Category: Nintendo Everything

The Nintendo Switch Lite is Nintendo’s dedicated handheld console — a purpose-built, handheld-only device stripped of every feature that requires a TV. No dock, no detachable Joy-Con, no kickstand, no HDMI output. What remains is a lighter, smaller, more affordable gaming system built entirely around portable play.

Nintendo Switch Lite At a Glance

Spec	Detail
Price (US MSRP)	$229.99
Release date	September 20, 2019
Screen	5.5-inch LCD, 1280×720
Storage	32 GB internal (expandable to 2 TB)
Battery	3570 mAh / 3–7 hours
Weight	0.61 lbs (277g)
Dimensions	3.6″ H × 8.2″ L × 0.55″ D
Play mode	Handheld only
TV output	None
Joy-Con	Integrated, non-detachable
Colors	Blue, Yellow, Gray, Turquoise, Coral

Design

The Switch Lite is a single unibody unit. Controllers are built directly into the chassis — there are no rails, no detachment mechanism, and no Joy-Con grip needed. The left side replaces the four directional buttons of the standard Switch Joy-Con with a proper +Control Pad (D-pad), which some players consider an improvement over the original configuration for 2D games.

At 0.61 lbs and measuring 8.2 inches across, it is substantially smaller and lighter than both the standard Switch (0.88 lbs, 9.4 inches) and the OLED Model (0.93 lbs, 9.5 inches). It has no kickstand on the back and no dock in the box.

Display

The Switch Lite uses a 5.5-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen at 1280×720 resolution. Despite being the smallest screen in the Switch family, it achieves the highest pixel density of the three models — the same resolution packed into a smaller panel. Colors and brightness are comparable to the standard Switch’s 6.2-inch LCD.

There is no TV output under any configuration. The USB-C port on the bottom of the unit is for charging only, not display output. The Switch Lite cannot be connected to a dock.

Internal Hardware

Nintendo lists the Switch Lite as running on a custom NVIDIA Tegra processor, the same official processor description used across the Switch 1 family. Nintendo does not advertise a CPU or RAM performance advantage for the Lite over other Switch 1 models. Its battery life benefits from the revised hardware generation and smaller screen rather than any advertised processing upgrade.

Nintendo Switch Lite Storage

The Switch Lite ships with 32 GB of internal storage, a portion of which is reserved for system use. Storage is expandable via microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC cards up to 2 TB (sold separately). A system update over the internet is required when inserting a microSDXC card for the first time.

Game save data is stored to system memory, not to the microSD card. Screenshots and gameplay videos can be moved between system memory and the card.

Battery Life

Scenario	Estimated life
General gameplay range	3.0–7.0 hours
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Approximately 4 hours
Charging time (sleep mode)	Approximately 3 hours

Battery capacity is 3570 mAh — smaller than the standard Switch and OLED Model’s 4310 mAh — but the Lite’s smaller screen and revised hardware generation produce battery life that exceeds the original 2017 Switch’s 2.5–6.5 hour range.

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band)
• Bluetooth: 4.1
• NFC: Present on all units — supports amiibo read/write
• USB-C: Charging only
• Headphone jack: 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard)
• Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope (no ambient brightness sensor)

Nintendo Switch Lite Multiplayer

Local wireless: Up to eight Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite systems can connect wirelessly for local multiplayer anywhere, no internet required.

Online play: Compatible with Nintendo Switch Online for online multiplayer in supported games. A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account are required. Not available in all countries.

Same-system local multiplayer: Possible in supported games with separately purchased compatible controllers connected wirelessly. However it is less practical than on the standard Switch — the Lite has no TV output, no kickstand, and a 5.5-inch screen that is small for shared viewing.

Nintendo Switch Lite Colors

The Switch Lite is available in five colorways, all at $229.99:

• Blue
• Yellow
• Gray
• Turquoise
• Coral (availability varies by retailer)

Special edition colorways tied to specific game releases have also been produced and sold while supplies lasted.

Game Compatibility

The Switch Lite plays all Nintendo Switch games that support Handheld Mode — Nintendo says this covers the vast majority of the Switch library.

