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After months of waiting, Nintendo Switch 2 is out now.
If you weren't quick enough to secure a preorder before stock sold out, or didn't meet the 5 strict conditions to add one to your basket on the Nintendo Store, Switch 2 consoles are available to buy from several UK retailers again.
For those who missed the announcement, Nintendo Switch 2 launched on June 5, starting from £395.99. It's the first new console from the Japanese gaming company in eight years.
Nintendo Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart World available from Nintendo Store
Nintendo has ditched four out of the five conditions imposed during the preorder period to stop scalpers buying Switch 2 consoles and reselling them at a profit. If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can order this refreshed console today. This portable console brings existing Switch games to life with a larger 1080p screen—or connect to a TV and play in up to 4K resolution. Exclusive titles, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananzawill release exclusively on the successor, which supports HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps let you enjoy vivid colour, clarity, and smooth gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World
$429.99
Exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart World + accessories available for £30 a month on EE
Nintendo Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart World available from £30 on EEEE has launched a feature-packed bundle with the powerful new Nintendo Switch 2 console, exclusive Mario Kart World game, Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, an additional pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a 24-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. That's not all, you'll also enjoy a £50 EE GameCard and 24-month EE Gamer’s and Video Data Passes — so you can tether your Switch 2 console to a smartphone and play online multiplayer from anywhere using speedy 5G mobile internet
Nintendo Switch 2 + Extra Joy-Con 2 Controllers + Camera
$30
The original Switch, a roll of the dice that combined Nintendo's handheld and home console teams, has now sold over 152 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling consoles of all time. This trendsetting console offered a portable and TV gaming in one device. With the successor, Nintendo has increased the graphical performance with 4K visuals, HDR, 120 frames-per-second, and new control methods.
Own a Nintendo Switch 2? This comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know about the new console, including the hardware specs, the critical software update you must install today, the process to transfer save date from an original Nintendo Switch, and much more.
Nintendo Switch 2 is a continuation of the winning formula from the original console, which has gone on to become second biggest-selling games console of all-time
NINTENDO PRESS OFFICEBefore you do anything on Switch 2 – install this update
First up, Nintendo has issued a new software update for the Switch 2 — and if you want to do anything with this new console, you'll need to download and install version 20.1.1.
The Nintendo Switch 2 requires an internet connection to download this essential update. Since version 20.1.1 is so critical, Nintendo has factored-in the installation as part of the setup process for the new console.
Once you've powered on the successor to the Nintendo Switch, you'll select your language and region, agree to the end-user agreement, and connect to your wireless network. Have the password for your Wi-Fi network at the ready.
Next up, Nintendo will search for the latest software version and kickstart the installation process.
GameChat, which will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, enables players to voice chat with up to 12 friends at the same time while playing — even if they are playing different games NINTENDO PRESS OFFICE With so many new consoles being powered-on across the globe today, it's possible that Nintendo's servers might be overloaded and experience some delays during the busy launch period. The company has added chilled background music and on-screen tutorials about detaching Joy-Con controllers to keep you entertained while you wait.
Nintendo Switch 2 version 20.1.1 adds the following functionality:
- Use of compatible Nintendo Switch software
- Nintendo Switch Online
- GameChat
- GameShare
- System transfer from Nintendo Switch
- Virtual game cards
- Nintendo eShop
- News
- Upload of screenshots and videos to the server
- Nintendo Switch App on a smart device is needed to view and download screenshots and videos uploaded to the server
- Link with the smart device apps Nintendo Switch Parental Controls and Nintendo Switch App
After the software update completes, you'll be required to sign-in to a Nintendo Account. To do this, scan the QR code shown on-screen or manually enter your email address and password.
Nintendo has added a new option to the Settings of the original Switch to wirelessly transfer all save data and preferences to your new Switch 2 console
NINTENDO PRESS OFFICE
How to transfer data from an original Switch to the Nintendo Switch 2
If you own an original Nintendo Switch, you can wirelessly transfer save data, system preferences, and digital purchases during the set-up process of your new console. First up, you'll need to make sure your Nintendo Switch is running the latest software version, otherwise the option to beam everything over to a Switch 2 won't appear.
