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Nintendo Switch 2: Specs, Price, Availability and How It Stacks Up Against Xbox Series X & PS5

Review Report June 3, 2025
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Review Point

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5, 2025, as an evolution of the original hybrid console. It offers a larger, higher-resolution screen, upgraded CPU/GPU, improved Joy-Con controllers and longer battery life, while retaining portability. Priced from £395.99 (£450 US), with a Mario Kart World bundle at £429.99, it targets Nintendo fans and casual gamers. Although not as powerful as the Xbox Series X or PS5, it bridges handheld and docked 4K gaming, carving out a mid-tier niche in the market.
  • Based on multiple pre-launch reports (d3, d5, d10) and pricing/bundle details (d1, d8), the Switch 2 represents Nintendo’s biggest generational jump, yet maintains a value-oriented price relative to full-power home consoles (d5).

1. Overview and Launch Details

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of £395.99 for the base console. Additionally, a bundle that includes the highly anticipated game 'Mario Kart World' is available for £429.99. The pricing strategy aims at capturing the attention of both die-hard Nintendo fans and casual gamers by providing competitive offers, particularly in light of the Nintendo Switch’s historical success as the second-best-selling console of all time. Notably, Mario Kart World offers value by including a bundle significant savings compared to purchasing the game separately, which is expected to be priced at around £50.

  • Initially, Nintendo implemented stringent pre-order requirements aimed at ensuring security and fairness in the initial sales phase. These conditions included having a continuous Nintendo Switch Online subscription for at least two years and a certain level of engagement with past Nintendo games. However, as consumer response indicated strong interest, Nintendo relaxed the requirements just 48 days after launching the pre-orders on April 8, 2025, dropping four out of the five original conditions. Now, as long as a customer has an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, they can preorder the Switch 2, significantly broadening access for potential buyers.

  • This easing of restrictions reflects Nintendo's intent to balance the high consumer demand with the logistical challenges seen in previous console launches, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which faced stock shortages due to scalpers. By refining its pre-order strategy, Nintendo aims to enhance availability and ensure that genuine fans can secure the new console in a timely manner. Overall, the combination of strategic pricing, appealing bundles, and a more accessible pre-order system positions the Nintendo Switch 2 favorably in the current market landscape.

2. Hardware and Performance Enhancements

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a substantial leap in technology compared to its predecessor, boasting significant hardware and performance enhancements. Notably, the console features a 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen with a higher resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, supporting HDR10 and variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. This upgrade not only improves visual clarity but also ensures smoother gameplay, particularly in fast-paced titles. With a custom Nvidia T239 processor that integrates an 8-core ARM Cortex-A78C CPU and 1,536 CUDA cores based on the Nvidia Ampere architecture, the Switch 2 effectively facilitates features such as ray tracing and DLSS 3.1, thereby enhancing graphical fidelity without compromising frame rates.

  • In terms of memory, the Nintendo Switch 2 is equipped with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, greatly increasing the available memory for games to 9GB, compared to only 4GB in the original Switch. This change drastically enhances multitasking capabilities and performance in more demanding titles. Furthermore, the memory bandwidth has also seen a tremendous increase, clocking in at 102GB/s during docked mode, a considerable improvement from the original model's 25.6GB/s. This allows for quicker data processing, leading to reduced load times, an essential enhancement for the modern gaming experience.

  • When it comes to storage, the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of UFS storage, which is significantly faster than the previous generation's storage options. Additionally, it supports microSD Express cards, offering expansion capabilities of up to 2TB. The improved battery capacity, rated at 5,220mAh, provides operational longevity between 2 to 6.5 hours depending on the usage, while a battery preservation mode helps to maintain the lifespan of the battery by capping charging at 90%. Overall, these hardware upgrades create a more powerful and efficient gaming experience, making the Nintendo Switch 2 a solid contender in the gaming console market.

  • The enhancements extend to the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers as well, which now feature better grips, stronger thumbsticks, and new mouse sensors that allow for improved motion tracking. This development can lead to more responsive gameplay experiences across various genres. The inclusion of HD Rumble 2 technology also ensures a more immersive tactile feedback, allowing players to feel the impact of their actions more realistically.

  • Conclusively, the Nintendo Switch 2 not only maintains the hybrid form factor that made the original successful but expands upon it through substantial enhancements in performance and usability. Its capabilities position it uniquely in a competitive market, effectively melding portability with high-end gaming experiences.

3. Pricing, Bundles, and Availability

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated to launch on June 5, 2025, priced at £395.99 for the console alone, with a bundle including the anticipated 'Mario Kart World' available for £429.99. This bundle offers significant savings when compared to purchasing the game separately, which is expected to retail at approximately £50 as a physical or digital download. Such pricing strategies reflect Nintendo's intent to appeal to both dedicated fans and casual gamers while leveraging the Switch's legacy as the second-best-selling console of all time.

  • In terms of availability, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 commenced on April 8, 2025, with initial stringent requirements designed to limit purchases to loyal customers. However, consumer feedback prompted Nintendo to relax these conditions just 48 days after the opening of pre-orders. As of now, potential buyers only need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to secure their order, significantly broadening access to the console.

