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.

Today’s Switch 2 reveal kicked off with the next Mario Kart. After two console generations of Mario Kart 8, its true successor is coming in the form of Mario Kart World

The ninth Mario Kart unfolds on a giant open world filled with various biomes and race courses. For the first time in series history, players are free to drive off the beaten path to freely explore the island in Free Roam. You can uncover hidden routes and locations, including photo ops to take pictures with friends.

Up to 24 racers compete in any given race, the most in series history. Mario Kart World still features the traditional four-race Grand Prix, but players will drive to the next course in between races. 

Another new addition is Knockout Tour. Competitors must race from one side of the massive map to another, hitting checkpoints along the way. However, each checkpoint allows for only a certain number of racers to pass, such as anyone in 8th place and up. You're eliminated from the race if you arrive below that standing, giving Knockout Tour battle royale-style stakes. 

The trailer also briefly shows off a new burger power-up that, when consumed, transforms the racers’ costumes to resemble biker attires. It’s unclear what this power-up does beyond the cosmetic change. The footage also showed clips of karts transforming into planes and boats to travel the air and water, respectively.

Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 exclusive and launches alongside the Switch 2 on June 5. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that it will cost $79.99, $10 more than the current $70 price ceiling for triple-A games. Nintendo will reveal more about the game in a dedicated Nintendo Direct on April 17.

Revealed today during Nintendo's one-hour Switch 2 live stream, the long-requested addition of GameCube games to its roster of Nintendo Online services is becoming a reality. GameCube games will be available on Nintendo's new console as part of Nintendo Switch Online services.

Nintendo revealed that The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX, will be available initially, but promises more games will be coming over time. Nintendo showed Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Super Mario Strikers, Chibi Robo, Luigi's Mansion, and Pokémon Coliseum are all on track to be added in the future.

The first games will be available for Switch 2 on its June 5 release date. A GameCube controller will also be available to purchase the same day as Switch 2.

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