Games that do not fully support Handheld Mode, or that rely on detached Joy-Con features (HD Rumble, IR Motion Camera, motion controls in detached configuration), may require separately purchased compatible controllers to play. Even with external controllers connected, the Switch Lite will not output to a TV.

To verify a game’s compatibility before purchasing: look for the handheld mode icon on the game’s physical packaging, or check the game’s detail page in the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo’s Switch play mode compatibility FAQ also covers specific cases in detail.

Notable games confirmed compatible in handheld mode:

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• Minecraft
• Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet

Games with restrictions on Switch Lite:

• Nintendo Switch Sports (requires motion controls without handheld mode support)
• Ring Fit Adventure (requires detached Joy-Con)
• Nintendo Labo kits (incompatible by design)

Parental Controls

The Switch Lite includes the same parental control system as the rest of the Switch family. Controls can be set directly on the console or managed remotely via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smartphone app, which allows parents to set play-time limits, restrict content by age rating, and limit online communication features.

System Features

Nintendo eShop — browse, purchase, and download digital games and DLC directly on the system or via the Nintendo website.

Nintendo Switch Online — access online multiplayer and cloud saves for supported games. The base membership includes classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. N64, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and Virtual Boy libraries require the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier. GameCube titles are limited to Nintendo Switch 2.

News — in-system feed for game updates, announcements, and Nintendo news.

Album — capture screenshots and gameplay videos using the dedicated Capture Button, add text, and transfer to a smart device or PC. Social media posting options vary; check current Nintendo support for available sharing features.

Pricing Context

The Switch Lite launched in September 2019 at $199.99. In August 2025, Nintendo raised prices across the Switch 1 family in the US, citing market conditions. The Switch Lite’s current US MSRP is $229.99 — a $30 increase from the original price.

It remains the most affordable entry point into the Nintendo Switch library, sitting $110 below the standard Switch ($339.99) and $170 below the OLED Model ($399.99).

Who Should Buy the Nintendo Switch Lite

The Switch Lite is the correct choice for players who are certain they will never need TV output — children, commuters, travelers, and anyone who treats gaming as a strictly portable activity. Its lower price leaves more budget for games, and its lighter, smaller form factor is a practical advantage for bags and pockets.

It is the wrong choice for anyone who wants the flexibility to play on a television, share the screen in tabletop mode, or play games that require detached Joy-Con. For those use cases, the standard Switch or OLED Model are the appropriate options.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 now available at $449.99, first-time buyers should also consider whether the Switch Lite’s $229.99 price represents better value than investing in Nintendo’s current-generation hardware, which supports most Switch 1 games and offers a significantly more capable platform going forward.

Nintendo’s Switch lineup spans three distinct hardware configurations — the Switch OLED Model, the standard Nintendo Switch, and the Nintendo Switch Lite — each designed for a different kind of player. The official Nintendo comparison page makes clear that these aren’t merely cosmetic variants. Screen, play modes, storage, dock features, size, battery life, and price differ meaningfully across the three. This article breaks down every spec, explains the real-world implications of each difference, and tells you exactly which model fits which use case.

The Three Models at a Glance

Screen: The Most Important Difference

This is where the models diverge most dramatically for handheld play.

The OLED Model’s 7.0-inch OLED panel produces true blacks by turning off individual pixels rather than using a backlight. The result is sharper contrast, more vivid color saturation, and deeper shadow detail compared to any LCD panel. The screen is also 0.8 inches larger than the standard model’s 6.2-inch LCD and 1.5 inches larger than the Lite’s 5.5-inch LCD.

Critically, all three models share the same 1280×720 resolution. Pixel density is highest on the Switch Lite (its smaller screen compresses the same pixels into a tighter area), while the OLED Model’s larger panel has the lowest pixel density of the three — but OLED’s display characteristics more than compensate in perceived image quality.

For TV mode, the screen type is irrelevant. The OLED and standard Switch output up to 1080p in TV mode via HDMI. The Lite has no TV output at all — its USB-C port is for charging only.

Play Modes and the Dock

The OLED Model and standard Switch support three play configurations:

• TV Mode — Console docked, output through HDMI at up to 1080p
• Tabletop Mode — Console propped using the kickstand, Joy-Con detached for nearby multiplayer
• Handheld Mode — Console held in hand with Joy-Con attached

The Switch Lite supports only Handheld Mode. It cannot connect to a TV. For games that do not fully support Handheld Mode, or that rely on detached Joy-Con features, separate compatible controllers may be required — and the Lite still will not output to a TV.