Once you're running version 20.1.1, which was released on June 2, you can head to Settings > System > System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. You'll need to ensure both Nintendo Switch consoles are plugged into the mains and charging before the wireless transfer will begin.
The seamless process transfers signed-in users, digital games, save data, screenshots, videos, and system settings. Nintendo warns that save data for certain titles, including all Pokémon titles as well as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, will be removed from the original Switch during transfer.
The whole process typically takes about 10 minutes, though this varies based on data volume. If you have screenshots on a microSD card, you'll need to manually move the card to your Switch 2 when prompted.
Once complete, your digital games will automatically redownload on the Switch 2.
A final system restart completes the process.
At the midnight launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, one lucky customer celebrates picking up the sequel to the bestselling hybrid console
NINTENDO PRESS OFFICE
Whatever you do, don't touch the screen protector on your Nintendo Switch 2
Out of the box, Nintendo has fitted a plastic screen protector to the 7.9" touchscreen on the front of the Switch 2. While some smartphones and tablets require you to remove the plastic covering on the screen as part of the unboxing process, that is not the case with this hybrid console.
Nintendo has been forced to issue a specific warning about the screen on the Switch 2 — do not remove the protective film that comes pre-applied. The company states in the console's instruction manual that "the screen is covered with a film layer designed to prevent fragments scattering in the event of damage."
This isn't a temporary shipping protector meant for removal. The film serves as a safety feature, ensuring that if your screen breaks, glass fragments won't scatter and potentially cause injury. The same protective layer was included on the Switch OLED Model released in 2021, though many owners apparently never noticed this warning.
Samsung faced similar confusion in 2019 when reviewers removed protective layers from Galaxy Fold devices, rendering them unusable. If you want additional screen protection, Nintendo offers official screen protectors bundled with its official carrying cases for £20.99.
Nintendo Switch 2 sports a larger screen, new black colourway, and redesigned kickstand for on-the-go gamingNINTENDO PRESS OFFICE Key Features of Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo has built its new console on the foundation of its predecessor. The system maintains the same hybrid design that made the original Switch such a hit, allowing seamless transitions between handheld, tabletop, and TV gaming.
You can pause the action on the big screen, drop the Switch into your backpack and resume where you left off on the train, bus, or your next longhaul flight. All Switch games are compatible with these different gameplay methods, with a slight hit to the graphical fideillty when in handheld mode.
The console includes a built-in microphone for the new GameChat feature, enabling voice communication with up to 12 friends during gameplay. A second USB-C port on top provides connectivity for accessories like the optional £44.99 Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which adds a video call to proceedings.
GameChat feature remains free until 31st March 2026, after which it requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
The optional camera accessory lets players video call with friends while playing the same game — or something completely different — via GameChat. It was also be used to drop you and your friends into the game in local and online multiplayer in supported titles, like Mario Party Jamboree (pictured)
NINTENDO PRESS OFFICE
Several first-party titles support GameShare at launch, including Super Mario Odyssey's co-op mode and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's two-player features. Game upgrades vary: some titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet receive free performance patches, whilst The Legend of Zelda games require paid upgrade packs costing £9.99, though these are included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriptions.
The Switch 2 includes 256GB of internal storage, though approximately 232GB remains available after system software and the day-one update. This represents nearly eight times more space than the original Switch's 32GB.
Storage expansion requires microSD Express cards, not standard microSD cards used in the original Switch.
Nintendo's UK store offers 256GB cards from Samsung and SanDisk for £49.99, whilst Amazon stocks 128GB options for under £40. Combined with internal storage, a 256GB card provides 488GB total capacity. Larger 512GB microSD Express cards exist at £94 but remain sold out across major retailers including Amazon, Smyths, and Argos.
Given the increased file sizes of Switch 2 games and enhanced versions of original titles, investing in additional storage appears prudent for maintaining both old and new game libraries.
Other improvements include:
- The new Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically rather than sliding on rails, with small buttons near the ZL and ZR triggers for detachment. Both controllers feature optical sensors enabling mouse functionality when placed on flat surfaces, ideal for strategy games like Civilization VII or aiming in shooters.
