Nintendo Switch 2: Arriving June 5 in Australia for $699

While I was letting my old bones rest overnight, the folks at Nintendo were busy unveiling all the details of its next console.

Going on sale on 5 June for an RRP of $699 for the console, the Switch 2 is available to pre-order now from a bunch of Aussie retailers like EB Games and JB Hi-Fi.

While that makes it the most expensive Nintendo console launch in Australia by a pretty significant margin, it does put it in line with the likes of Sony and Microsoft's consoles, and seems reasonable in the context of its specs.

If pre-order information is any indication, the price of Switch 2 games is also getting a significant increase. The new Mario Kart World game can be ordered for $119.95, which is a $40 increase over the launch price of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

But I digress. Let's look at the Switch 2's specs:

Nintendo Switch 2 specs

The good news is that the Switch 2 is a nice upgrade on the original Switch.

The console's 7.9-inch LCD (not OLED, unfortunately) is now 1080p, and supports a 120 Hz refresh rate with a variable refresh rate and HDR10 support. That's going to make games look nice and detailed on the go.

But when docked, things will look even better. As expected, the Switch 2 will output at 4K at 60 frames per second.

There's a 5,220 mAh battery inside, which can give you anywhere between two and six and a half hours of playtime depending on the game. There's also a big increase in internal storage to 256 GB.

If you want to expand that you definitely can, but a standard MicroSD card won't do the trick. You need to invest in a microSD Express card, up to 2 TB in capacity, to be able to play games on the external storage.

There are now two USB-C ports on the Switch 2 console – one on top and one on the bottom. The bottom one is used for docking, but the addition of a second top port lets you charge the device while playing, or connect accessories.

There's a built-in microphone and stereo speakers, but the console will output 5.1 surround when docked and can give a surround sound effect through headphones as well.

The JoyCon controllers now attach to the console magnetically, and are a bit bigger than the original Switch. Nintendo has added a 'C' button for this generation as well, which launches a "Game Chat" session.

This chat function uses the console's integrated microphone to let you talk with other players as you play. It isolates your voice from background noise, so it should come through clearly, and you can also use it to share your screen while you play.

It looks like a sleek social feature – it's probably easier to see it in action than read how it works:

Game cartridges are the same size as the original Switch, which allows for backwards compatibility, but the Switch 2 games will come in a vibrant red colour so you know what's what.

What about the games?

Yeah, you better believe Nintendo announced some games. There are a lot, in fact.

If you want a full breakdown of all the games announced, head over to Vooks' roundup. It's more comprehensive than I will ever be.

But before you do, here are the major titles to be aware of:

Mario Kart World

Mario Kart is the perfect system seller. It's one of the few games my wife will actually sit down to play with us, so this is a must-buy.

Not only does this game have all the things you know and love about Mario Kart, it also offers a free roam mode, so you can explore the world, either by yourself or with friends.

Nintendo will have a dedicated Direct for the new Mario Kart World game on April 17.

Drag X Drive

A wheelchair basketball game seems like a weird inclusion, until you realise it's a way for Nintendo to show off its mouse-like control functions with the new Switch 2 JoyCons.

I'm not sure it will be convenient to play, but it looks like it could be a bit of fun.

Donkey Kong Bananza

This just looks like fun.

Gamecube games are coming to Nintendo Classics

The Gamecube got a little lost when it first came out, but it did deliver the iconic Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, which has so far avoided being remastered.

The good news is that Nintendo Online subscribers will be able to play it and a few other Gamecube Games on the Switch 2.

Pricing and availability

As mentioned at the top of this guide, the Switch 2 is set to hit Aussie store shelves on June 5 for $699.95.

There will also be a bundle with Mario Kart World for $769.95, which is going to be the better value option if you want to pick up the console on launch day.