The OLED’s New Dock

The OLED Model ships with an updated dock that includes a built-in wired LAN port, eliminating the need for a USB LAN adapter previously required for stable online play. The standard Switch dock has no LAN port and requires that third-party adapter (approximately $15–30) to access wired internet. The OLED dock is also cross-compatible — a standard Switch can be connected to the OLED dock to gain LAN access.

The standard dock provides three USB 2.0 ports (two on the side, one on the back). The OLED dock provides two side USB 2.0 ports plus the LAN port.

Storage

The OLED Model’s 64 GB is double what the other two offer — enough for several smaller games or a few large downloads before a microSD card becomes useful (a portion is also reserved by the system). On any model, a microSDXC card is the practical solution for library management. Once inserted, a system update is required (internet connection needed).

Internal Hardware: CPU, RAM, and Performance

All three Switch 1 models share the same processor family:

• CPU/GPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor (Nintendo’s official description for all three models)
• RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4
• System RAM reservation: Approximately 1 GB reserved for OS functions

Nintendo does not advertise any CPU or RAM performance difference between Switch 1 models. All three run the same game code at the same frame rates and resolutions. Performance differences in games are environmental, docked mode enables slightly higher GPU clocks, not hardware-model-specific.

Battery Life

The 2019 revision of the standard Switch, identifiable by serial numbers beginning with “XKW”, matches the OLED Model’s 4.5–9 hour range through chip efficiency improvements. The original 2017 launch Switch runs 2.5–6.5 hours on the same battery due to the older Tegra X1’s higher power draw. Nintendo uses The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as their battery life benchmark: roughly 5.5 hours on the OLED and revised Switch, 4 hours on the Lite.

All three models charge via USB-C and reach full charge in approximately 3 hours (in sleep mode).

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The OLED Model is 0.1 inches longer than the standard Switch — negligible in practice, though it may affect fitment in some third-party cases and grips designed for the original model. The Switch Lite is substantially smaller and lighter, making it the most portable of the three.

Connectivity

All three models share the same wireless specification:

• Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band)
• Bluetooth: 4.1
• NFC: Present on all models (for amiibo functionality)
• Headphone jack: 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (all models)
• USB-C: All models; the Lite uses USB-C for charging only, not dock connectivity

Sensor differences:
The OLED Model and standard Switch include an accelerometer, gyroscope, and ambient brightness sensor. The Switch Lite has only the accelerometer and gyroscope — no brightness sensor.

Game Compatibility

OLED Model and Standard Switch

Both are compatible with the full Nintendo Switch game library. The OLED Model has a noted exception: it does not cleanly fit within all Nintendo Labo kit designs due to its slightly larger dimensions.

Switch Lite

The Switch Lite can play all games that support Handheld Mode. Games without Handheld Mode support, or games relying on detached Joy-Con features, may require wirelessly connected controllers (sold separately) and still won’t display on a TV. When using separate Joy-Con controllers, a charging solution such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip is required since the Lite has no Joy-Con rail.

To check a specific game’s compatibility before purchasing, consult the game’s packaging or the Nintendo eShop listing for the handheld mode icon.

Current Pricing Context (US, Post-August 2025)

In August 2025, Nintendo raised prices across the Switch 1 family in the US. Nintendo’s official statement cited “market conditions” as the reason; reporting at the time connected the move to tariff pressure on imports from Vietnam, where Nintendo handles a significant portion of its production. The increases:

These increases also narrow the value gap between the Switch 1 lineup and the Nintendo Switch 2, which launched at $449.99. The OLED Model is now just $50 below the Switch 2’s base price — a relevant consideration for first-time buyers.

Who Should Buy Which Model

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model is the right choice if you primarily play in handheld or tabletop mode and value screen quality. The OLED display is a meaningful upgrade for handheld gaming. The included LAN-equipped dock and 64 GB of storage strengthen the overall package. It is the most refined version of the Switch 1 experience.

