Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on its highly anticipated Switch 2 gaming console, marking the company's first new console release since the original Switch in 2017. The Switch 2 is set to hit the market on June 5, priced at $450, with a bundle option that includes the new Mario Kart World game.

The Switch 2 boasts several significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a larger 1080p LCD screen with support for up to 120fps and HDR. Although it may disappoint some users who have grown accustomed to the upgraded OLED screens of the original Switch. The dock, however, will support 4K resolution. The console also features 256 GB of storage, a substantial increase from the previous model, and will only support microSD express cards for additional storage.

The design of the Switch 2 has also undergone significant changes, with a sturdier stand on the back for positioning the device upright. The body now features USB-C charging ports on both the top and bottom, with the top port seemingly intended for the Nintendo Switch Camera. The classic colorway of the console is a sleek matte black with light red and blue accents on each Joy-Con, paying homage to the original design.

The Joy-Con controllers have also received a significant overhaul, with a new feature that allows them to function like a computer mouse for compatible games. The gyroscope features enable players to have more control over motion controls. Additionally, the Welcome Tour game will be available to help users get acquainted with the new Switch 2 functions, although it will come at a cost.

Nintendo has also announced that its online service will now allow players to revisit Gamecube games, in addition to its existing ports of Nintendo 64 and GameBoy games. Some titles will be available on the launch day of the Switch 2, along with a remade Gamecube controller.

The Switch 2 also introduces GameChat, a feature that enables users to communicate with friends while playing games. The feature uses a microphone in the system to recognize voice commands, allowing players to hear each other even in loud environments. Users can also share their game screens within the console, even if they are playing different games. However, GameChat will only be available for free until March 31, 2026, after which a paid online membership will be required.

In addition to the Switch 2, Nintendo has announced several new hardware launches, including the Nintendo Switch Camera, which can attach to the console and transpose players' faces onto their game characters. The company has also revealed a new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, which includes the new C button.

The Switch 2 will have a robust lineup of games, including a new, exclusive Mario Kart game called Mario Kart World, which will launch on the same day as the console. Other games in development or already released include Hades II, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Street Fighter, EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4, Yakuza 0, Borderlands 4, Enter the Gungeon 2, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, a Final Fantasy VII remake, Silksong, and others. A new game in the Zelda universe, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, is expected to release this winter, while Kirby AirRiders and Donkey Kong Bananza are slated for 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The Switch 2 will also allow players to purchase upgrades to existing games they have for the Switch, as well as games that have a special Switch 2 version, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Pokemon Legends Z-A, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Mario Party Jamboree. However, these upgrades will come at a cost.

With its enhanced features, improved design, and robust lineup of games, the Switch 2 is poised to be a major player in the gaming console market. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Switch 2 performs and what impact it will have on the gaming landscape.