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Nintendo Co., Ltd. announced a new release date for its new game system. The Nintendo Switch 2 release date was set to June 5, 2025. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is 49,980 yen. The Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Set includes the system and a digital version of the Mario Kart World game. It will also be released on the same date at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 53,980 yen.
After what’s felt like years of rumors, Nintendo has finally lifted the lid on the Nintendo Switch 2. The company’s latest Nintendo Direct concluded yesterday, marking its largest hardware launch in nearly a decade.
The new console features a 7.9in LCD display, magnetically attached Joy-Con 2 controllers, support for mouse-like controls and built-in voice chat. That’s just the new features – there’s also a suite of upgraded internals, including 256GB of storage and 4K support when docked.
On top of that, Nintendo also unveiled a packed lineup of new games, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and The Duskbloods, as well as third-party titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6 and Hades 2.
With the new GameChat feature, players can start a chat with friends at any time by pressing the C Button on the right Joy-Con controller while playing a game. Use voice chat while playing games with up to 12 people in different locations. If players and their friends connect a compatible USB camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately), they can experience a new way of communicating. This will be done through games by video chatting and see everyone’s faces as they cheer, shout, or laugh. Furthermore, during GameChat, players and their friends can share their game screen.
PlayerConnect requires friend verification for chat access. Built-in protections ensure communication safety, including reporting functionality for inappropriate conduct during conversations. Additionally, users younger than sixteen require parental authorization through the updated Nintendo Switch Guardian Controls application. This safeguard prevents youngsters from encountering problematic situations, allowing parents to maintain peace of mind regarding their child’s online interactions within PlayerConnect’s protected environment.
A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat. However, until March 31, 2026, there will be a GameChat Open-Access period, during which GameChat will be available for free to everyone, including those without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. This is a win for the gaming industry.