic, console usage has plateaued.
The gaming market’s growth has shifted more towards mobile games, with mobile gamers now accounting for the largest portion of the industry’s expansion, according to a report by Bain & Company. Meanwhile, Sony and Microsoft’s consoles have been in the market for several years, and gamers may be less engaged with them than they were at launch.
“It’s no secret that video games have faced a pretty challenging journey over the past couple of years,” said Anders Christofferson, global head of Bain & Company’s video gaming sector.
Nintendo will have to find ways to reignite the excitement and engagement that made the Switch such a massive success—while navigating the increased competition from mobile and other gaming platforms.
There are also President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, which could potentially increase the prices of electronics. However, according to the Financial Times, more than half of Nintendo’s devices imported to the U.S. now come from Vietnam and Cambodia, which may mitigate some of the impact. Still, it’s not just about production costs. High inflation and price hikes from tariffs could make it harder for consumers to spend on nonessential items, like game consoles. This is particularly relevant as the Switch 2’s price tag is significantly higher than the original $300 model, positioning it closer to Valve’s Steam Deck, which starts at $399 and is designed to run PC games on the go.
“As consumer behavior shifts, we’re seeing people allocate their spending more toward essential items like groceries, housing, and insurance,” said Mat Piscatella. “It’s an incredibly tough environment for selling nonessentials.”
However, Nintendo’s extensive library of beloved characters and franchises could give the company a distinct advantage. Unlike many mobile games, which are often focused on quick sessions and accessible gameplay, Nintendo’s approach to gaming is more cinematic, with an emphasis on solo adventures. This could help it stand out from the competition, especially considering the rise of mobile gaming.
Michael Pachter, managing director at Wedbush Securities, draws a comparison to the dining industry: While fast-food chains like McDonald’s may attract more customers than a high-end steakhouse, the latter offers a unique and superior experience. In this analogy, mobile games are McDonald’s, providing a broad appeal but less depth, while Nintendo represents the steakhouse—offering a premium, distinctive experience.
“McDonald’s may outgross the best steakhouse in town, and there are thousands of them,” Pachter said. “But it’s not the same kind of experience.”
