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Nintendo's New Switch Hits $450: Launch Set for June 5 Worldwide

Unknown gamers, news, nintendo switch, video game consoles, video game industry

The company's first entirely new platform in eight years, the Switch 2 has the potential to lift sales for game makers and retailers

 Nintendo will release its new Switch 2 console on June 5, seeking to keep the No 1 spot in video-game devices with a new version of the top-selling model it introduced in 2017.


 The new product would start at US$450 in the US, the company said Wednesday, an increase from the US$300 the company charged for the original Switch.


 Shares of Nintendo fell 5.9 per cent Thursday morning in Tokyo, part of a broader sell-off on fears that
 tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump
 would harm Asian exporters. Some of Nintendo's consoles are assembled in Vietnam and Cambodia, which are facing particularly high levies.


 Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with
 SCMP Knowledge
 , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.


 Nintendo revealed details of the machine during an hour-long livestream, including a new chat feature and a separate video camera. The company also announced several new games, including
 Mario Kart World
 , a new entry in the popular Mario Kart series, which will release alongside the system.

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 One of the biggest surprises was the reveal of a new game from the acclaimed Japanese developer FromSoftware, called
 The Duskbloods
 , that will be out next year as a Switch 2 exclusive.


 The company's first entirely new platform in eight years, the Switch 2 has the potential to lift sales for game makers and retailers after what has been a lacklustre three years for the industry.


 To buoy sales, Nintendo is also leaning on a large line-up of third-party games that were not playable on the previous Switch, including old entries in franchises such as
 Street Fighter
 and
 Final Fantasy.


 Rather than asking customers to start from scratch, as it did with most of its previous consoles, Nintendo is instead taking an iterative approach. The Switch 2 resembles the Switch, with its large screen and detachable controllers, but is slightly bigger. Like its predecessor, the Switch 2 will play games both on the go and on a television using a dedicated docking station. The new machine can play almost every Switch game as well as games that will be developed exclusively for Switch 2.

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 The Switch 2 will also have some additional features, such as allowing players to flip over the controllers and use them as a computer mouse for playing certain games.


 The Switch 2 controller includes a button dedicated to a new feature called GameChat. Players will be able to use it to talk to friends using the system's built-in microphone and can share their screen with friends while playing games. A separately sold camera will allow users to appear on screen while playing, much like they would while streaming on Twitch or YouTube.


 Although the Switch 2 is still not as graphically proficient as rivals PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the new power boost has allowed Nintendo to court third-party publishers such as Bandai Namco Entertainment, which said that the popular action role-playing game
 Elden Ring
 will be on the new system. Capcom's
 Street Fighter 6
 and Electronic Arts' sports games
 Madden NFL
 and
 EA Sports FC
 will also come to Switch 2.


 Some old Switch games would be enhanced for Switch 2 and support the system's new features, Nintendo said, showing off an iteration of last year's
 Super Mario Party Jamboree
 that allows players to use the camera and mouse controls. Existing owners of the game will be able to pay for an upgrade.


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 This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.


 Copyright © 2025. South ChinaMorning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nintendo's New Switch Hits $450: Launch Set for June 5 Worldwide

Unknown gamers, news, nintendo switch, video game consoles, video game industry

The company's first entirely new platform in eight years, the Switch 2 has the potential to lift sales for game makers and retailers Nintendo will release its new Switch 2 console on June 5, seeking …

Nintendo Direct Unveiled: Switch 2 Release Date, Price, and All the Exciting Details!

Unknown news, nintendo, nintendo switch, video game consoles, video games

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 On Wednesday, April 2,
 Nintendo
 is about to surpass all expectations
 Nintendo Switch 2
 However, what exactly does that entail?


 Back in January
 , Nintendo has already provided us with a short look at the device and an even shorter peek at a new one.
 
 Mario Kart
 
 The game was operational, though that comprised our entire update for now. Additionally, we were assured that further details would be shared on April 2 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. With just around three tense months left until then, let’s delve into what might unfold during the forthcoming Nintendo Direct live stream event.

<h2>
 What to anticipate during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Livestream?
</h2>

 You can view the Nintendo Direct stream on
 Nintendo's YouTube channel
 When the moment arrives, here’s what we believe will be part of it.

<h2>
 Swap the price and release date.
</h2>

 The sole aspect guaranteed to appear in this stream, apart from one game we’ll discuss shortly, is details regarding theSwitch 2’s release. Nintendo will undoubtedly share the exact date of theconsole's launch along with its price tag.


 It's difficult to provide more details until we get firsthand confirmation, but currently, we do possess certain information to utilize.
 Insider Gaming
 It was reported this week that Nintendo intends to release the console in June alongside a limited selection of first-party games initially, followed by additional third-party titles rolling out over the coming months.


 Regarding the cost, recently
 Bloomberg report
 suggested that the console will be priced at
 
 at least
 
 $400. This aspect of the Switch 2 has been challenging to pin down before the Direct due to the changing economic landscape caused by President Trump’s tariff policies. Personally, I would wager that the price will be precisely $399.99; this is merely an informed speculation.

<h2>
 Swap two controllers; updated console functions
</h2>

 Currently, the primary aspects of the Switch 2 hardware that set it apart from the original Switch are its larger size and increased processing power. It’s generally anticipated that it will have performance capabilities similar to those of a PlayStation 4 Pro, or perhaps slightly better.
 Steam Deck
 , potentially featuring the capability to enhance game resolution up to 4K through DLSS technology.


