Nintendo Direct Switch 2 live updates. (Screenshot: Nintendo)
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Launch Highlights: Nintendo launched the Switch 2 today, marking one of the biggest announcements in gaming history. The next-generation gaming console features a new C-button for voice chat and calls. Tapping it will up a menu so that users can start chatting with their friends while playing games.
Players can adjust the audio for a better gaming experience, and the built-in mic allows users to voice chat with friends while playing. The device also offers three-dimensional sound for a more immersive experience.
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In terms of the hardware specs, the Switch 2 boasts of a larger 7.2-inch screen compared to its predecessor, yet it’s thinner and more compact. It comes with two USB-C ports, 256GB of internal storage and a dock that allows connection to a TV for 4K-compatible games. HDR is also supported in TV mode.
Some of the big-name, third-party gaming titles coming to the Switch 2 include Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, Hitman World of Assassination, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, a new Goldeneye-inspired game called Project 007, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and more.
The Switch 2 will be available from June 5, 2025, onwards with pre-orders set to open from April 9. While Nintendo did not initially reveal the price of the Switch 2 on the Direct livestream, a press release issued after the launch event stated that the Switch 2 will cost $449.99 in the United States.
Live Updates
17:26 (IST) 2 Apr 2025
What we know (and don't know) about the Switch 2
What we know:
- The fundamental design of the Switch 2 shows it is still a hybrid console.
- Nintendo is adding a new button to the Switch 2. It is a square button with a 'C' marking, located just below the Home button on the right Joy-Con.
- The Switch 2 will be backwards compatible.
What we still don't know:
- Nobody knows the purpose of the new 'C' button yet.
- It is hard to predict whether the Switch 2 will support 4K gaming.
- The Switch 2 is unlikely to be priced under $350, so the question is whether it will cost $399 or $499.
17:14 (IST) 2 Apr 2025
The Switch 2 was first teased back in January
The Mario-maker is launching the Switch 2 after eight years. Earlier this year, Nintendo partially unveiled the Switch 2 in a short first look video which quickly garnered millions of views within a few hours. Besides the name of the next-gen game console, the two-and-a-half-minute video made it clear that Nintendo is sticking with the Switch’s iconic hybrid form factor. Read the full breakdown of the trailer here.
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16:42 (IST) 2 Apr 2025
The Switch 2 launch presentation will last 60 minutes
Nintendo’s presentation will kick off the hour-long presentation for the Switch 2 at 6:30 pm IST on Wednesday, with the company’s CEO expected to launch the console’s price and release date.
16:31 (IST) 2 Apr 2025
Welcome to The Indian Express' Nintendo Switch 2 launch live blog
Welcome to our Nintendo Switch 2 live blog! My name is Anuj Bhatia, and alongside my colleague Karan Mahadik, I will be live blogging the Nintendo Direct event, where the Switch 2 will be officially launched. Join us for live updates on Nintendo’s next big thing—the Switch 2 hardware, games, and services.
Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at indianexpress.com who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin.
Email: anuj.bhatia@indianexpress.com ... Read More
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