Nintendo has officially the Nintendo Switch 2 presented ushering in a new era of hybrid gaming. With a launch date of June 5, 2025 and the new "Mario Kart World" as the main attraction, the new console promises to push the boundaries of what has gone before. However, the new console also comes at a price - and it's a hefty one.
Technical innovations and a touch of elegance
The Nintendo Switch 2 itself is a masterpiece of a handheld. Its slim, larger design, presented in an elegant black, radiates a new maturity. The magnetically detachable Joy-Con controllers, which can now also function as wireless mice, open up completely new gaming possibilities. The 4K-capable HDR output in dock mode, the integrated stand and eight times more storage space are just some of the technical highlights that make the Nintendo Switch 2 a real powerhouse. In addition, the mystery surrounding the C-button, which essentially enables the party chat function, has been solved. There will also be a separate camera that can be used in compatible games. It all starts with the new "Mario Kart World".
"Mario Kart World" is not just another game in the popular racing series - it's a revolution. For the first time in the history of the franchise, players leave the narrow, pre-built tracks and plunge into a huge, open world. 24 drivers, more than ever before, race their karts, motorcycles, boats, trucks, snowmobiles and airplanes through varied landscapes. From sun-drenched beaches to snow-covered peaks and vibrant metropolises - the world of "Mario Kart World" is one gigantic playground.
A paradise for retro fans and next-gen gamers
Nintendo has not only thought about the future, but also about the past. With an extensive expansion of Nintendo Switch Online, GameCube classics such as "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker" and "F-Zero GX" are being revived, playable in true style with wireless GameCube controllers. But the latest blockbusters such as "James Bond 007" from IO Interactive and "Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition" and "Hades 2" also find their way onto the Switch 2, making the console a must-have for every gamer.
In addition to the games already announced, Nintendo still has a few aces up its sleeve. "Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment" promises epic battles in the Hyrule universe, while "The Duskbloods", a dark action adventure from FromSoftware, takes players into a sinister world inspired by Bloodborne. And as if that wasn't enough, "Kirby AirRiders", directed by Masahiro Sakurai, returns to make nostalgic hearts beat faster.
Another highlight is "Donkey Kong Bananza", an open-world adventure inspired by "Super Mario Odyssey" and "Breath of the Wild". Players explore a huge, freely accessible world full of jungles, ruins and secrets.
The future of gaming has its price
With the Nintendo Switch 2 and "Mario Kart World", Nintendo has set a new standard. The combination of technical innovation, playful variety and a touch of nostalgia makes the Switch 2 a console that will delight both long-established Nintendo fans and new players alike.
Officially, the Nintendo Switch 2 costs 450 US dollars, while the price in Europe is 470 Euro should be higher. At the same time, the prices for Switch 2 games are also rising, the will cost a whopping 90 euros in the case of Mario Kart.