Standard Nintendo Switch makes sense for players who spend most of their time docked to a TV, where the OLED screen advantage disappears entirely. At $60 less than the OLED, the performance in TV mode is identical. Confirm you’re buying the revised 2019 model (serial starting with XKW) for the better battery life.

Nintendo Switch Lite is the correct pick for players who will never use TV mode — children, commuters, or dedicated portable-only gamers. Its smaller size and lighter weight are genuine advantages. The significantly lower price accommodates a larger game budget. Verify game compatibility before purchasing titles, as some games have handheld-mode or controller-feature restrictions.

Skip all three if you’re a new buyer primarily interested in future Nintendo software. The Switch 2 has launched, supports most physical and digital Switch 1 games (check Nintendo’s compatibility page for exceptions), and its $449.99 price is now only marginally above the OLED’s $399.99 MSRP.

Nintendo has held no general Direct in 2026. A new rumor now claims a Direct could arrive on June 9, but the format remains unclear. Here is what is confirmed, what is not, and why the date is drawing attention.

Nintendo Has Not Confirmed a June Direct

As of June 3, 2026, Nintendo has not announced a Nintendo Direct presentation for any date this month. The company’s last major general showcase was in September 2025. Since then, Nintendo has held smaller, title-specific presentations but nothing that functions as a broad software showcase for Switch 2.

Nintendo told investors it is preparing additional unannounced titles for the second half of the fiscal year — a signal that more announcements are coming, but not proof of a dated showcase.

Where the June 9 Rumor Started

Spanish gaming insider Nash Weedle posted a hint that points to June 9 as the date for an upcoming Nintendo Direct. He did not name the date directly. Instead, he used imagery associated with the American release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf, which launched in the U.S. on June 9, 2013 — using the date itself as the coded message.

Weedle has made Nintendo-related predictions before, though his overall accuracy rate has not been independently verified at scale. He did not specify the format of the event, so whether this would be a full general Direct or a more limited presentation is unknown.

Nintendo has not responded to or acknowledged the claim.

What Jeff Grubb Has — and Has Not — Corroborated

Games journalist Jeff Grubb stated separately that he has been hearing a Nintendo Direct is coming by mid-June. That window is consistent with June 9 but does not confirm it. Grubb also said he had not been told whether it would be a full general Direct or a narrower showcase, though he speculated it was likely a full one given the timing.

That leaves two independent sources pointing toward the same general window, with only one naming a specific date, and neither having confirmation from Nintendo.

Nintendo’s Official 2026 Direct Schedule So Far

Nintendo’s own Direct archive shows the following for 2026 up to this point:

• No general Nintendo Direct has aired in 2026. The last one was September 2025.
• Smaller Nintendo-led presentations have taken place, but none functioning as a broad software showcase.

This gap is notable. In 2024, Nintendo held a full general Direct in June. In 2023, it did the same. In 2022, it held a Partner Showcase in June. The one exception in recent years was 2025, when the June slot was used for a Donkey Kong Bananza-focused presentation, with the general showcase held in September instead — during the wider Switch 2 launch period.

A full general Direct has not happened yet in 2026. That absence, combined with the investor remarks about unannounced titles, is what gives the June 9 rumor structural plausibility independent of Weedle’s claim alone.

Confirmed Switch 2 Games That Could Use a Spotlight

Several Nintendo titles with firm 2026 release dates are close enough to launch that a Direct appearance would make logistical sense:

Title	Status	Date
Star Fox	Confirmed	June 25, 2026
Rhythm Heaven Groove	Confirmed	July 2, 2026
Splatoon Raiders	Confirmed	July 23, 2026
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave	Confirmed 2026	TBA

Star Fox in particular — confirmed for June 25 — would have only a two-week gap between a June 9 Direct and its own release. A pre-launch showcase appearance at this stage would be standard practice.

Beyond confirmed titles, insider NateTheHate has claimed a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is targeting the second half of 2026, and that a new 3D Mario is in development for a 2027 release. Whether either surfaces in June is speculative, but the holiday-window claim on the Zelda remake makes a summer reveal at least logically timed.

