The Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Event Answers a Lot of Questions, But the Future Remains Unclear
- Alex Orona
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Wednesday April 2nd the world was finally given its first look at the Nintendo Switch 2 and with it came a litany of reveals, but even more questions.
We were finally able to confirm a lot of the patent leaks and design docks, but the bigger political implications still loom as a dark cloud over what is to be the next big console release.
The Switch 2 at its core is a more powerful Switch. Bigger screen, 1080p up from 720p in handheld mode, up to 4k docked - a stronger NVIDIA processor and bigger 258 GB storage space with expandable micro SD Express slot for expansion.
Other new features include the new magnetic Joycons that now will snap into the sides instead of using the previous rail system. Switch 2 will also feature new communication party systems with an integrated microphone and webcam peripheral. This party system is impressive and allows for webcam integration and screen sharing capabilities akin to Discord. So now, whether in handheld or docked mode, you can still be on cam chatting with your friends and sharing your gameplay, even when playing different games.
Outside of the features on display, Nintendo also released their new catalog of games coming to the new console. Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, Kirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, Drag X Drive, Welcome Tour and Duskbloods were the new titles announced, with Drag X Drive being a refreshingly inclusive game based on wheelchair basketball that turns your Joycon controllers into a dual mouse setup.
The initial offerings for the Switch 2 may seem sparse, so to supplement, Nintendo has decided to enhance some of the Switch 1’s back catalog, such as Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom as well as Mario Party Jamboree. Some of these upgraded titles may have a nominal $10 dollar fee, while others will be free, but the language is still to be determined.
Additionally, the GameCube catalog is coming to Nintendo Switch Online with the Switch 2, so there’s even more to play in the retro space.
Alongside the massive drop of new information (including a June 5th release date) came the price points of $449 dollars for the console or a $499 bundle with Mario Kart World. Considering the game price has risen to $80, this is quite a deal.
That should make this an open and shut case on everything we need to know for now on the Switch 2, except that right now the political and economical climate for the United States is in complete disarray.
Current preorder plans for the Switch 2 are on hold as Nintendo gauges potential tariff impacts, as they have moved their manufacturing to Vietnam that currently holds a 46% tariff, or even on the cartridge packaging and shipping, based out of Mexico which has tariffs at 25%. Analysts are speculating that the Switch 2 prices could rise up to double what has been announced leaving a lot of gamers feeling the impact of the Trump administration.
The gaming community has taken to social media to revel in the excitement to come but so far this Direct has left a lot wondering what it means for the casual gamer. The Switch 2 comes at a similar price point to the Playstation 5 but with much less horsepower. What made the Switch 1 so appealing was the cheaper buy in but now, things are tougher, US stock prices are in freefall, and with tariff implementation and a smaller release catalog, things are looking murky for the Switch 2’s launch. Only time will tell if the Switch 2 will be able to reach the same heights of success as its predecessor, but one thing is for sure: all eyes will be on Nintendo this year.
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