Nintendo Switch 2: Your console could be disabled in the future if this is the case
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally available worldwide. This new console has the difficult task of replacing one of the best-selling consoles of all time. However, some experts have several reservations about the device, including its high price, the price of its games, and a strange feature that could allow Nintendo to remotely lock the console.
In the United States, the Switch 2's terms of service include a statement that allows the company to "deactivate" the console if it detects the use of pirated games. A shocking measure, but one that could allow the company to combat piracy by rendering your console completely unusable remotely. In France, the Nintendo Switch 2's terms of service differ and do not include this famous statement authorizing deactivation. However, it's still possible that the company could change this in the future, but only if it informs customers beforehand.
To find out everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2, we've got a rundown of its new features, improvements, prices, and launch games.
A refined and improved designWhile Nintendo appears to be returning to a similar design to the first model for its new Nintendo Switch 2, there are still several notable differences. The console has much larger thumbsticks and Joy-Con, which seem more comfortable to use. These have lost their famous red and blue colors, so characteristic of previous controllers. Instead, a matte black coating has been applied to the entire surface, although a few pastel touches have been hidden beneath the Joy-Sticks. According to early feedback, the Joy-Con of the new Nintendo Switch 2 have improved precision and better manufacturing to avoid the "drift" issue that affected many owners of the first model.
The Joy-Con can actually act as a mouse, confirming theories published online a few months ago. This will allow for more precise play, especially for shooting games. The console's kickstand will be highly adjustable, allowing it to be tilted as desired. The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts 256GB of storage, eight times more than its big sister, which was limited to 32GB.
The Switch 2 features an LCD screen capable of displaying better colors and is HDR compatible, allowing it to represent better contrast between light and dark elements. Games are displayed with a much higher screen quality, since Nintendo offers a tablet with 1080p. The screen itself is 7.9 inches wide, which is larger than the Switch 1's 6.2 inches.
But what most raised eyebrows was the addition of a new button below the "HOME" button on the right side of the console. Called the "C" button, it allows you to voice chat with your friends. Nintendo has thus eliminated this major flaw of the original Switch, which made it impossible to be in contact with your friends while playing. The Switch 2 therefore includes a microphone, in order to pick up your voice, even from a distance. Harmful noises will be automatically suppressed by the console.
It's also possible to view your friends' screens, whether they're playing the same game as you or not. Nintendo is making it possible to view another player's screen to help them in their quest and assist them in their game. Note that only Switch Online subscription holders will be able to take advantage of these features, but a one-year free trial period has been announced.
New games available on the Switch 2The official Nintendo Switch 2 presentation video had already stated about backward compatibility with older games already available on Nintendo Switch. Thus, owners of titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild , Mario Kart 8 or Splatoon will be able to continue enjoying them on the new Nintendo Switch 2. Note that the first trailer for the Switch 2 mentions "incompatible" or not "fully compatible" games, without it being known yet which ones are affected.
Some games, like Mario Party Jamboree , are optimized for the Switch 2. The title will rely on the microphone, the camera or even the "mouse" functionality of the Joy-Con for some mini-games. The various activities will be more immersive and fun than ever. The same goes for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom , which will be visually improved, and accompanied by a new dedicated application directly integrated into Nintendo Today. The same goes for Metroid Prime 4 Beyond , which will also rely on the "mouse" functionality of the Joy-Con. Pokémon Legends ZA will also be visually improved. Note that even if you own these games on the Switch 1, you will have to pay money to enjoy their optimized versions.
Mario Kart World was the first major game announced for the Nintendo Switch 2. It features new mechanics, new races, and new characters. The game will be released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. Up to 24 players can play on a single map. New game modes will be introduced: survival, strolling, and more. A big new feature of Mario Kart World : the open world. You'll be able to roam with friends in different worlds and enjoy the new features of this new video game title.
The Nintendo Switch will include popular games in its catalog, such as Elden Ring , Hades II, Street Fighter 6, Split Fiction, EA Sports FC, Hogwarts Legacy, Hitman: World of Assassination, Yakuza O, Borderlands 4, Civilization VII, WWE 2K, Cyberpunk 2077 , Final Fantasy VII Remake, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Two Point Museum, Star Wars Outlaws, Fortnite, Professor Layton and the New Steam World, Human Fall Flat 2... The Duskblood , a game exclusive to the Switch 2, will also appear in 2026.
A new Zelda game has been announced. Titled Hyrule Warriors: The Sealed Chronicles , the title lets us play as the princess in a colorful and action-packed adventure. The game will be released this winter and is presented as a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom . This was followed by the remake of Kirby Air Riders , which is scheduled for release in 2025.
Another trailer has put the spotlight on the character of Donkey Kong. Dubbed Donkey Kong: Bananza , the 3D game will be available on July 17, 2025. A "smashing adventure" that "rhymes with exploration and demolition," according to Nintendo's press release.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is presented as an improved version of the first generation. It is therefore logical that its price evolves accordingly given the better components that equip this new machine. While the first Switch was sold at a price around 349 euros, the new Nintendo Switch 2 displays 469.99 euros. You will also be able to get the console + Mario Kart World pack, at the price of 509.99 €. The games will be sold at around 80 euros in dematerialized form and 90 euros in physical form. Pre-orders for the console begin on April 8, but will only be accessible to a small handful of chosen ones.
