Amid a number of other new game announcements today, Nintendo showed off a first look at Kirby Air Riders, the new game from acclaimed director Masahiro Sakurai. Sakurai is the originator of both the Kirby franchise and Smash Bros., so his involvement with the new Air Riders is exciting news. 

Details are scarce on the new game, but footage revealed Kirby flying along on a star beside three of his other-colored Kirby friends. 

The original Kirby Air Ride released on GameCube over 20 years ago. It was a racing game with simplified controls and high-speed course navigation, which also highlighted Kirby’s ability to suck up enemies and absorb their abilities. 

Notably, while some games from today’s Nintendo Direct were highlighted as launch games, Kirby Air Riders features no date of launch on Switch 2.

Today’s Nintendo Direct has brought a wealth of new info about Nintendo’s upcoming console, including an extensive detailing of its hardware tech specs. 

The Switch 2 features a 7.9 inch screen with double the pixels of the original Switch. The 1080p LCD screen allows for up to 120 frames per second and supports HDR, with a focus on smoother gameplay. The system features a USB-C connection port on both the top and bottom, allowing for simultaneous connection of multiple external devices or cables; Nintendo highlighted the ability to connect both the charger in tabletop mode and the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. 

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers can be detached using a magnetic attachment; the magnets are contained inside the console, and the SL and SR buttons (which are larger than before) on the Joy-Cons are metal, leading to a firm connection. A release button on the back of the system allows for release. Joy-con 2 controllers also feature larger control sticks, and an individual Joy Con 2 controller may be used as a mouse for specific games. 

The Switch 2 includes a built-in mic that can pick up your voice from a distance, and that mic features noise-canceling technology in case you’re playing in a loud or busy space. The console also has a kickstand that can be set in multiple tilt positions for best viewing. Switch 2’s audio features 3D audio that has at least some functionality even if you don’t have a dedicated surround system.

Switch 2 boasts larger, faster storage for its 256 GB of internal storage, which is 8 times the storage size of the original Switch. 

While the actual screen on the Switch 2 is 1080p, the new Switch 2 dock allows for up to 4K resolution on a connected TV or other display. The dock also features fan ventilation to keep the console cool. 

While details remain scarce, Nintendo also highlighted that Switch 2 will be able to play compatible original Switch games, both physical and digital, though the choice of that wording suggests not all original Switch games may be compatible. 

As a way to familiarize players with the new console, Nintendo is introducing a new paid digital-only game called Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour. In the game, players control a Mii-like avatar to walk around to different spots on a visualized version of the console itself, with numerous question mark signs. Interact with these question marks to open up various smaller tech demos or minigame experiences that highlight capabilities of the system. In one, we saw the Joy-Con 2 controllers used as a mouse to play a golfing mini-game. 

The new Nintendo Switch 2 game cards are the same shape as the original Switch game cards, but they’re now red in color and feature faster data read speeds. If you wish to add additional storage for your Switch 2, you’ll need to use MicroSD Express cards, which enable high-speed data transfer. Players can transfer data from their original Switch to a Switch 2 by logging into a Nintendo account and transferring over save data and digital games.

The Switch 2 will also have its own new dedicated Pro controller. While it looks similar in many ways to the original Pro controller, the new controller includes the C-button for game chat, and new GR and GL buttons located on the rear grip, which can be used to assign other existing button controls. The Switch 2 Pro controller also includes and audio/headphone jack. 

Players will be able to try out the Switch 2, its various tech features, and the new Welcome Tour game when the console launches on June 5. 

We knew Switch 1 games would be playable on Switch 2 via backward compatibility, but Nintendo confirmed certain first-party games will have enhanced editions to make them play better than ever. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wilds/Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are the first titles confirmed to play better on Switch 2.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom

The Switch 2 editions of the acclaimed titles feature improved resolution and framerates and now support HDR. They’ll also exclusively support a new feature called Zelda Notes, a new feature for the Nintendo Switch app. This app guides players using voice navigation to find hidden Korok and shrines. Players can also share creations with QR codes, which adds it to another player’s game. The Switch 2 versions of each game arrive on June 5. 

For Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members who already own Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the Switch 2 upgrade packs will be included with your subscription.

