Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World Launches
Family Friendly Gaming News
June 5, in the year of our Lord 2025
-- Today, Nintendo launched its first brand-new gaming platform
in eight years with Nintendo Switch 2, and the latest Mario Kart
game for consoles in over a decade with Mario Kart World.
Nintendo Switch 2 brings to life new ways to connect and play
with friends and family with new features and reimagined online
capabilities such as GameChat1. Mario Kart World allows players
to hit the road in a vast interconnected playground where the
world is their racetrack. Further, the Nintendo Switch 2 launch
lineup features acclaimed titles from Nintendo’s global
publishing and development partners, such as Split Fiction,
Street Fighter 6, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – Nintendo
Switch 2 Edition, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and more.
Together, these new experiences mark a leap forward in
Nintendo’s mission to deliver smiles to people the world over –
All Together, Anytime, Anywhere.
A new Nintendo Switch 2 launch trailer has also been released
today. You can watch it here.
Last night, Nintendo held the first-ever simultaneous launch
event that took place at the newly opened Nintendo SAN
FRANCISCO, and Nintendo NEW YORK with activations in Rockefeller
Center. Fans that attended the coast-to-coast celebration were
among the first to usher in this new chapter for Nintendo games.
The event culminated when the first systems and games were
purchased at 9 p.m. PT in San Francisco and 12 a.m. ET in New
York. Each event featured photo ops, and gameplay for Nintendo
Switch 2 launch games including Mario Kart World and titles from
Nintendo’s global publishing and development partners. Photos
from the event are included with press materials for this
announcement.
More information on Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, titles
from Nintendo’s global publishing and development partners, and
everything launching today can be found below.
Nintendo Switch 2 builds on the foundations of the Nintendo
Switch system, and delivers a multitude of new features and
enhancements, including:
New social capabilities with the built-in mic and the new online
feature GameChat, where up to 12 friends and family can play
games and talk like they’re all in the same room, even when
they’re miles apart. You can also video chat with up to four
people if you connect a compatible USB-C camera, such as the
Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately).
Powerful CPU and GPU capable of enhanced visuals and
performance.
A large 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at
1080p.
Joy-Con 2 controllers that magnetically attach to the system.
New mouse controls are also possible by sliding them across
surfaces, such as a tabletop or even your lap in compatible
games.
256 GB storage capacity – 8 times that of Nintendo Switch (a
portion of which is reserved for use by the system).
USB-C ports on the top and bottom of the system, and a freely
adjustable stand for playing and charging in tabletop mode.
Crisp audio quality and spatial 3D sound in handheld and
tabletop modes.
A new dock that enables the Nintendo Switch 2 to output video at
up to 4K resolution or play games at up to 120 fps in supported
games on compatible displays or TVs.
Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, available in handheld
mode, helps games move seamlessly by preventing frame skips and
flickering.
Accessibility features to support a wide range of gameplay
styles.
Free updates to enhance the gameplay experience on the Nintendo
Switch 2 system will also be available for select Nintendo
Switch games2. By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the
internet and performing a system update, you can download free
updates for selected games that may improve graphics or add
support for various features. These features include GameShare3,
where, with a Nintendo Switch 2 system, you can share supported
games with friends and family — even if they don't have the
game, and everyone can play together. The contents of these free
updates will differ depending on the game. For more information
on the free Nintendo Switch 2 updates for select Nintendo Switch
titles, please visit the Nintendo website.
In addition to GameChat and existing online features with a
Nintendo Switch Online membership, today Nintendo Switch 2
owners with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
membership gain access to upgrade packs4 for both The Legend of
Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the
Kingdom games. These upgrade packs allow players to enjoy the
enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of both titles at no
additional cost if they have the Nintendo Switch version of the
games.
Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members
who have a Nintendo Switch 2 system can access the new Nintendo
GameCube – Nintendo Classics library, featuring F-Zero GX, The
Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and SOULCALIBUR II at launch
today, with clearer image quality and higher resolution than the
original releases. Plus, a dedicated wireless controller
designed after the original Nintendo GameCube controller will be
available for purchase by paid Nintendo Switch Online members5.
Nintendo Switch 2 is now available at a suggested retail price
of $449.99 in the United States. Also available today is the
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle6 at a suggested
retail price of $499.99 in the U.S., which includes a system and
a digital version of the Mario Kart World game. For more
information about Nintendo Switch 2 and accessories, visit
Nintendo.com.
Mario Kart World delivers frenzied Mario Kart racing like never
before, as well as a series-first: a vast interconnected
environment to explore and race across. Players looking to hit
the road with Mario and friends can experience:
Up to 24 drivers at once – the most in Mario Kart history – race
across courses.
Reimagined returning modes like Grand Prix competition, where
the paths between courses are part of the race, too.
Knockout Tour, a new game mode where checkpoints eliminate
drivers if they can’t keep up with the pack.
Free Roam mode, another new game mode, where players can
explore, see the sights and more, solo or with friends online.
There are hundreds of single-player missions to complete in Free
Roam, too.
Plus, look forward to hectic faceoffs in the Battle mode!
Multiple ways to play together with friends, locally7 or
online8. This includes local split-screen for up to 4 players on
the same system, local wireless play, and competing or exploring
with people from around the world (or friends) in online play.
Using the new GameChat feature on Nintendo Switch 2, players can
talk with friends around the world while playing online. Plus,
see their live expressions in-game with the new CameraPlay
feature by connecting a compatible USB-C camera to the system
(sold separately).
Packed with races to win and ways for players to explore at
their own pace, Mario Kart World can be enjoyed by both longtime
fans and newcomers alike. Mario Kart World is now available in
stores, on Nintendo eShop or at Nintendo.com at a suggested
retail price of $79.99.
Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 system and Mario Kart
World are over 20 titles for Nintendo Switch 2, including games
from Nintendo and a strong lineup from Nintendo’s global
publishing and development partners. Take a look at some of
these exciting titles releasing today:
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour – Enter a virtual exhibition with
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. Through tech demos, minigames
and other interactions, players can explore Nintendo Switch 2
inside and out and get to know the new system in ways they may
never have known about otherwise.
Split Fiction – Jump between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this
co-op action adventure, where contrasting writers Mio and Zoe
have become trapped in a simulation of their own stories. Split
Fiction keeps you on the edge of your couch with weird and
unexpected moments as players must coordinate and work together
to overcome challenges.
Fortnite – Whether you want to be the last player standing in
Battle Royale, headline your own concert with Fortnite Festival,
or want to explore LEGO® Fortnite experiences and much more –
the choice is yours. Experience Fortnite like never before on
Nintendo Switch 2 with 60 fps, a higher resolution, clothing
physics, and higher-quality textures, shadows and water
rendering. Plus, relive your best Battle Royale matches with the
Replay system.
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition —
Steer the course of history on Nintendo Switch 2! Featuring new
mouse controls that offer a more intuitive experience, players’
decisions will shape the cultural lineage of their empire.
Construct cities and architectural wonders, improve your
civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or
cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the world.
Street Fighter 6 – Experience the next evolution of Street
Fighter in Street Fighter 6 with three distinct game modes, new
gameplay features and enhanced visuals. Fight your way to the
top with new game modes exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 like
Local Wireless One on One and Avatar Matches9. Enjoy new party
modes utilizing Joy-Con 2 controllers like Gyro Battle and
Calorie Contest. Plus, players can check out three new amiibo
figures and 22 amiibo cards at launch. Choose from Street
Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition, or the digital version of
Street Fighter 6, for Nintendo Switch 2 today.
