Nintendo Switch 2 launch day build-up live: all the latest news, updates, and our thoughts ahead of the console's release
Nintendo Switch 2 is here. Join us as we cover its launch live and as events unfold.
It’s been a long road to the Switch 2 launch day, and the console hasn’t been without its leaks or controversies. From retailers canceling pre-orders to price increases for games and accessories, there’s no shortage of Switch 2 news that’s left a sour taste.
On the flipside, there is plenty to be excited about with Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Kart World is arriving on launch day, third-party support appears to be a major step-up, new features like GameChat could vastly improve the online play experience, and updates to some existing Nintendo Switch 2 games will make them look and run better than ever.
Like a kid on Christmas Eve, this final day before the Nintendo Switch 2 launch may feel as long as the time between now and its official announcement way back in January. But that’s why we’re here. At TechRadar Gaming, we’ve been covering huge console and game launches for years - everything from reviews of Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox systems to key live events like Nintendo Direct and Summer Game Fest presentations. On that note, we’re confident we’ll be able to provide an interesting and informative live run-up to the Switch 2’s launch.
We’ll also be keeping things running on launch day and beyond with our first impressions on the console, its games, accessories, and features. But for now, our early impressions as they happen will hopefully help to inform your own opinions on the console if you’ve held off from purchasing - or to simply give you something fun and informative to read while you wait for your unit to be delivered.
Nintendo Switch 2 launch games
Before we dive into the live coverage proper, here's a quick glance at all the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games you can expect to purchase and play on June 5.
- Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
- Fortnite
- Split Fiction
- Fast Fusion
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Hitman World of Assassination - Signature Edition
- Sonic x Shadow Generations
- Deltarune
- Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER
- Survival Kids
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launch games
In addition to the above, a number of existing Switch titles will be receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Edition versions on launch day. These are paid upgrades that either add significant content to the base game or otherwise improve its performance up to 4K 60fps, or 1080p 120fps with enhanced image quality.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Sid Meier's Civilization 7
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Free Nintendo Switch game updates
Finally, a dozen Nintendo Switch games are set to receive free updates on June 5. These are set to provide upgrades to resolution, frame rates, and image quality, or otherwise provide enhanced features like GameChat and HDR support. They are as follows:
- Pokémon Scarlet
- Pokémon Violet
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
- Super Mario Odyssey
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Game Builder Garage
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics / 51 Worldwide Games
- Arms
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Welcome to our Nintendo Switch 2 live coverage!
Good morning, US friends, and good afternoon to those of you in the UK! The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is almost upon us, happening tomorrow, June 5. It’s felt like a pretty long wait from its official announcement at the start of the year, but given how fast the year’s gone by, also not too much!
If you’ve managed to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, you’ll probably be receiving a tracking email from your retailer of choice soon, if you haven’t already. So to start things off, a friendly reminder to keep an eye on your email inbox!
I’ll be receiving my pre-ordered Switch 2 console tomorrow, and I’m excited to get stuck in with Mario Kart World, and experiencing Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at what I hope is a buttery smooth 4K 60fps.
Starting with this live blog, there’s going to be plenty of Nintendo Switch 2 coverage in the coming weeks at TechRadar Gaming. And if you’ve struggled to secure a unit for yourself, you can also check out our launch day stock live hub, manned by our managing editor Rob Dwiar, who will be doing his best to spot stock at retailers across the US and UK.
Nvidia’s CEO is as excited for Switch 2 as you are
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is the subject of Nintendo’s latest Creator’s Voice video. The tech company developed the original Switch’s custom Tegra X1 system-on-a-chip, and it also created the Switch 2’s custom processor, too.
In the video, Huang claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 has the “most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device.” And that could well be true; the Switch 2 handheld supports 1080p resolution at framerates up to 120fps. The device also has support for HDR for brighter, more accurate colors.
