All About Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo

[David76]

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backward-compatible? What can you play on this console?

You might be asking, 'Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatible?' It's an important question, particularly for those with a large collection of Switch games.

While this was briefly covered in the first look trailer, it's worth reiterating: the successor does support backward compatibility for both physical and digital games. However, not every title will be fully compatible with the new system.

Additionally, some Switch 1 games will be re-released in special Switch 2 editions, featuring support for the console's new features, graphical enhancements, and even extra content. However, players who own the original version will have the option to purchase an upgrade pack.

When is the Nintendo Switch 2 release date?

The wait for this console has certainly been a long one, but the good news is that we won't have to wait much longer! The Nintendo Switch 2 release date is set for June 5, 2025, which means we've only got about two months left until it finally hits the shelves.

What is the Switch 2 price?

Curious how much you'll need to spend to get your hands on the new console? While there were plenty of rumors leading up to the presentation, we now have the official Nintendo Switch 2 price.



Now that the launch date is confirmed, you're likely wondering when you can secure your unit. According to the latest information, the Nintendo Switch 2 preorders will start on April 8, 2025.

 

[David76]

So that's what the 'C' button is for...



What is the Switch 2 C button used for?

As you might expect from a next-generation console, the NS2 will be more powerful, and capable of running more demanding games than the original Switch.

That's no surprise. But ahead of the NS2 Direct, there was one question that perhaps had the internet collectively scratching its head more than any other: "What is that C button for?"

Well, we found out that we'll use it to activate two separate features: GameShare and GameChat.

What is GameShare and GameChat?

These features are new to the NS2, with both intended to help us feel closer to friends when playing our games.

GameShare

GameShare is probably the more interesting of the two, as it allows you to share a game with others and play it together — even if they don't own it themselves!

Of course, it's not a permanent thing; they'll only be able to play said game for as long as you're sharing it with them. The GameShare feature will only be available with compatible games — but the fact that Nintendo is even making this a possibility should be cause for a minor celebration.

GameChat

If you don't currently own a Switch, you might be surprised to find out something like this was never included with the original.



GameChat, as you might be able to work out, allows you to talk with up to 11 friends while gaming, no matter where in the world they are.

It's the sort of thing that PC, PlayStation and Xbox users have been able to enjoy (or endure — depending on your viewpoint) for years, and now it's finally arriving for Nintendo players.

However, unlike the rest, GameChat allows up to 4 people to share their screen; and if they connect a compatible USB-C camera, it can also be used for video chat. Got more than 4 friends playing together? The rest can still chat via audio.

 

[David76]

For most players, the Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility is likely a highly welcomed feature. As expected, most NS1 games should run on the new console without issues. However, the Kyoto-based company has shared a list of titles with known compatibility problems.

At present, there is one game that cannot be played on the Switch 2 at all—Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit—since the console cannot be inserted into the cardboard VR goggles.

Nintendo Switch 2: Games with compatibility issues

Nintendo has created a dedicated section on its website with details about Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility. As stated there, due to differences in hardware between the Switch 2 and the original Switch, some titles may not be fully supported.

The site provides information on both first-party Nintendo games and third-party partner titles. As shown in the image below, the vast majority of games should run on the new console without issues.



However, Nintendo has also listed two groups of NS1 games that currently have either startup issues or in-game performance problems on the Switch 2. The company is actively working to resolve these issues, so this list may change over time.

Additionally, some games—such as Ring Fit Adventure—will require the original Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons. If you plan on playing these, be sure to keep your old controllers.



Nintendo Switch 2 compatible accessories

The original Nintendo Switch had a wide range of accessories, from Joy-Con controllers to wheels, grips, and straps. But which of these will work with the Switch 2?

Nintendo has now provided clarity on this as well. The original Joy-Con controllers will work and can be paired wirelessly, along with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and a few other select controllers.

However, some accessories—such as the original AC adapter and the Switch 1 dock—will not be compatible with NS2. You can find the full list of accessories on Nintendo's website.

 

[Tom]

Not going to be cheap!

• Mario Kart World: £66.99 digital, £74.99 physical
• Donkey Kong Bananza: £58.99 digital, £66.99 physical
• microSD Express card (256GB): £49.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: £49.99
• Nintendo GameCube Controller: £58.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: £74.99

 

[Tom]

Gamecube games showcase...



F-Zero and Zelda look good, to be fair.

 

[David76]

At the recent Nintendo Direct for the Nintendo Switch 2, mentions of the console's Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support appear to have vanished.

Nintendo made several announcements about the Switch 2 during the Direct that aired two weeks ago. Previously, the company stated the system would support 4K resolution, 120 FPS and VRR in both videos and written materials. However, it now appears that only 4K and 120 FPS display functionality remains, with nearly all references to VRR support removed from official materials.


The information was revealed today by Digital Foundry producer Oliver Mackenzie and posted to X (formerly Twitter). In his post, he wrote: "Some weird stuff going on at Nintendo. Looks like they've changed their U.S. website to no longer mention VRR support for TV play? Only HDR and 120 Hz support get a call-out." He added: "European sites appear to still have VRR as a supported display-out feature, though they may be in the process of removing the text across all regions." Mackenzie's original post can be seen below, along with a thread explaining his reasoning.

