The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and fans are eager to get their hands on it and see what all the fuss is about. With faster load times, sharper visuals, and new gameplay features, the Switch 2 promises to take the hybrid gaming experience to the next level.
This guide lays out everything you need to know to make the most of your console, so you can spend less time searching for answers and more time playing.
Switch 2 pricing and bundle options
Nintendo’s newest device officially launched at midnight, rolling out worldwide across all major markets. Players can now purchase it either as a standalone console or as part of a game bundle package.
Each Switch 2 package includes:
- One dock for charging.
- Two Joy-Con 2 Controllers (L and R), which attach to the console for handheld play or can be used separated.
- Two Joy-Con 2 Grips to make the controllers larger and more comfortable, plus wrist straps for security.
- One AC Adapter with USB-C cable, compatible with both the console and dock for flexible charging options.
- One Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable to connect the dock to your TV.
The standalone Nintendo Switch 2 costs $449 in the United States, though pricing varies internationally. The Mario Kart World bundle retails for $499, saving roughly $30 compared to purchasing the game separately.
Launch titles
While a Mario Kart World bundle is always hard to resist, launch day also brought a variety of other exciting games, including smaller first-party titles and third-party ports:
- Civilization 7 ($69.99 or a $9.99 upgrade from the original Switch)
- Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition ($69.99)
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ($69.99 or a $9.99 upgrade from the original Switch)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ($69.99 or a $9.99 upgrade from the original Switch)
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma ($69.99)
- Hitman World of Assassination Signature Edition ($59.99)
- Hogwarts Legacy ($59.99 or a $9.99 upgrade from the original Switch)
- Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition ($59.99)
- Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition ($59.99)
- Sonic x Shadow Generations ($49.99)
- Split Fiction ($49.99)
- Survival Kids ($49.99)
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut ($49.99)
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD ($39.99)
- Deltarune ($24.99)
- Fast Fusion ($14.99)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour ($9.99)
- Fortnite (Free)
Additionally, some titles from the original Switch offer free enhancements when played on the new hardware. Upgraded classics include:
- ARMS
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- Game Builder Garage
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
New features
The Switch 2 is a giant leap forward. Not only does it run more demanding games and carry a bigger screen than its predecessor, but it also brings several new features that enhance user experience.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers now have optical sensors on the edges, allowing them to slide like a computer mouse over smooth surfaces, and creating fresh gameplay mechanics.
Each controller also has a dedicated Chat Button [C], which activates GameChat for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. This enables voice chat via a built-in microphone and lets you share your gameplay in real time with friends through GameShare.
Transferring your data
If you are upgrading to a Switch 2, transferring your data from the original console is easy, but there are a few important steps.
When you first power on your new system, you’ll be asked whether you want to begin a System Transfer. If you’re not moving data from a previous Switch, just select Don’t Transfer Data.
If you do choose to transfer, you’ll first need to sign in with your Nintendo Account. Make sure it’s the same account used on your original Switch to ensure everything works correctly.
Once signed in, you’ll need to go to your original Switch, open the System Settings, and go to the System tab. There, you should see an option for System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. If you don’t see it, make sure your original console is updated to the latest version.
After selecting the transfer option, you’ll be asked to confirm your decision one more time. Once you do, just keep both consoles close together and make sure at least one of them is connected to the internet. The process will begin automatically and should only take a few minutes.
When the transfer is complete, your digital games will start downloading on the new Switch 2.
Downloading games on your Switch 2
When you buy a game from the eShop or redeem a code, you can start the download right away — that part hasn’t changed. But if you archive the game or delay the download, getting it back works a little differently now.
On the original Switch, redownloading a game was simple: you went to your profile in the eShop and saw all your purchased titles. On the Switch 2, things have changed with the introduction of Virtual Cards. This new system is now the main way to access and download your digital games — unless the game is still in your library.
If the game is archived but still appears in your library, just select it, go to the Software Update tab, and hit Redownload Software. That’s the fastest route.
If the game doesn’t show up in your library anymore, you’ll need to use the Virtual Card menu. Open it, find the game, press Options, and then tap Download Data to start the install.
On your primary console, any game you own can be played without loading the Virtual Card manually. But on a secondary console, only the account that purchased the game can play it unless the Virtual Card is active
Exclusive online features
For gamers with a love of classic Nintendo consoles, the Switch 2 offers an exciting reason to join the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This upgraded subscription now features GameCube titles for the first time, plus new enhancements for Nintendo 64 games. The initial selection includes:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- F-Zero GX
- Soulcalibur 2