Nintendo will release its Switch 2 games platform — successor to the Switch, its best-selling home console of all time — in Australia on June 5. It will cost $700, which is $230 more than the current price of the original Switch, but comparable to the price of Sony and Microsoft’s latest systems.

Like the original Switch, the Switch 2 can be connected to a TV for standard console play, or taken on the go for use as a handheld machine. But the new machine is bigger, features redesigned controllers that attach magnetically, has an integrated voice and video chat system and is significantly more powerful.

It features a Full HD 7.9-inch HDR touchscreen that can run at up to 120Hz for smooth gameplay, and comes with a TV dock that can output in 4K with an integrated fan to maintain performance. The new controllers can be dragged around on a surface to act like computer mice.

The new machine will play Switch 2 exclusive games as well as those made for the original Switch, some of which can be upgraded to Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games with extra features for a fee. Examples given include The Legend of Zelda games Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, which can be upgraded with better graphics and a feature that connects to your smartphone to give you directions.

The console was detailed in a “Nintendo Direct” broadcast overnight, which also showed off a number of new games. Mario Kart World will launch alongside the system, and features a massive open continent for players to drive around, while action adventure Donkey Kong Bananza will arrive in July.

From third party developers, the broadcast showed off Elden Ring from FromSoftware, as well as a new and exclusive FromSoftware game called The Duskbloods. Other games coming to Switch 2 include Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Star Wars Outlaws and Hogwarts Legacy.

The system features a new C button which is used to summon chat controls, and the chat functionality can also be moderated by the existing parental controls app. The system works with the existing Switch Online subscription which provides access to cloud save data and retro classics, with Switch 2 adding Nintendo GameCube games to the lineup. Voice and video chat will require a subscription.

Because of the upgraded storage requirements, the Switch 2 will not work with existing microSD cards, only with the new and more expensive microSD Express format. However, the internal storage of the system has been increased to 256GB, meaning more games can be stored before an SD card is required.

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