  • This change aims to mitigate the stock shortages experienced during previous console launches, such as those for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, which were heavily impacted by scalping and supply chain issues. In light of this, Nintendo's revised pre-order policy seems well calibrated to balance high consumer demand against the challenges of scaling production and distribution effectively.

  • Currently, the console is available through various retailers, including the Nintendo store, Amazon, Very, and Currys, with some bundles on offer. Retailers are easing purchase restrictions, making it more feasible for interested gamers to obtain the Switch 2 leading up to its launch. Overall, Nintendo's strategic pricing, appealing bundle options, and adjustments to pre-order policies position the Switch 2 competitively in the gaming market, catering to a diverse demographic of gamers.

4. Competitor Landscape

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 enters a competitive market defined by two dominant players: the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the Xbox Series X. While the Switch 2 is priced at $450, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X command higher price points, typically around $499. This strategic pricing positions the Switch 2 as an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers and families who prioritize value alongside performance. The competitive landscape is particularly relevant given that the Switch 2 does not aim to match the high-end specifications of its rivals, like the enhanced graphical capabilities and processing power offered by the more expensive consoles.

  • In terms of performance, the Switch 2 boasts key enhancements with its custom Nvidia T239 processor, which allows for impressive graphics performance including support for ray tracing and DLSS technology. Although the PS5 and Xbox Series X outperform the Switch 2 in raw power, the former consoles have a focus on delivering predominantly home gaming experiences, while the Switch 2 maintains its hybrid model, facilitating both handheld and docked play. This unique selling proposition appeals to consumers who value versatility and portability in their gaming devices.

  • Additionally, the Nintendo Switch 2's significant upgrades in RAM (12GB LPDDR5X) and internal storage (256GB) should not be overlooked, especially when compared to the original Switch and its base specifications. While the PS5 offers ultra-fast SSD speeds for quick loading times, the Switch 2's enhancements are designed to streamline gameplay with improved load speeds due to its dedicated File Decompression Engine. This makes the console more adept at handling the increasingly demanding nature of modern gaming without drastically compromising on performance.

  • User feedback is also anticipated to play a critical role in the Switch 2's market positioning against the dominant players. Concerns over hardware reliability, particularly with the original Joy-Con controllers, may be a factor for Nintendo, which has been actively addressing through improved design in the Switch 2. In contrast, the PS5 and Xbox Series X have received accolades for their build quality and user experience.

  • Overall, the Switch 2, with its hybrid capabilities, competitive pricing, and substantial hardware upgrades, is expected to carve a niche in the current gaming market. By appealing to a broad audience that includes both casual gamers and avid Nintendo fans, the Switch 2 is positioned to compete effectively without venturing into the upper-tier performance race dominated by the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Key Takeaways

  • Launch and Pricing

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, priced at £395.99 for the base model, with a bundle including 'Mario Kart World' available for £429.99. This pricing strategy targets both dedicated fans and casual gamers.

  • Significant Hardware Upgrades

  • With a larger 7.9-inch screen, a custom Nvidia T239 processor, and 12GB of RAM, the Switch 2 offers remarkable performance improvements. Enhanced battery life and improved Joy-Con controllers add to its appeal, ensuring a superior gaming experience.

  • Adaptable Pre-order System

  • Pre-order restrictions have been eased, allowing anyone with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to secure a console. This change aims to ease access and prevent stock shortages seen in past launches.

  • Mid-range Appeal

  • Positioned competitively at $450, the Switch 2 targets budget-conscious gamers, providing a hybrid experience without directly competing with the more powerful PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

  • Versatile Gaming Experience

  • The hybrid design allows for both handheld and docked gaming, making the Switch 2 uniquely appealing for various gaming scenarios, appealing to both casual and avid gamers.

Glossary

  • 🔍 HD Rumble 2: An advanced vibration technology in gaming controllers that provides more precise and varied feedback, allowing gamers to feel different sensations and impacts more realistically during gameplay.

  • 🔍 ray tracing: A graphics rendering technique that simulates how light interacts with objects, creating more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in video games.

  • 🔍 DLSS: Stands for Deep Learning Super Sampling. This technology uses artificial intelligence to produce images that look like higher resolution, improving frame rates while maintaining visual quality in games.

  • 🔍 CPU/GPU: CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, which is the brain of a computer or console, handling calculations and tasks. GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit, specialized for rendering images and graphics, making games look visually impressive.

  • 🔍 pre-order: The process of reserving a product before it is officially released, often requiring a deposit or payment to ensure you receive it as soon as it becomes available.

  • 🔍 UFS storage: Universal Flash Storage is a fast and efficient storage technology that improves the speed of data access and transfer in devices like gaming consoles and smartphones, allowing for quicker loading times.

  • 🔍 hybrid console: A gaming device that can function both as a home console connected to a TV and as a portable device for gaming on the go, like the Nintendo Switch.

  • 🔍 MSRP: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This is the price at which the manufacturer recommends that retailers sell the product to consumers.

  • 🔍 bundles: Special offers that group several products together, often at a lower combined price than if purchased separately, such as a console sold with a game.

  • 🔍 portability: The ability to easily carry and use a device in different locations, a key feature of the Nintendo Switch that allows gaming both at home and on the move.

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