Why Fans Are Watching June 9

The date lands inside the busiest gaming showcase week of the year:

Date	Event
June 2 (US) / June 3 (some regions)	PlayStation State of Play
June 5	Summer Game Fest (Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles)
June 7	Xbox Games Showcase
June 9	Nintendo Direct (rumored)

Nintendo is not part of the official Summer Game Fest lineup, but the company has consistently used the same cultural window to run its own events. June 9 would place Nintendo at the end of that sequence — after Sony, after the SGF show, after Xbox — with its own dedicated slot and no competing noise.

That positioning is consistent with how Nintendo has handled June in previous years: separate, self-contained, and on its own schedule. None of that makes June 9 confirmed. It makes it a date worth watching.

Nintendo has officially announced that Donkey Kong 64 is joining the NINTENDO 64 Nintendo Classics library, available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The game Donkey Kong 64 is listed for June 3 in some North American coverage and June 4 in Japan and other regions, so availability may depend on your region. Either way, one of the most iconic collectathon platformers of the N64 era is returning to a Nintendo platform for the first time in years.

This is not a remake, remaster, or Switch 2 exclusive. It is the original N64 game, playable through the Nintendo Classics app.

What Tier Do You Need

Standard Nintendo Switch Online does not include access to the N64 library. You need the higher-tier Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. The N64 Nintendo Classics collection sits entirely behind that tier, which also includes the Game Boy Advance and Sega Genesis libraries.

If you are already an Expansion Pack subscriber, Donkey Kong 64 will be available at no additional cost.

What Donkey Kong 64 Actually Is

Donkey Kong 64 was developed by Rare and published by Nintendo, originally released for Nintendo 64 in 1999. It was DK’s first major 3D adventure and remains one of the most ambitious — and demanding — platformers of its generation.

The game features five playable Kongs: Donkey, Diddy, Tiny, Lanky, and Chunky. Each has unique abilities and weapons, and most of the game’s content is gated behind which Kong can access which area or item. Across eight large worlds, players collect Golden Bananas, colored bananas, blueprints, Battle Arena crowns, and Banana Fairies. The primary antagonist is King K. Rool, and the Kremlings return as the main enemy faction.

The Expansion Pak Parallel

The original Donkey Kong 64 required the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pak to run, and the game is closely associated with that hardware add-on. The Expansion Pak was a RAM upgrade accessory that plugged into the top of the N64 console.

Now, in 2026, the game that required a hardware Expansion Pak requires Nintendo’s Expansion Pack subscription tier. The parallel is hard to miss for longtime players — it creates an amusing full-circle detail that follows the game across 27 years.

Playing It on Nintendo Switch 2

The N64 Nintendo Classics app has Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility. On Switch 2, Nintendo has added a CRT filter and a Rewind function to the app. The CRT filter approximates the scanline look of original CRT televisions. On Switch 2, Rewind may soften some frustration, but the game itself remains the original N64 release.

The wireless Nintendo 64-style controller Nintendo sells for Switch Online members is compatible with both Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch.

Donkey Kong 64 last appeared on a Nintendo platform through the Wii U Virtual Console in 2015. The Wii U release had limited reach compared with Nintendo’s later hardware, Nintendo reports Wii U lifetime sales of 13.56 million units. For the better part of a decade, playing DK64 legally meant tracking down original hardware or relying on that aging digital purchase.

There is also a broader franchise context. Nintendo launched Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo’s modern 3D Donkey Kong entry for Switch 2, reviving the 3D DK format for a new generation. With DK64 now in Nintendo Classics, players can experience DK’s 1999 3D debut and Nintendo’s modern 3D Donkey Kong adventure on Switch 2.

Is Donkey Kong 64 Worth Playing in 2026

It depends on what you want from it.

DK64 is historically significant, DK’s 3D debut, a major technical achievement from Rare at the end of the N64 era, with distinct biomes, memorable boss fights, and an enormous amount of content. The Jungle Japes theme alone is embedded in the memory of an entire generation.

But it is also a dense, sometimes exhausting collectathon. Each of the five Kongs must collect their own color-coded items separately, meaning the same locations are revisited multiple times with different characters. Late-game progression can feel like archaeology, hunting through areas you’ve already cleared to find the last item you missed. By modern 3D platformer standards, the pacing is slow and the backtracking is significant.