Only players with a Switch Online subscription for at least two years as of March 31, 2025, will be able to pre-order the Switch 2 this April 8. Nintendo will prioritize customers with significant playtime on their consoles. The third and final condition: having agreed to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo.
It's worth noting that the French price is somewhat disadvantageous compared to other countries. For example, the US will sell the Switch 2 for $449.99, which is the equivalent of €415 in France. In Japan, two models of the console will be available: one fully Japanese-language for $334, and the other with a multilingual system for $467. In any case, the French Switch 2 has a more impressive price than its foreign counterparts.
Nintendo Switch 2 release date is approachingThe Nintendo Switch 2 has been available since June 5, 2025. Several pre-order offers were available during the few weeks leading up to the console's release with numerous partner stores such as Fnac, Micromania, CDiscount, and Boulanger. The best prices on the console can also be found in our dedicated article.
Among the games being discussed for the Switch 2, some are referred to as "enhanced versions." These are actually existing games that have been given new features related to the Nintendo Switch 2. These include Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV and Sid Meier's Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which will benefit from improvements over their base versions. Some of these games will receive a free update, while others will cost you a few euros to take advantage of the Switch 2's new features and performance.
Has your new Nintendo Switch 2 arrived, or are you already preparing to purchase the new console? Nintendo offers a very easy-to-use system for transferring your Nintendo Account data to the new Switch 2.
To do this, make sure both your consoles are up to date. On the first Switch, go to Settings and the "Console" tab. At the very bottom, you'll find "Data Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2." If you have the new console, you can then complete the transfer, provided they're connected to the same Wi-Fi network and plugged into the power outlet while you do it.
If you don't yet have a Nintendo Switch 2, you can still prepare for your transfer in the same way. Your data will then be saved to the cloud while you wait to use it on the new console. Be careful, though, as transferring data from your Switch 1 will reset the console!
This has been one of the biggest questions of the past few weeks. Several experts have been investigating the absence of the highest difficulty mode in the Mario Kart franchise. Initial tests of the game confirm that the 200 CC mode is not present in the game. However, it is possible that it will be added in the future via an update or DLC.
While Nintendo has made every effort to ensure your old Switch 1 accessories work with the new console, that's not necessarily the case for all of them. Here are some of the accessories you'll be able to use on the Nintendo Switch 2:
- Your Joy-Con are compatible, but cannot be attached to the Switch 2
- Switch 1 Pro Controller is compatible
- Retro controllers are compatible
- Some cases and bags, if large enough, are compatible with the Switch 2
Note that the dock from the first Switch is not compatible with this new version.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been available for a few hours now. On social media, users already seem excited, and the majority of them also mention the new Mario Kart World. Among the feedback from some specialists, several testify to the technical quality of the title , as expressed by Maxime Chao of the JeuxActu website. On the JeuxVideo side , the journalist Indee was able to get his hands on the console for a little over 4 hours, but also admits to being excited by Mario Kart World, which, according to him, "can be bought with your eyes closed."
Today is Thursday, June 5th, and today marks the official launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Those who have already pre-ordered a copy of the console can head to their retailers today to pick it up. For those who haven't yet, the Nintendo Switch 2 is now available in physical stores and online.
If you're on a tight budget, we've already found the best console deal currently available. Don't hesitate to check out our article on the subject.
Nintendo had already announced that some older games already released on the original Switch would receive a feature update to improve their performance on the new Switch 2. This list was not exhaustive, however, and several other games will have improved performance on the Nintendo Switch 2. This is the case for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Kirby Star Allies, and Kirby's Dream Buffet.
Traditionally, Mario Kart games have several difficulty levels: 50, 100, 150, and 200 CC. Some games even have a "mirror" mode that reverses the tracks on the screen. When asked about the subject by Rolling Stone magazine, Mario Kart World producer Kosuke Yabuki returned to the 200 CC mode. The man reportedly said he "couldn't say anything" on the subject, which strongly presumes that this mode will not be present at the launch of the title this Thursday, June 5.
It's THE big game for the Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Kart World opened the console's latest presentation video by revealing all its new features, such as tracks and characters. But the game is already causing a stir on social media because of its price: 90 euros for the physical version in France. This is a clear and straightforward strategy by Nintendo to push consumers towards the digital version, which sells for 10 euros less. The Switch 2's internal storage is also eight times greater than that of its big sister, which could encourage more players to switch to digital versions. Will the public be tempted?
Many Switch 1 games are currently incompatible with the Switch 2. Nearly thirty titles have in-game issues that prevent them from being ported to Nintendo's new console. Alan Wake Remastered, Alien: Isolation, Fall Guys, Hitman 3 - Cloud Version, Just Dance 2019... Nintendo has officially published a list of all the affected games . Fortunately, developers are working on the issue to try to resolve the problem.
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