- The 7.9-inch LCD display delivers 1080p resolution in handheld mode with up to 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support, a substantial upgrade from the original's 6.2-inch 720p screen.
- Nvidia's custom processor delivers "10x the graphics performance" compared to the original Switch, featuring ray tracing capabilities and DLSS upscaling technology.
You'll find the console supports backwards compatibility with most original Switch games, though Nintendo has identified over 100 titles that may experience issues.
Accessories carry premium prices, with the Pro Controller at £69.99 and additional Joy-Con 2 controllers at £79.99. The console launched worldwide today, but stock availability remains challenging at UK retailers.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch: Head-To-Head Comparison
Nintendo Switch 2 is more evolution than revolution.
This hybrid console represents a substantial upgrade across every major specification compared to its eight-year-old predecessor, from the touchscreen display to graphical performance.
Find below a summary of how these two consoles stack-up.
| Feature | Nintendo Switch (2017) | Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| UK Launch Price | £279.99 (2017) for base model | £395.99 standalone; £429.99 bundle with Mario Kart World |
| Screen Size | 6.2″ LCD | 7.9″ LCD (larger, sharper viewing experience) |
| Resolution | 1280 × 720 handheld; up to 1080p via dock | 1080p handheld, up to 4K when docked |
| Panel Features | Basic LCD, no HDR | HDR support + 120 Hz refresh rate |
| Processor & GPU | Nvidia Tegra X1 (256-core Maxwell GPU) | Custom Nvidia chip (“T239” Ampere-based GPU, DLSS-ready) |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4 | Likely 12 GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage (Internal) | 32GB built-in, expandable via microSD | 256GB built-in, expandable via microSD Express |
| Battery Life | Estimated ~4.5–9 hrs depending on game | Estimated ~6–10 hrs depending on game |
| Docked Graphics | Up to 1080p, 60 fps cap | Native 4K, with upscaling via DLSS |
| Joy-Con Improvements | Detachable, no magnetic rail | Detachable, uses magnetic attachment, larger buttons, improved haptics, and optical mouse functionality |
| Backward Compatibility | Full support for Switch and most digital Wii U/3DS | Full support for Switch library and exclusive Switch 2 titles |
| New Features | – | GameShare and GameChat (video) |
| Launch Game From Nintendo | Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Mario Kart World |
Nintendo Switch 2 UK stock
After weeks of sold-out Switch 2 stock in the UK, there was a flurry of fresh deliveries on release day (June 5) in some of the biggest UK retailers, with Amazon, Argos, and EE all offering orders.
Missed out on Nintendo Switch 2 preorders? Don't worry — new stock has arrived at several online retailers.
- View Deal | Order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle from EE Store
- View Deal | Order Nintendo Switch 2 console with Nintendo Switch Online from EE
- View Deal | Order Nintendo Switch 2 console on Currys
- View Deal | Order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle on Nintendo Store
- View Deal | Order Nintendo Switch 2 console on Nintendo Store
- View Deal | Order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle on Argos
Mobile network EE also has Nintendo Switch 2 stock on release date, as well as an exclusive bundle with accessories, a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, and 5G data to play online from anywhere.
Currys didn't offer home delivery for its preorders, asking customers who wanted the must-have console on launch day to head in-store to order for collection. However, with Nintendo Switch 2 out now, Currys is taking online orders again.
However, some major UK retailers are still sold out, including John Lewis and AO.com. Amazon UK had restocked both versions of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch bundles, but these sold-out in a matter of hours.
Meanwhile, Asda has confirmed that it will stock the "highly anticipated" Nintendo Switch 2 in 80 of its stores nationwide, but not online.
There are two versions of the Nintendo Switch 2 available at launch. Nintendo Switch 2 will be available as a standalone console for £395.99. It was also be sold in a bundle with Mario Kart World for for £429.99.
Given that Mario Kart World alone costs£74.99 for a physical Game Card, and £66.99 as a digital purchase from the eShop, the Switch 2 bundle represents a decent saving.
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