If you have never played it, it is worth experiencing. If you found it oppressive in 1999, the NSO version does not change the game itself, though on Switch 2, Rewind at least reduces the cost of individual mistakes.

Donkey Kong 64 joins NINTENDO 64 Nintendo Classics on June 3–4, 2026 depending on region. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership required.

Nintendo Switch 2’s upcoming Star Fox will support amiibo, letting players use Fox, Falco, and Wolf Super Smash Bros. amiibo figures to unlock extra cosmetic rewards. According to Nintendo Life, Nintendo’s Japanese website confirms that compatible amiibo unlock exclusive backgrounds and emblems when placed on the Joy-Con 2 or Switch 2 Pro Controller analog stick.

The rewards connect with the game’s multiplayer Battle Banner system rather than gameplay progression. Nintendo has confirmed that Star Fox includes a 4-vs-4 Battle Mode for up to eight players, while GameShare allows up to four players to join locally or online through GameChat. Local GameShare also supports compatible sharing with original Nintendo Switch systems.

Star Fox launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026.

What Star Fox amiibo Unlock on Switch 2

The confirmed Star Fox Switch 2 amiibo rewards are cosmetic: additional backgrounds and emblems for the game’s multiplayer Battle Banner. Nintendo Life reports that Nintendo’s Japanese website details the feature, while retailer listings from Amazon, Walmart, and Target also describe the same Battle Banner rewards for Fox, Falco, and Wolf amiibo figures.

No gameplay bonuses have been confirmed. Nintendo has not announced amiibo-unlocked ships, weapons, playable characters, stat boosts, or Arwing upgrades of any kind. The feature appears designed as a small cosmetic perk for players who already own one of the compatible figures.

Which amiibo Figures Are Confirmed?

The three confirmed figures are Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, and Wolf O’Donnell — specifically as Fox, Falco, and Wolf Super Smash Bros. amiibo figures. These are existing figures from the Super Smash Bros. series, not new Star Fox-specific releases.

It is worth noting that Fox and Falco amiibo predate Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, while Wolf’s amiibo was released specifically for that entry. All three are compatible with Star Fox on Switch 2. The safest wording is “Super Smash Bros. amiibo figures” rather than pinning all three to Ultimate specifically.

Nintendo Life reports that scanning works by placing the figure on the analog stick of the Joy-Con 2 or Switch 2 Pro Controller. Exactly where the NFC reader is located on Switch 2 hardware.

Are the Rewards Gameplay-Changing?

No. Nothing confirmed so far gives amiibo owners a competitive advantage in Battle Mode or any other part of the game. The backgrounds and emblems tied to the Battle Banner are display cosmetics — they appear during online matches as a form of player identity, not as in-game power.

Nintendo has not confirmed any amiibo-gated ships, unlockable characters, weapon upgrades, or anything that would affect how Star Fox or Battle Mode plays. If that changes before or after the June 25 launch, Game Empress will update this article.

Star Fox Returns as a Switch 2 Exclusive

Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 is a cinematic reimagining of Star Fox 64, the beloved 1997 Nintendo 64 rail shooter. Nintendo announced the game during a Star Fox Direct on May 6, 2026. The game features a complete visual overhaul built for Switch 2 hardware, new fully voiced dialogue, and an epic orchestral soundtrack.

The stage layouts are based on the original Star Fox 64 — known as Lylat Wars in Europe and Australia — but the presentation has been expanded significantly with new cutscenes and mission briefings between stages. Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Wolf O’Donnell, General Pepper, and Andross all return as key figures in the Lylat System conflict.

Beyond the campaign, the game adds a brand-new multiplayer component:

Battle Mode — a 4-vs-4 team dogfight mode for up to eight players, splitting participants between Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf. Three objective-based stages are included: zone control on Corneria, energy crystal collection on Fichina, and cargo retrieval in Sector Y. Matches can be joined through open matchmaking or private lobbies.

Joy-Con 2 Mouse Controls — players can swap seamlessly between standard button controls and mouse controls using the Joy-Con 2. In Campaign and Challenge Mode, a second player can join as a gunner while the first player handles flying, using one Joy-Con 2 each.