There are also a wide variety of games set to launch for
Nintendo Switch 2 soon, including Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D
platforming action adventure starring the smashing, bashing,
banana-hoarding Donkey Kong (launching July 17); EA SPORTS
Madden NFL 26, the latest in the hard-hitting football series
(Aug. 14); the explosively outrageous Borderlands 4 (2025); the
bewitching roguelike dungeon crawler Hades II (2025); and
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, where Trainers
can explore scenic Lumiose City and engage in fierce, real-time
Pokémon battles (Oct. 16).
That’s not all – even more titles are launching in the coming
months, like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2
Edition, Drag x Drive, Kirby Air Riders, Kirby and the Forgotten
Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (Aug. 28),
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, ELDEN RING Tarnished
Edition, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Daemon X Machina: Titanic
Scion (Sept. 5), Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Super
Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
(July 24), just to name a few.
Anyone eager to try Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 can
attend the Nintendo Switch 2 Demo Events at select Best Buy
locations with GameTruck this summer! These demo events will
take place on weekends beginning June 7, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
local time. For more information on these events, please visit
BestBuy.com.
Plus, enter the My Nintendo – Nintendo Switch 2 Party with
GameTruck Sweepstakes10 for a chance to win a 2-hour video game
party for up to 15 guests. Until Sept. 8, My Nintendo members
can redeem 10 My Nintendo Platinum Points to enter, with up to
five entries total. Two lucky winners will be selected. For more
information, visit the My Nintendo website.
Look out for continuing Nintendo Switch 2 content in the free
Nintendo Today! smart device app11 for iOS and Android. Visit
this page for more information.
Remember that Nintendo Switch 2 features parental controls that
let adults manage the content their children can access. For
more information about other Nintendo Switch 2 features, visit
Nintendo.com.
1 Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo
Account required for online features, including GameChat.
Compatible USB camera required for video features. Not available
in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply.
support.nintendo.com Games, systems, memberships and some
accessories sold separately. Until March 31, 2026, GameChat can
be enjoyed for free. Afterwards, a paid Nintendo Switch Online
membership will be required.
2 Some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully
compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Visit nintendo.com for
compatibility information.
3 Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare session.
Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the
software during the GameChat session in which it was shared.
Shared game will not be playable after the chat ends.
4 Full version of the game required to use the content for that
game. Sold separately.
5 Limit one purchase per Nintendo Account with paid Nintendo
Switch Online membership. Controller ships to U.S. and Canada
only. Offer not available in all countries or for free trial
memberships. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership
required to access Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics
collection of games. This controller is optional and not
required to play the Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics
collection of games. System update required.
6 Limited time production through Fall 2025 (available while
supplies last).
7 Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required
for multiplayer mode. Sold separately.
8 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and
Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership
auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless
canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access
required for online features. Terms apply.
nintendo.com/purchase-terms.
9 Additional accessories, games and/or systems may be required
for multiplayer mode, sold separately.
10 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal
residents of the 48 contiguous United States (excluding Alaska,
Hawaii and US Territories) who are 13 years old or older.
Sweepstakes begins 10:00AM PT on 6/4/2025 and ends at 11:00PM PT
on 9/8/2025. To enter, you must (1) have a Nintendo Account (if
you do not have a Nintendo Account you can register for one; (2)
visit website, (3) sign in to your Nintendo Account, and (4)
redeem 10 Platinum Points per entry at the My Nintendo –
Nintendo Switch 2 Party with GameTruck Sweepstakes page as
stated in Official Rules. There will be two (2) winners. Each
winner will receive one (1) 2-hour video game party package for
up to 15 participants (ARV $499.00). Total ARV of all prizes:
$998.00 USD. A Nintendo Account is required to receive and
redeem points. Terms apply. Odds of winning depend on number of
eligible entries received. Details and restrictions apply.
11 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and
Nintendo Account required. Not available in all countries.
Internet and compatible smart device required to use app. Data
charges may apply. Terms apply. nintendo.com/purchase-terms
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