Team GNI
Custom Chip and Enhanced Features Promise a Bold Evolution for Nintendo’s Next Console
KYOTO — After years of speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled details about its highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, slated to hit shelves on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $450. Powered by a custom NVIDIA chip, the hybrid console aims to build on the original Switch’s monumental success—150 million units sold since 2017—while introducing upgraded hardware and innovative features that have sparked excitement among gamers and industry observers alike.
The Switch 2, revealed during a Nintendo Direct livestream on April 2, promises a seamless blend of portable and docked gaming, staying true to its predecessor’s hybrid design. Its 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, a step up from the original’s 6.2-inch 720p display, supports HDR and up to 120 frames per second for compatible games. When docked, the console can output 4K resolution, addressing long-standing fan demands for sharper visuals. The system boasts 256GB of internal storage, magnetic Joy-Con controllers with mouse-like functionality, and a built-in microphone for in-game chat, marking a leap in connectivity and versatility.
At the heart of the Switch 2 lies a custom NVIDIA chip, rumored to be a modified Tegra 239 based on the company’s Ampere architecture. While Nintendo and NVIDIA have kept specific performance details under wraps, industry insiders suggest the chip offers a significant boost over the original Switch’s Tegra X1, with support for DLSS upscaling and ray tracing to enhance graphics. “The collaboration with NVIDIA allows us to deliver a richer gaming experience without sacrificing portability,” said Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, during a recent Q&A. NVIDIA claims the chip represents “1,000 engineer-years of effort,” hinting at a tailored design optimized for Nintendo’s vision.
Priced at $450, or $500 with a Mario Kart World bundle, the Switch 2 is notably costlier than the original’s $300 launch price, a decision some attribute to rising production costs and global supply chain pressures. The console’s launch lineup is robust, featuring Mario Kart World, an open-world racing adventure with 24-player multiplayer, alongside third-party heavyweights like Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Hades II, and Street Fighter 6. Exclusive titles, such as FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods in 2026, signal Nintendo’s push to attract older audiences while retaining its family-friendly core.
Fans have taken to social media with fervor, with #Switch2 trending on X and posts amassing over 500,000 mentions in the announcement’s first 24 hours. “The 4K dock and bigger screen are huge wins,” said Arjun Mehra, a 22-year-old gamer from Bengaluru. “But $450 stings a bit.” Others expressed disappointment over the lack of an OLED display, a feature available in the 2021 Switch OLED model. Preorders, which began April 9 in North America, have reportedly seen strong demand, though Nintendo has pledged ample supply to combat scalping.
The Switch 2’s launch comes amid economic challenges, including tariffs on electronics that could impact pricing and availability. Analysts remain optimistic, however, citing Nintendo’s track record. “The Switch redefined gaming with its versatility,” said Dr. Priya Sharma, a media analyst at Mumbai University. “At $450, the Switch 2 bets on premium features and exclusive games to justify the cost, and early signs suggest fans are ready to buy in.”
As June approaches, the Nintendo Switch 2 stands poised to reshape the console landscape, blending cutting-edge tech with the company’s signature charm. Whether it can match or surpass the original’s legacy remains to be seen, but for now, the blocky world of Mario and Zelda has never looked more enticing.
Source: Nintendo Direct Livestream April 2, 2025, NVIDIA Press Statement, Interview with Tetsuya Sasaki via IGN, Reuters Technology Desk