GameChat Character Avatars and AR Filters — players can appear as Fox McCloud or other Star Fox crew members via an interactive GameChat avatar that mirrors their facial expressions. AR filters add Star Fox-like ears or a Falco-inspired beak that moves when the player talks.

GameShare — up to four players can join Star Fox locally or online through GameChat using GameShare. Online GameShare requires Nintendo Switch 2, but local GameShare allows compatible sharing with both Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch.

What Nintendo Has Not Announced Yet

To keep this article clean and accurate, here is a clear list of what Nintendo has not confirmed as of May 10, 2026:

• No new Star Fox amiibo line has been announced. The confirmed examples are existing Super Smash Bros. amiibo figures of Fox, Falco, and Wolf; Nintendo has not announced a new Star Fox-branded amiibo wave for the Switch 2 release.
• No gameplay bonuses. No amiibo-unlocked ships, weapons, characters, or stat changes have been confirmed.
• No full compatibility chart has been published. Retail copy says existing amiibo figures of Star Fox characters can be used and specifically names Fox, Falco, and Wolf, but it does not provide a wider figure-by-figure compatibility chart.
• No Starlink Arwing toy support. There is no evidence that Starlink: Battle for Atlas Arwing accessories are compatible with Star Fox on Switch 2.
• No post-launch amiibo wave confirmed. While the possibility of a future Star Fox amiibo line has not been ruled out, nothing has been announced.

Game Empress will update this article as Nintendo releases further details ahead of the June 25, 2026 launch.

The Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 preorder is officially live, and the most interesting wrinkle isn’t the announcement itself — it’s the pricing. Nintendo lists the digital version at $49.99 in the U.S., while physical copies are showing up at retailers such as Best Buy for $59.99. Some retailers are already chipping away at that gap.

Nintendo unveiled the game during a dedicated Star Fox Direct on May 6, 2026, with a launch date of June 25, 2026, exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2.

What the Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Includes

Despite the new branding and the Switch 2 exclusivity, Nintendo is positioning this as a modernized take on Star Fox 64, not a wholly new story. The company describes the game as an action-adventure based on the Nintendo 64 classic, updated for Switch 2 with new presentation, modes, and features.

The list of additions is substantial, though. According to Nintendo’s official listing, the package includes:

• A complete visual overhaul
• Fully voiced dialogue and new cutscenes
• An orchestral soundtrack
• A new Challenge Mode
• A 4-vs-4 Battle Mode
• Joy-Con 2 mouse controls
• GameChat features with character avatars and AR filters

The store page also confirms support for TV, tabletop, and handheld modes, an estimated file size of 14.8 GB, 1–2 player local play on a single system, and online play for up to 8 players.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Pricing Split

Here’s where preorder shoppers will want to pay attention.

Physical copies are listed higher at some retailers. Best Buy lists the Switch 2 physical version at $59.99, while GameStop shows $49.99 for digital and $59.99 for new/physical.

In practice, that $10 gap may not hold for long at every retailer. At the time of writing, deal-tracking outlets including 9to5Toys and Nintendo Everything have flagged Amazon and Walmart preorder discounts bringing the physical version close to the digital price, around $49.94–$50. That’s a retailer-driven discount, not a change to the game’s MSRP, so availability and price can shift quickly. If you want a physical copy at digital pricing, locking it in early is the safer play.

Where To Find a Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder

The Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 preorder is available through Nintendo’s official store and major retailers, with the best option depending on whether you want the cheaper digital version or a physical copy for your collection.

Nintendo’s official store is the safest place to check the digital version, which is listed at $49.99 in the U.S. For physical copies, Best Buy and GameStop are currently showing the game at $59.99, while Amazon and Walmart discounts may bring the physical version closer to the digital price when those offers are available.

For most buyers, the Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 preorder choice comes down to price, format, and how much you care about owning a physical copy.

If price is your main concern, check the discounted physical listings first. If you want the simplest launch-day access, the digital preorder through Nintendo is the cleaner option.

Online and GameShare Requirements

A few asterisks worth knowing before you preorder. Nintendo Switch 2 is required to initiate GameShare, and the online features lean on Nintendo Switch Online membership, a Nintendo Account, and GameChat availability. Local GameShare sessions can include both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems, but the shared game is only playable during the active session — there’s no permanent copy left behind on the Switch 1 hardware.

