Nintendo has announced a successor to the Switch, called the Switch 2
Nintendo confirmed in January 2025 that a new console called the Nintendo Switch 2 is coming, with a release window in the second half of 2025. The company has not yet announced a specific launch date or final price. Nintendo typically reveals these details a few months before release, so expect an official announcement sometime in spring 2025.
The Switch 2 will play new games made for that console and will not play original Switch games — this is a different system, not an upgrade to your current Switch. If you own a Switch now and want to keep playing your existing library, your current console will continue to work. Nintendo has not announced plans to discontinue the original Switch.
What we know about the Switch 2 so far comes from Nintendo's official announcement and from hands-on reports by gaming journalists who tested early versions. The console will have a larger screen than the original Switch, improved processing power, and new controllers with better grip and haptic feedback — meaning the controllers will vibrate in more detailed ways during gameplay.
Key Takeaways
- The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to release in the second half of 2025, with a specific date and price to be announced later.
- Switch 2 games will not work on the original Switch, and original Switch games will not work on the Switch 2.
- The new console has a larger screen, faster processor, and redesigned controllers compared to the original Switch.
- Your current Switch will continue to work after the Switch 2 launches, and Nintendo has not announced plans to stop supporting it.
How the Switch 2 differs from the original Switch
The screen on the Switch 2 is noticeably larger — approximately 8.4 inches compared to the original's 6.2 inches. This makes handheld play more comfortable for extended sessions, though the console is still designed to dock to a TV just like the original. The larger screen means the overall console is slightly bigger and heavier than the original Switch.
The processor inside the Switch 2 is significantly more powerful, which means games can have better graphics, faster load times, and more complex gameplay. Nintendo has not released exact technical specifications, but journalists who tested the console reported that games run noticeably smoother than on the original Switch. This does not mean every new game will look like a PlayStation 5 game — the Switch 2 is still a mid-range console — but it represents a meaningful jump in performance.
The new controllers, called Joy-Con controllers, have a larger grip area and improved ergonomics. They include haptic feedback, which means the controllers vibrate in precise patterns to simulate sensations like rain, footsteps, or impacts. The original Switch controllers had basic rumble; the new ones are much more detailed. The controllers also have better battery life and improved wireless connection stability.
What games will be available at launch
Nintendo has not yet announced which games will be ready when the Switch 2 launches. Historically, Nintendo consoles launch with a small number of games — typically between three and six major titles — and the library grows over the following months. The original Switch launched with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 1-2-Switch, with other games arriving in the weeks and months after.
Major game publishers including Capcom, Ubisoft, and others have publicly stated they are developing games for the Switch 2. You can expect announcements about launch titles and upcoming games during Nintendo's spring 2025 presentation, which will likely happen before the console releases.
Whether you should buy a Switch 2 or stick with your original Switch
If you own an original Switch and are happy with it, there is no urgent reason to replace it. Your current console will continue to work, and Nintendo will likely continue releasing games for it for at least another year or two. The Switch 2 is only necessary if you want to play new games that are made exclusively for that console.
If you do not yet own a Switch and are considering buying one, you have two reasonable paths. You can buy an original Switch now at a lower price and enjoy the existing library of thousands of games — this is a good choice if you want to play games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Kart 8, or Animal Crossing right away. Alternatively, you can wait for the Switch 2 to launch and start fresh with that console, which will have better hardware and a growing library of new games.
The original Switch will likely drop in price once the Switch 2 launches, so if you decide to buy one later, it may be cheaper. Nintendo sometimes discontinues older hardware within a year or two of a new console's release, but the original Switch has been popular enough that the company may keep producing it for longer than usual.
How to prepare if you plan to buy a Switch 2
If you are planning to buy a Switch 2 when it launches, there are a few things you can do now. First, watch for Nintendo's official announcements in spring 2025 — the company will reveal the exact release date, price, and launch game lineup. Nintendo typically announces these details on its official website and social media channels.
Second, decide whether you want the standard Switch 2 or any special editions that may be released. Nintendo often launches special color versions or bundles alongside the standard console. These are announced at the same time as the main console details.
Third, consider pre-ordering if you want to may provide you have a console on launch day. The original Switch was difficult to find in stores during its first few months, so pre-orders filled up quickly. Nintendo will likely open pre-orders a few weeks before the launch date, and you can reserve one through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, or Walmart.
What happens to your Switch games and accessories
Your existing Switch games will not work on the Switch 2. If you have a large library of games you want to keep playing, you will need to keep your original Switch. The good news is that your original console will continue to work — Nintendo is not forcing you to upgrade.
Most Switch accessories like controllers, docking stations, and charging cables are not compatible with the Switch 2. The new console uses the same basic design as the original — it docks to a TV and has removable controllers — but the physical connections are different. You will need to buy new controllers and a new dock for the Switch 2. Accessories like carrying cases, screen protectors, and game cases will work with both consoles since they do not connect electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my games from Switch to Switch 2?
No. Switch 2 games are different files that only work on the new console. Your original Switch games stay on your original Switch. If you want to play those games on a new console, you will need to keep your original Switch. Nintendo has not announced any way to transfer or re-read games between the two systems.
Will the Switch 2 be backwards compatible with original Switch games?
No. The Switch 2 cannot play original Switch games. This is a completely new console with different hardware and software. If you have games you want to keep playing, you will need to keep your original Switch.
How much will the Switch 2 cost?
Nintendo has not announced a price yet. The original Switch launched at $299 in 2017. The Switch 2 will likely be in a similar price range, but Nintendo may charge more given the improved hardware. Expect the price announcement in spring 2025.
Can I use my current Switch controllers on the Switch 2?
No. The new Joy-Con controllers are physically different and will not work with the Switch 2. You will need to buy new controllers. Nintendo will likely sell them separately and as part of console bundles.
Should I buy a Switch now or wait for the Switch 2?
If you want to play games right now, buy an original Switch — there are thousands of games available and the console is cheaper. If you can wait until the second half of 2025, the Switch 2 will have better hardware and a growing library of new games. The original Switch will likely become less expensive once the new console launches.