Super Mario Party Jamboree

The Switch 2 addition includes Jamboree TV, an expansion introducing new minigames such as Bowser Live, the mouse-controlled Carnival Coaster, and other games utilizing the Switch 2’s hardware features. Super Mario Bros. Jamboree + Jamboree TV launch on Switch 2 on July 24. 

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

In addition to a graphical and framerate bump, Kirby’s 2022 adventure is also getting a Switch 2 exclusive story DLC called Star-Cross World. A meteor strikes the Forgotten Land, transforming it into a crystalized version of itself for Kirby to explore and battle newly transformed enemies.  Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Cross World hit the Switch 2 on August 28. 

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The upcoming title can be played with mouse controls on Switch 2. It boasts a 4K/60fps Quality Mode (1080p/60fps HDR in handheld), and a 1080p/120fps HDR Performance Mode (720p/120fps HRD in handheld)

Pokémon Legends Z-A 

Those who play the yet-to-be-released Pokémon title on Switch 2 will enjoy enhanced resolutions and framerates

The Switch 2 versions of these titles will be sold as standalone editions (physical and digital). However, those who own the original versions can purchase an Upgrade Pack to get the new versions. Nintendo has not revealed the pricing for the Upgrade Pack or the standalone versions. 

Alongside the games outlined above, Nintendo also shared a number of other Switch 1 games that will get free updates to make them run better on Switch 2 via backwards compatibility.

• Arms
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
• Clubhouse Games 51 Worldwide Classics
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• Game Builder Garage
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet
• Big Brain Academy Brain vs Brain

In terms of the specifics of how these games will be affected by the update, Nintendo is unclear but writes, "By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet, you can download free updates that may improve performance or add support for features such as GameShare in select games. The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game."

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed, and it looks like it'll be a lot more than a simple specs upgrade. Among other new features, the right Joy-Con also has a mysterious C button, and now we know what it means. The c stands for chat, meaning the Switch 2 will be the first Nintendo console to have native voice chat.

Pressing the button while playing the console will activate chat mode, which creates a line of boxes at the base of the screen with the people in your party. The microphone is included on the top of the main console, so you can speak freely without needing a second microphone. The feature also allegedly can erase background noise: their example had someone using a blender.

You can also fill these boxes, which normally have profile pictures and soundwaves, with game footage. Whether it's the same game or separate ones, players will be able to see each other's screens, though it looks like the footage will have a heavily reduced frame rate, based on what they showed.

 

You can also show yourself on screen using the Switch 2 Camera, which launches the same day as the console. It can erase your background, placing you in front of your gameplay, or just show a direct feed of your surroundings, no game included. Some games, like Mario Party Jamboree, will also make use of the camera to include players' heads and their reactions. Unlike the game footage, the frame rate of this footage does not look dramatically reduced, though I'm sure that will depend on your internet speed.

This voice chat feature is collectively known as GameChat. The Switch Online service is required to use it, but there will be a months-long period where that's not the case for the game's launch. That period will last from the console's launch in June to March 31, 2026.

For more Switch 2, check out its big launch title, Mario Kart World.

A question all Nintendo fans have been pondering for years has finally been answered. During today's Nintendo Direct focused on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the iconic gaming company revealed that the hotly anticipated hybrid gaming system is set to arrive on June 5.

Following the Direct stream, Nintendo revealed on its press website that the console will be $449.99. The box will include the following:

• Nintendo Switch 2 console
• Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
• Joy-Con 2 Grip
• Joy-Con 2 Straps
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
• Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
• USB-C Charging Cable

Another version of the console will also be available on launch day that will include a digital copy of Mario Kart World. The Mario Kart World bundle will be $499.99.

It's unclear exactly how pre-orders will yet work, but you can acknowledge your interest by visiting this site, signing into your Nintendo account, and letting Nintendo know you are interested.

The news comes as part of an onslaught of information related to Nintendo's next console during today's hour-long Nintendo Direct. The original Switch launched on March 3, 2017, meaning it will have been over eight years and three months between full console releases for Nintendo. Though the first Switch arrived in March, the company has traditionally launched its home consoles in the fall or holiday seasons. The last time a Nintendo home console arrived in North America during the summer months was August 1991 with the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Nintendo's handheld systems are much less predictable when it comes to their release dates, though the Game Boy Advance was the last time Nintendo released a handheld platform during the North American summer months.

If you do get lucky enough to snag one, you can get excited about enjoying your Nintendo Switch 2 when it arrives on June 5.