 

[David76]

There's been some recent clarification from Nintendo regarding the upcoming Switch 2 and its support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on TVs. Initially, it seemed like the Switch 2 would support VRR when docked, but Nintendo has now confirmed that this feature will only be available in handheld mode.

According to a statement made to Nintendo Life, they admitted that the information on their website was misleading. Here's a breakdown of what was said:

• VRR Availability: The official word is that VRR is supported exclusively in handheld mode.
• Previous Misinformation: An earlier statement suggested that VRR would be available while docked, but that has been corrected.
• Future Updates: When asked if there would be potential for VRR support while docked in a future update, Nintendo stated they had "nothing to announce" at this time.

This clarification comes on the heels of a report from Digital Foundry, which highlighted the lack of VRR support while docked in their comprehensive tech specs analysis for the Switch 2. Richard Leadbetter from Digital Foundry, who last month noted that currently, VRR is a feature of the internal display only, with no support over HDMI when docked. The speculation points towards the dock's DisplayPort to HDMI converter not supporting standard HDMI VRR.

In light of all this, Nintendo is still seen as a strong player in the market, with forecasts suggesting they could become the primary partner for third-party publishers in the next console generation. They expect the Switch 2 to sell around 100 million units within five years.

Overall, while it's a letdown for those hoping for a fully-featured docked experience, it seems like Nintendo is still positioning itself strongly for the future.

Key Points:

• Switch 2 will only support VRR in handheld mode.
• Previous statements suggesting docked VRR were incorrect.
• No current plans for docked VRR support in future updates.
• Nintendo maintains a strong market position, with high sales expectations.

 

[David76]

Nintendo is ramping up its production capabilities for the upcoming Switch 2 by partnering with Samsung to enhance chip manufacturing. This collaboration is expected to enable Nintendo to produce up to 20 million units by March 2026, surpassing their own forecast of 15 million for the first year.

• Nintendo partners with Samsung to produce chips for the Switch 2.
• Expected production of 20 million units by March 2026.
• Switch 2 will have an LCD screen, despite prior OLED usage.
• Actual production capacity may depend on assemblers like Foxconn.
• Nintendo president addresses conservative sales forecasts amidst high demand.

According to a Bloomberg report, this partnership not only boosts chip supply but also places Samsung in a competitive position against Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. However, actual production capacity will still rely on hardware assemblers like Foxconn Technology Group.

An interesting note is that Samsung is also advocating for the use of OLED panels in a potential refresh of the Switch 2 hardware. Currently, while the original Switch utilised OLED technology, the Switch 2 will feature an LCD screen. Despite some criticism regarding this choice, early reports suggest that the quality of the LCD is quite remarkable, leaving room for future hardware upgrades.

During a recent Q&A session post-financial report, Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, addressed concerns regarding their conservative sales forecast of 15 million units. He reassured investors that this figure was not influenced by production capacity or tariffs, but acknowledged that changes in tariffs could lead to price adjustments for the console.

Overall, the interest in the Switch 2 is significant, especially in regions like Japan, where demand has reportedly far exceeded expectations.

 

[David76]

The GameChat feature for the Nintendo Switch 2 has generated a lot of buzz lately. If you're looking to use this functionality, here's a quick breakdown of what you need to know.


Firstly, the GameChat feature is designed to let users communicate while gaming - think chatting with friends or even rivals during a heated match of Mario Party. The Switch 2 will have a built-in microphone for voice communication and a separate camera for video chat. You can easily access these features using the C button on the console.

Here's a key point: to utilise GameChat, players will need to register a mobile phone number with their Nintendo account. This requirement applies universally, both in the UK and the US. Nintendo states that text message verification is necessary for setting up GameChat, which adds an extra layer of security. Interestingly, if a child wants to use this feature, they must register a phone number associated with a parent or guardian's account.

Initially, GameChat will be free for all Switch 2 users until March 31, 2026, but afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership will be required to continue using it.

For more details, you can check out Nintendo's official GameChat page.

Also worth noting is that GameChat will include accessibility features like text-to-speech and live captions. Nintendo has also mentioned that they may record video and voice chats for a limited time to maintain a safe online environment, but only with user consent.

Some key points

• GameChat allows voice and video communication while gaming.
• A mobile phone number must be registered to use GameChat.
• Free until March 31, 2026; thereafter, a paid NSO membership is needed.
• Includes accessibility features like text-to-speech and live captions.
• Nintendo may record chats for safety, with user consent.

 

[David76]

It turns out that not only do the new Joy-Cons feature a mouse sensor, but the system will also support USB mice. This was revealed in a recent video from Koei Tecmo, where Michi Ryu, the producer of Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition, showcased this functionality.

Here are the key points from the demonstration:

Mouse Functionality

• Ryu showed how a USB mouse can be used on the Switch 2, mirroring the functionality of the already released Steam version of the game.
• The mouse supports left click, right click, and even wheel operations, which were demonstrated during the gameplay.

Switching Between Devices
- The video illustrated seamless switching between the Joy-Con and USB mouse. Each time the input changed, a message appeared on the screen confirming the switch, ensuring users know which input device is active.

GameChat Features

• Aside from mouse support, the Switch 2 will debut with a GameChat feature that includes text-to-speech and live captions.
• For those who want to use this feature, registration with a mobile phone number will be required.

Release Date
- Mark your calendars! The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch worldwide on June 5th, just under two weeks