Nintendo announces the much-awaited Switch 2
With little to no information about an India launch what has changed since 201
The launch of Nintendo’s successor to its 2017 hybrid console – the “Switch” is one of the most awaited gaming moments in 2025. Succeeding one of the most popular consoles of all time is no easy task and Nintendo has taken its time to squeeze out every ounce of power from the aging Nvidia Tegras in the original Switch while perfecting what the successor can offer.
The “Switch 2,” announced on Wednesday, April 2 is set to launch on June 5 to compete against a slew of handheld and portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck, the MSI Claw 8 AI , and the revamped Asus ROG Flow 13 with AMD’s Strix Point processors.
What do early impressions and claims indicate?
As with any console, we need a lot of time with the device up close to confirm performance capabilities and the features it offers. With a console like the Switch (2), time required is often even longer because of the many play modes it offers. The 7.9-inch LCD screen (not an OLED) is expected to be brighter and more vivid and games are expected to run up to a 1080p resolution undocked, and performance can boost up to 4K, 120 Hz when docked.
The Switch’s 2 dock has a cooling system in place and the joy cons are expected to be better tuned and resistant to the stick-drift issues that plagued the last-gen ones. Most game reviewers in their early impressions, have mentioned better build quality, larger on-board storage and the benefits of the new magnet-based joy con attachment system.
What to be skeptical about?
The Switch 2 launches at a time of uncertainty, on the June 5 it is expected to be priced at USD 449 and the cost of the Mario Kart World that launches with it is expected to be higher too. The joy cons can used as mice like pointer devices and it will be interesting to see if this is functionality is more of a launch gimmick or would game developers use it meaningfully.
We have little information about the device’s battery capability and this is essential because the Switch remains the best device to game on during long-flights and train travel.
As the preorder windows open globally, it will be prudent to wait and watch because a lot about the launch is still unknown. For example, we know little about the upgrade packs that one must buy for the Switch 2 editions of classics like Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby’s Adventure.
Does India receive the Switch 2?
Nintendo’s overlooking of the Indian gaming market looks likely to continue with the Switch 2 as well. No Nintendo console has officially sold in India in recent memory and while there are rumors about a launch strategy being explored, I don’t expect much of it.
This also means that the gray market and scalpers will offer fans an avenue to get their Nintendo fix but with no support and after sales service there is little reason to consider getting one.
On the gray market, the device will likely come at an additional premium and at that price you are entering ROG Ally and Legion Go territory.
For now, I recommend to wait and watch. If you still desperately need a Switch 2, maybe consider 7.a quick flight to Dubai or Singapore? It is expected to launch in Singapore in Q3.
