Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 was officially revealed in a Nintendo Direct livestream, announcing its release date of June 5, 2025. Following the event, select media, including CBC News, had the opportunity to test the new console in New York City.
The Switch 2 retains a similar design to its predecessor but introduces key upgrades, including magnetic JoyCon attachments, a sturdier kickstand, and an additional USB-C port for expanded connectivity. The joystick movement has also been refined, potentially addressing the drifting issues that plagued the original model.
Nintendo showcased enhanced versions of classic titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, now running at higher resolutions and improved frame rates. Critics, however, view these upgrades as the company catching up to modern gaming standards rather than setting new ones.
Among the new titles, Mario Kart World stood out with its open-world mode and a knockout-style elimination feature, adding fresh dynamics to the beloved racing franchise. Meanwhile, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond introduced an unconventional JoyCon mouse mode, offering precision aiming but raising concerns about comfort.
Despite the excitement, the price announcement sparked mixed reactions. The Switch 2 is set to retail at $629 CAD ($449 USD), with a $699 CAD bundle including Mario Kart World. Public hands-on events will begin in New York this weekend, with a Canadian stop in Toronto from April 25-27.
Source: Swifteradio.com