Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World Launch: Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo's Biggest Release Yet

Nintendo has ushered in a new era in gaming with the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World, marking the company's first major console innovation in eight years.

The Nintendo Switch 2, now available globally, comes with over 20 launch titles, bringing fresh experiences and state-of-the-art features to both dedicated Nintendo fans and newcomers alike. A Landmark Launch for Nintendo The excitement around Nintendo Switch 2’s launch was palpable, with simultaneous celebration events hosted at Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO and Nintendo NEW YORK, drawing crowds of fans eager to be among the first to experience the new system.

The coast-to-coast celebrations included interactive demo stations, gameplay showings, and exclusive photo ops for attendees.

The first purchases were made at 9 p.m.

PT in San Francisco and 12 a.m.

ET in New York, underlining the scale and significance of the release. Nintendo Switch 2: Hardware and Feature Highlights Building upon the phenomenal foundation of the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 delivers key upgrades designed to enhance connectivity, gameplay, and versatility: - **Expanded Social Play:** The Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a built-in online feature letting up to 12 friends and family play together and communicate in real-time.

By connecting a compatible USB-C camera, up to four users can video chat while gaming. - **Next-Gen Performance:** The system features a powerful CPU and GPU, delivering enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay.

Its 7.9-inch full HD LCD screen supports 1080p resolution, while the new dock enables up to 4K output and up to 120 fps in supported titles. - **Improved Controls:** Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically and support new mouse-like controls for compatible games, delivering greater versatility and comfort.

- **Generous Storage:** The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts 256 GB of internal storage—eight times greater than its predecessor—ensuring ample space for today’s content-rich games. - **Enhanced Audio and Features:** Crisp 3D audio, spatial sound, variable refresh rate (VRR) for smooth frame rates, increased accessibility options, multiple USB-C ports, and a freely adjustable stand elevate the console’s usability in all play modes. Ongoing Support and Exclusive Benefits Free updates are now available for select Nintendo Switch games via Switch 2, bringing features like GameShare—which allows friends and family to share supported titles even if they do not own the game.

Members of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack gain access to upgraded editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at no extra cost, and can explore a curated Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library, featuring F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and SOULCALIBUR II. Mario Kart World: The Ultimate Racing Experience Mario Kart World debuts as the franchise’s most ambitious entry yet.

For the first time, up to 24 players can race simultaneously across dynamic, interconnected environments.

The game introduces new modes such as Knockout Tour, where lagging drivers are progressively eliminated, and Free Roam, which offers hundreds of solo missions as well as exploration with friends both locally and online.

Fan-favorite modes like Grand Prix and Battle have been reimagined, utilizing Switch 2’s GameChat and CameraPlay features for a more immersive social experience. Launch Lineup and Future Releases In addition to Mario Kart World, more than 20 titles from first- and third-party developers are launching alongside Switch 2.

Highlights include: - Split Fiction - Street Fighter 6 - Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (with full touch screen and gyro support) - Fortnite (now at 60 fps with improved textures and physics) - Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition The initial slate also includes Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer, BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster, Hogwarts Legacy, and more, available both in retail stores and via Nintendo eShop.

Upcoming tentpole titles, such as Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17), Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (October 16), and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, demonstrate Nintendo’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, diverse experiences. Availability and Pricing The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99 USD, with a Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle available at $499.99 USD.

Accessories, including the new Joy-Con 2 controllers and a wireless Nintendo GameCube-inspired controller, can be purchased separately.

For further details and the latest offers, visit Nintendo.com. Nintendo continues to innovate, blending legacy franchises with fresh technology, and the Nintendo Switch 2 stands as the company’s boldest step forward yet—all while ensuring smiles reach gamers everywhere: all together, anytime, anywhere.

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