The day that millions of gamers have been waiting for is finally here. After years of rumors and months of intense anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched today, June 5, 2025, hitting store shelves and arriving on doorsteps worldwide. The successor to one of the most beloved consoles ever made promises a new era of hybrid gaming with more power, a better display, and new ways to play. But does it deliver?
From chaotic midnight launches to the first hands-on gameplay, we’re tracking all the live updates. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2 on day one.
Highlights of the Day:
- Official Launch: June 5, 2025, in most global regions. (India release is not official, available via third-party sellers).
- Price: $449.99 in the U.S. for the console. A bundle with the flagship launch title, Mario Kart World, is available for $499.99.
- Availability: Stock is high at major physical retailers like Target and Best Buy, with many walk-in customers successfully purchasing a console. Online orders are facing more challenges and delays.
- Key Upgrades: A larger 7.9-inch 1080p HDR display, 4K docked output, powerful new Nvidia T239 “Drake” processor, and redesigned magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers.
- Launch Title Buzz: Mario Kart World is the system-seller, but titles like Fast Fusion and enhanced versions of existing games are also making waves.
First Impressions: What Do People Think So Far?
After going hands-on, the initial consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting several key improvements that make the Switch 2 feel like a true next-generation leap.
The Good:
- A Stunning New Display: The jump to a 7.9-inch, 1080p HDR screen is the most immediately noticeable upgrade. Even compared to the Switch OLED, colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the extra size makes handheld gaming more immersive. While it’s an LCD, not an OLED, early reviews praise its quality.
- Premium Build Quality: The console feels more substantial and less toy-like. The matte texture of the plastic casing and the incredibly sturdy new kickstand (a massive upgrade from the original’s flimsy one) contribute to a more premium feel.
- Magnetic Joy-Con 2 are a Game-Changer: The new controllers snap onto the console with a satisfying magnetic click. They are slightly larger, more ergonomic for adult hands, and feel incredibly secure. A release button is required to detach them, so there are no worries about them sliding off accidentally.
- Blazing Fast Load Times: Thanks to the new processor and faster internal storage (and microSD Express card support), load times have been drastically cut. VGC reported that Bowser’s Fury loads in just 8 seconds on Switch 2, compared to 41 seconds on the original.
The Quirks and Criticisms:
- Same Old User Interface (UI): One of the most common complaints online is that the home screen and UI look almost identical to the original Switch. While familiar, many hoped for a more modern redesign to match the new hardware.
- Virtual Game Cards are Confusing: Transferring digital games is not as simple as re-downloading them. The new “virtual game card” system essentially locks a digital game to one console at a time, which could be a headache for households with multiple Switch consoles.
- Pricey Accessories: The console itself is more expensive, and so are the accessories. A new Pro Controller costs $85, and an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 will set you back $95.
- Not All Upgrades are Perfect: The new dock, while sleek and now featuring a fan, strangely has one less USB port than the original.
What’s New? The Core Upgrades Explained
Beyond first impressions, here are the key technical details that make the Switch 2 a powerhouse.
- Display: 7.9-inch 1080p LCD with HDR support and a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Docked Output: Up to 4K resolution at 60fps via a new, fan-cooled dock that includes a built-in Ethernet port.
- Processor: A custom Nvidia Tegra T239 “Drake” chip, enabling modern graphics technologies like Nvidia DLSS upscaling and ray tracing for vastly improved visuals.
- Storage: A much-needed bump to 256GB of fast internal UFS storage. It now requires the new, faster (and more expensive) microSD Express cards for expansion.
- Joy-Con 2: Redesigned controllers with a magnetic attachment system, “HD Rumble 2” for more nuanced vibration, and larger analog sticks.
- The “C” Button and GameChat: A new “C” (Chat) button on the right Joy-Con launches GameChat, a social feature for in-game voice chat and screen sharing with friends (requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription).
- Backwards Compatibility: Yes, the Switch 2 is backwards compatible with original Switch game cards and digital libraries, and many older games benefit from the new hardware with faster load times and more stable frame rates.
Launch Day Live: Stories from the Ground
The global launch has been a massive event. Midnight openings at stores like Best Buy and GameStop saw hundreds of fans lined up, with reports indicating that most people, even those without pre-orders, were able to purchase a console.
However, some launch day hiccups have been reported. A few unlucky buyers have received units with seals already broken, and some online pre-orders have been delayed, with customers receiving their controllers before the console itself. A day-one system update is also live, so a Wi-Fi connection is recommended as soon as you unbox.
Where to Buy and How Much it Costs in India
While there is no official Nintendo distributor in India, the Nintendo Switch 2 is appearing on e-commerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart via third-party sellers.
- Be cautious: Prices will be significantly higher than the international MSRP due to import costs, and warranty support will not be available from Nintendo directly.
- Expected Price: Expect prices to be in the ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 range, if not higher, during the initial launch period.
The Verdict on Day One: Is the Switch 2 Worth It?
Based on the flood of first impressions, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a resounding success. It delivers on its promise of a more powerful, premium, and polished hybrid gaming experience. It modernizes the beloved Switch formula without losing the magic that made the original a phenomenon.
While the familiar UI and pricey accessories are valid points of criticism, the fundamental upgrades to the screen, performance, and controller comfort make it a worthy successor. For die-hard Nintendo fans and those who held off on buying the original, the Switch 2 appears to be an essential purchase.
We’ll be updating our coverage as full, in-depth reviews are released, but for now, the future of handheld gaming has arrived, and it looks incredibly bright.