Everybody knew the Nintendo Switch 2 was coming… after all, it’s been eight years since the original Switch launched and in the last few years, the original Switch just could not play any modern games. Technically those games do run, but at ‘potato speed’ as the kids call it. I bought a few games that just sucked on the Switch that I gave up on that system when I got the Steam Deck (which was then replaced by the ROG Ally).

With today’s Nintendo Direct, they revealed that the Switch 2 will come out on June 5, 2025… and it can finally run games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077! The system chip hasn’t been disclosed, but leaked information suggested it is a Nvidia Tegra T239, which is said to be, in terms of power, like an old PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. That’s a few generations behind, but it’s Nintendo, you know they’re never on the bleeding edge.

The most interesting thing to come out of their Direct is that the system will only support microSD express expansion. The express architecture is much faster than standard SD cards. For example, a standard 10 is 10mb/s transfer speed vs a standard Express is about 300mb/s (it currently supports up to 600mb/s).

The transfer speed makes a huge difference, especially for large game files. I did wish that Nintendo would have adopted CFExpress, which is much faster (like 3,000mb/s), as I’ve experienced the speed for myself when I upgraded the storage on my Sony Camera to CFexpress Type A.

Unfortunately, the faster speed will come at a cost, as I know MicroSD Express cards are triple the price of standard SD cards.

The other cool thing about the Switch 2 is that with the dock (which comes with a built-in fan), it will support up to 4k at 60hz and will also support mouse control (so those strategy games will work on the Switch!)

The secretive “C” button turns out to be a Chat button. You press the button and some voice control shows up on the Switch. You can chat with your friends, and with the camera accessory (a $50 webcam), you can also show your face on screen. I don’t think it’s such an amazing innovation, but it’s a much better solution than their previous chat feature (which requires you to download an app on your phone and sending a friend codes – it was a mess).

As for the price, they didn’t make the announcement on the Direct, but with pre-order page lists that the Switch 2 will cost $450. You can also get a bundle with the new Mario Kart for $500. The price is comparable with the entry-level Steam Deck, which costs $350 and their official dock is $80.

Speaking of prices, Nintendo games are now $90 ($10 discount if you get digitally). Their Switch 2 tutorial will cost money. Upgrade of your existing games will also cost money… meaning you have to re-buy all your Switch games again! Playing Gamecube games will require a subscription (you can’t just buy these games). Video chat will eventually require a subscription (it’s free until 2026). With that said, owning the Switch 2 will come with that Nintendo tax that is a little too much for me. Especially, because these basic functions are free on a regular PC.

So, if you can swing it, I would recommend just getting the ROG Ally or Legion Go instead. Those system, because they’re using Windows, it will allow you to run PC, PS5 (using Steam), Nintendo games (through emulations), and Xbox games (using the Xbox App). Most features, like online game and chatting with your friends, is free on the PC. Plus, because it’s Windows, you can run Office and Photoshop and whatever runs on Windows!

Anyway, I’ll admit that the $90 price tag was the one single thing that made up my mind about leaving Nintendo behind on this generation. It does paint a bad dark picture for the future of video game pricing. If new games are going to cost $90, going forward, I’m never playing new games. I already have problems with paying a $60 game, and the last few games I have gotten through Xbox Game Pass (Starfield, Avowed) or free on the Epic Store (Vampire Survivor) or on sale. The most I’ve paid this year was $35 to get early access to Path of Exile 2.