The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch globally this Thursday, June 5, 2025, bringing technological innovations and specific user guidelines. The Japanese company, known for its hybrid consoles, emphasized the importance of keeping the factory-installed screen protector on the device, crucial for preventing glass fragmentation in case of drops or impacts. Priced at $449.99 in the United States and R$2,999.90 in Brazil, the console hits stores alongside titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Nintendo’s headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, detailed the recommendations in the user manual, aiming to ensure user safety and device durability. The focus on protection and care reflects the company’s strategy to serve millions of players in markets like Brazil, the United States, and Europe.
The console, succeeding the original Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, retains the hybrid concept, functioning as a portable device or connected to a TV. The new version features a 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution, 256 GB of internal storage, and magnetic Joy-Cons. Nintendo also updated its mobile app, now called Nintendo Switch App, with features like GameChat for player communication.
- Key features of the Switch 2:
- 7.9-inch screen with HDR and 120 Hz support.
- Backward compatibility with most original Switch games.
- GameChat system for voice and video, free until March 2026.
- Expandable storage via microSD Express cards.
Screen protector enhances safety
The factory-installed screen protector on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a highlight of the company’s guidelines. Designed to prevent glass shards from scattering in case of a break, it was developed with materials that increase screen durability. Nintendo clarifies that the protector does not replace additional screen guards, allowing users to apply traditional protectors to prevent scratches.
This approach is not new. Previous models, such as the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch OLED, also included similar safety protectors. The practice demonstrates the company’s commitment to player safety, especially for a portable device prone to drops. The recommendation is to avoid removing the protector, as its absence may increase the risk of injury in accidents.
The Switch 2 manual details that the protector was tested to withstand moderate impacts, though the company does not disclose specific test data. The guideline underscores the importance of keeping the device in optimal condition, particularly for families with children, who often use the console in portable mode.
Battery care and longevity
Nintendo also included instructions in the Switch 2 manual to preserve the lithium-ion battery, which has an estimated autonomy of 2 to 6.5 hours, depending on usage. The company recommends charging the console at least once every six months, even when not in use, to prevent permanent battery damage.
This practice is common in electronic devices, as batteries left discharged for extended periods may lose capacity or fail entirely. The guideline is especially relevant for collectors or users who switch between multiple consoles, ensuring the Switch 2 remains functional for years.
- Battery maintenance tips:
- Charge the console in environments with temperatures between 5°C and 35°C.
- Avoid frequent full discharges.
- Use the official USB-C charger provided by Nintendo.
- Enable battery preservation mode, which limits charging to 90%.
The company also suggests using the battery preservation mode, available in the system settings. When activated, the feature stops charging at 90%, reducing chemical wear on the battery over time.
Suitable usage environments
The Switch 2 manual provides recommendations on ideal environments for using the console. Nintendo advises avoiding dusty, smoky, or highly humid locations, such as old libraries, nightclubs, or kitchens during food preparation. These conditions can compromise internal components, such as the cooling system or USB-C connectors.
The company specifies that the console should be operated in temperatures between 5°C and 35°C and humidity levels of 20% to 80%. These guidelines help prevent overheating, especially during extended sessions of demanding games, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in docked mode with 4K resolution.
Users are also advised to keep the console away from soft surfaces, such as sofas or beds, which can block air vents. The Switch 2 dock includes a built-in fan to improve heat dissipation, but proper ventilation remains essential.
Backward compatibility and limitations
The Nintendo Switch 2 offers backward compatibility with most original Switch games, both in physical and digital formats. Titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Animal Crossing: New Horizons can be played without updates, though some games have minor issues, listed as “under investigation” by Nintendo.
However, the console does not support streaming apps, such as Crunchyroll or YouTube, which were available on the previous model. The decision surprised some users, as the original Switch was used not only for gaming but also as a multimedia platform. Nintendo has not indicated whether it plans to reintroduce these apps in the future.
- Games compatible with backward compatibility:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
- Super Mario Party Jamboree.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
The company also launched “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” versions for some games, featuring graphical improvements, new modes, and integration with the Nintendo Switch App. These upgrade packs are available for purchase on the eShop for owners of the original versions.
Nintendo Switch App updates
The Nintendo mobile app, now renamed Nintendo Switch App, was updated to accompany the Switch 2 launch. The GameChat feature enables voice and video communication between players, using the console’s built-in microphone or compatible headsets. The function will be free until March 31, 2026, requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription afterward.
Another addition is the automatic upload of screenshots and videos to the app, simplifying sharing on social media or among friends. The feature is particularly useful for games like Mario Kart World, which supports up to 24 players in online races.
- Nintendo Switch App features:
- GameChat with noise cancellation for clear audio.
- Automatic upload of screenshots and videos.
- Integration with Zelda Notes for maps and annotations.
- Support for QR codes to share creations.
Accessories and innovative features
The Switch 2 Joy-Cons bring significant improvements, such as magnetic attachment to the console and greater resistance to drift, a common issue in previous models. Each Joy-Con can function as an optical mouse in compatible games, like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Civilization 7, offering enhanced control precision.
Nintendo also released a new Pro Controller with remappable buttons and GameChat support, along with a $49.99 USB-C camera. The accessory allows players to integrate their image into games like Super Mario Party Jamboree or during chat sessions.
Launch and availability in Brazil
In Brazil, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be sold in two versions: the standard model for R$2,999.90 and a bundle with Mario Kart World for R$3,299.90. Pre-orders began in April, but high demand caused instability on retailer websites like Amazon and Magazine Luiza. Game localization in Brazilian Portuguese, including titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, is a highlight for the local market.
Initial stock sold out quickly in several regions, with 2.2 million pre-orders recorded in Japan. Nintendo plans “Switch 2 Experience” events in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, allowing fans to test the console before the official launch.
Advanced technical specifications
The Switch 2 represents a technological leap over its predecessor. The 7.9-inch screen supports HDR and a 120 Hz refresh rate, while docked mode enables 4K resolution at 60 fps in compatible games. The console features 12 GB of DDR5X RAM and an NVIDIA chip with DLSS support, delivering performance close to a PlayStation 4 in portable mode.
The 256 GB internal storage can be expanded up to 2 TB with microSD Express cards, a novelty compared to the standard microSD cards of the original Switch. Nintendo also included two USB-C ports, one for charging and another for accessories, such as the camera.
- Key Switch 2 specifications:
- Processor: NVIDIA chip with DLSS.
- Memory: 12 GB DDR5X.
- Resolution: 1080p in portable mode, 4K in docked mode.
- Storage: 256 GB internal, expandable up to 2 TB.
Market strategy and expectations
Nintendo is banking on a combination of advanced hardware and exclusive games to replicate the success of the original Switch, which sold over 150 million units. The inclusion of third-party titles, such as Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077, broadens the console’s appeal to players seeking experiences beyond the company’s traditional franchises.
The company also announced partnerships, such as with Major League Baseball, which will display the Switch 2 logo on the Seattle Mariners’ uniforms in the 2025 season. The advertising campaign features actor Paul Rudd, reinforcing the brand’s nostalgic appeal.