Nintendo has finally confirmed the Switch 2 is real, and the internet has predictably lost its mind. After months of leaks, rumours, and mock-ups that ranged from plausible to completely unhinged, we now have official confirmation that Nintendo’s next console is coming.

But the details are still thin, and for Australian gamers specifically, there are some questions worth asking that the global coverage isn’t addressing. Let’s sort through what we actually know versus what’s speculation.

What’s confirmed

Nintendo has shown the hardware. It’s a hybrid console — handheld and docked, same concept as the original Switch. It’s bigger, with a larger screen, and the Joy-Cons attach magnetically rather than sliding on rails. The dock supports 4K output when connected to a TV.

The processor is a custom NVIDIA chip, reportedly based on a newer architecture than the Tegra X1 that powered the original Switch. Performance should be significantly better, though Nintendo has been cagey about specific specs. They’ve never been about raw power, and that isn’t changing.

Backward compatibility with original Switch games has been confirmed, at least for digital titles. Physical cartridge compatibility is still unclear — the new cartridge slot appears to be different from the original.

What we don’t know

Price. This is the big one for Australian consumers. The original Switch launched at $469 AUD in 2017. Given inflation, component costs, and the Australia tax, expect the Switch 2 to land somewhere between $549 and $649 AUD. Anything above $600 will be a tough sell given that it’s competing with discounted PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

Launch date for Australia. Japan and North America will almost certainly get the console first. Australia has historically been in the second or third wave for Nintendo hardware launches. If the global launch is Q1 2026, Australia might see it by Q2 2026.

Local stock. The original Switch was notoriously difficult to find in Australia for months after launch. Nintendo’s supply chain has improved since then, but Australian retailers have been cautious about how much stock they’re committing to.

Online service. Nintendo Switch Online has been mediocre. The question is whether the Switch 2 will bring meaningful improvements to online infrastructure — better servers, a proper party system, dedicated servers for first-party games. Australian players have suffered from poor online performance for years due to our geographic distance from Nintendo’s servers.

The Australian-specific concerns

Internet speed and latency. Nintendo’s online infrastructure has always been the weakest of the three major console makers. For Australian players, the problem is compounded by our distance from servers and the reality that many Australian households still don’t have great internet. If the Switch 2 relies more heavily on cloud features or online play, this becomes a bigger issue.

EB Games and retail. EB Games is still the dominant specialist game retailer in Australia, and they’ll be the primary pre-order destination for most people. But their pricing on accessories and games has become increasingly aggressive. Be prepared for overpriced bundles and add-ons.

Digital pricing. The Nintendo eShop in Australia has historically had some of the worst pricing of any digital storefront. Games are frequently $20 to $30 more expensive than their physical retail equivalents. If Nintendo doesn’t address digital pricing with the Switch 2, Australian consumers will continue to favour physical where possible.

The launch lineup question

Nintendo hasn’t confirmed many launch titles, but a new Mario Kart is widely expected. A 3D Mario game is also rumoured for the launch window. Zelda is further out, likely 2027.

For Australian gamers, the third-party situation matters more. The original Switch got excellent third-party support eventually, but launch was thin. If the Switch 2 can run current-gen multiplatform games competently, it becomes a much more compelling proposition — especially in a market where many Australian households only buy one console.

Should you pre-order?

Not yet. Wait for confirmed pricing, a solid launch lineup, and reviews. Nintendo hardware is generally reliable, but there’s no reason to rush. The Switch 2 will be available. It’s not going to sell out permanently.

If you’re still happy with your original Switch, keep playing it. The game library is enormous, and backward compatibility means your existing games will carry over. The best time to buy a Switch 2 is when there are enough games on it to justify the purchase.

For everyone else: start saving. Somewhere between $549 and $649, plus a game or two, puts you at $700 to $800 all-in. Budget accordingly.