 Certainly, things might turn out to be more complex. The promotional clip released in January hinted at the possibility of using a Joy-Con controller similar to how one would operate a computer mouse.
 recently filed patents
 From Nintendo, let’s delve into this further as the purpose isn’t quite evident just yet; however, that’s precisely why we have the Direct presentation. Expect potentially an overview of the console-level operating system along with possible previews of enhanced online capabilities, should they be available. Additionally, there remains a mysterious “C” button on the updated Joy-Con controllers whose function is currently unknown and open to speculation.

<h2>
 Switch 2 launch games
</h2>

 If you haven’t watched a Nintendo Direct before, they’re typically very streamlined. Without new hardware to display, these events generally consist mostly of video clips showcasing upcoming games interspersed occasionally with brief segments featuring an eloquently composed gentleman in formal attire speaking directly to viewers. Since this particular broadcast centers around fresh console hardware, it’s likely we’ll see somewhat more “suit-clad individuals discussing features” compared to typical Directs; however, I anticipate that the majority of content will spotlight brand-new titles for the Switch 2.


 Sadly, there's just one game confirmed for this event so far, and it's an unannounced new title.
 
 Mario Kart
 
 The game made an appearance in theSwitch 2 teaservideo back in January, where viewers caught just a glimpse—showing twice as many racers, upfrom 12 to 24 competing in a single race. Beyond these details gleaned from mereseconds of screen time, everything else remains speculative. It seems plausiblethat this could serveas oneofthelaunch titlesfor thenewconsole.


 That’s everything we currently have to go on, unfortunately. The best I can do is speculate on what else might appear during this Direct. It’s unlikely that there will be a new
 
 The Legend of Zelda
 
 game because
 
 Tears of the Kingdom
 
 and
 
 Echoes of Wisdom
 
 has been released in the last couple of years; however, I wouldn't dismiss the possibility of an improved version of a previous title.
 
 Zelda
 
 title.
 
 Metroid Prime 4
 
 It remains quite likely, possibly even launching initially, considering its extensive development timeline and the fact that we have not witnessed it since.
 Nintendo re-revealed it
 last summer.


 
 Xenoblade
 
 The series developer, MonolithSoft, might offer us a sneak peek at their upcoming project for Switch 2 as well. Additionally, we can anticipate seeing the next major 3D installment.
 
 Mario
 
 At some point during this direct, we might see a game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s also a launch title. Even if it isn’t, it could still release within this holiday season.


 Aside from these elements, it's quite challenging to predict what Nintendo might unveil. There’s still a small chance, albeit slim, that they could revive an inactive franchise like
 
 Star Fox
 
 or
 
 F-Zero
 
 is brought back to life, and it's likely we might learn about the following one.
 
 Fire Emblem
 
 and
 
 Animal Crossing
 
 Games, however, none of these are assured to appear in this Direct.


 I wish I could just hibernate until Wednesday morning.


 If you liked this tale, make sure to follow
 DIWIDA
 on MSN.

Nintendo Direct Unveiled: Switch 2 Release Date, Price, and All the Exciting Details!

Unknown news, nintendo, nintendo switch, video game consoles, video games

On Wednesday, April 2, Nintendo is about to surpass all expectations Nintendo Switch 2 However, what exactly does that entail? Back in January , Nintendo has already provided us with a short l…

'Shenmue': Crowned the Most Influential Video Game Ever by UK Gamers

Unknown gamers, gaming, video game consoles, video game industry, video games

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CbwDx" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CbwDx.jpg"/>

 In 1999, the action game titled "Shenmue" was proclaimed as the most impactful video game ever on a Thursday after a poll conducted by BAFTA, an organization based in Britain known for recognizing achievements in film, TV, and video games.


 The series, crafted by Japanese designer Yu Suzuki, follows a young Ryo Hazuki as he pursues vengeance for his father’s murder, which was committed by an enigmatic master of martial arts.


 The game consists of three parts (Shenmue I, II, and III) and when the first part came out, it had the highest production costs ever for a video game up until that point.


 Although the third installment could be played on PlayStation 4 and PC, the initial pair set the stage for the short-lived history of the Dreamcast console. This system marked one of the earliest entries in what became known as the sixth generation of consoles when it was launched by Japanese company Sega back in 1998.


 As a cult favorite amongst numerous players, "Shenmue" stands out as an innovator in the realm of open-world gaming and introduced the widely recognized "quick time event." This gameplay element challenges the player to execute particular actions within a set timeframe.


 "Games represent an incredibly inventive power, and it’s fantastic to acknowledge those titles that have genuinely influenced the direction of our industry," stated Luke Hebblethwaite, who leads the BAFTA video games department.


 Yu Suzuki expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude for seeing "Shenmue" rank first in the poll. He extended his thanks to fans worldwide for their ongoing love and support of the game.


 The series "Doom," which played a significant role in popularizing first-person shooter games and achieved remarkable commercial success, ranked second in the poll conducted among numerous players.


 Created by id Software for PCs and launched in 1993, this game places you as a soldier battling demons in a setting that merges sci-fi with horror elements.


 In third place was "Super Mario Bros", the famous platform game developed by Nintendo in 1985, in which the red-suited plumber Mario navigates various levels to save Princess Peach.


 Unanimously acclaimed upon its release, it remains one of the best-selling games of all time, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide.


 Also part of the top 10 list are "Half-Life" (1998), "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (1998), "Minecraft" (2011), "Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2" (2025), and "Super Mario 64" (1996).


 The yearly Bafta Game Awards will be held during a ceremony in London on April 8th.

'Shenmue': Crowned the Most Influential Video Game Ever by UK Gamers

Unknown gamers, gaming, video game consoles, video game industry, video games

In 1999, the action game titled "Shenmue" was proclaimed as the most impactful video game ever on a Thursday after a poll conducted by BAFTA, an organization based in Britain known for recognizing a…