If you’re a Star Fox 64 fan, this looks like Nintendo’s most polished modern version of that story, with new modes and online play attached. If you’re hoping for a wholly new entry in the series, Nintendo’s own framing should temper expectations.

Either way, the Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 preorder math is straightforward: Nintendo lists the digital version at $49.99 in the U.S., while physical copies are listed at $59.99 at retailers such as Best Buy and GameStop. Amazon and Walmart discounts may bring the physical version close to digital pricing, but those offers can change quickly. Star Fox launches June 25, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2.

Deal trackers and cart checks currently show the Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart pre-order at $59.88 before tax — which is $10.11 below the $69.99 physical MSRP and just under the $59.99 digital price on the Nintendo eShop. As of April 25, this was the lowest physical pre-order price we found in the US. The game launches on May 21, 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, which means the window to lock in the Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart price before launch day is short.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart Price — What You Are Actually Saving

The Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart listing sits at $59.88 before tax, verified via deal trackers and cart checks at the time of writing. Nintendo’s own eShop sells the digital version at $59.99, while the physical MSRP is set at $69.99 — making this the first Nintendo-published Switch 2 exclusive where the physical version carries a higher price tag than digital. Walmart’s listing effectively closes that gap, giving you a boxed physical copy for $10.11 less than the MSRP and just under the digital price. At every other major US retailer checked on April 25, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book was still listed at the full $69.99 physical price.

Why Is Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Cheaper at Walmart?

The Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart discount is notable because this is the first game under Nintendo’s new pricing structure for Switch 2 exclusives, where Nintendo-published digital titles can carry a lower MSRP than their physical counterparts. Nintendo’s official explanation is that digital copies cost less to produce and distribute, and those savings are passed to the buyer. The physical version therefore carries a $10 premium by default.

Walmart’s move is to absorb that difference and match the lower digital price on the physical copy. It is an unusual move given that retailers already operate on tight margins on new game sales, but it keeps Walmart competitive against Nintendo’s own eShop for buyers who prefer physical copies. As of April 25, Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop had not followed Walmart’s lead on this title and were all still listing the game at $69.99. If that changes before the May 21 launch, we will update this article.

Is the Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart Deal Still Live?

The Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart deal was confirmed live as of April 25, 2026. Walmart has not stated an end date on the listing, but pre-order pricing on new physical games at Walmart can change without notice. The May 21 release date makes this more time-sensitive than most deals — there are fewer than four weeks between now and launch, which limits how long the discounted price is likely to remain available. If you were already planning to buy a physical copy, checking the Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart listing now before the price adjusts is worth doing. Your order at checkout should generally remain tied to the price shown, though Walmart’s standard retailer terms still apply.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart vs Digital — Which Should You Buy?

At the Walmart prices checked for this article, physical and digital come to essentially the same cost. For the Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart pre-order specifically, the decision is about format preference rather than price. The Walmart physical copy gives you a boxed version you can resell, lend, or keep on a shelf. The Nintendo eShop digital version gives you instant access on launch day without waiting for shipping, and the game is tied to your Nintendo Account for digital access. Neither has a clear price advantage at the Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Walmart price point.

One practical note on shipping: Walmart showed free shipping on this listing at the time of writing, though shipping costs can vary by location and account. If you are close to the May 21 release date, ordering physical early enough to receive it on launch day is worth factoring in. Digital has no such concern.

If Splatoon Raiders is also on your list, Walmart is running the same physical price match on that title too — we covered it in our Splatoon Raiders pre-order guide. Both deals appear to be part of the same response to Nintendo’s new pricing approach for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives.

Before you order, a few official details worth knowing: Nintendo lists the digital version at an estimated 20.6 GB download size, with TV, Tabletop, and Handheld play modes all supported. The official listing carries a Mild Fantasy Violence descriptor.

Nintendo has opened pre-orders for Splatoon Raiders, the new Switch 2-exclusive single-player action game launching on July 23, 2026. The digital price came in lower than most Switch 2 releases, and there is a $10 gap between the digital and physical versions that is worth understanding before you decide where to buy. Here is everything you need to make that call today.

Splatoon Raiders Release Date and Platform

Splatoon Raiders launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2026. It is not coming to the original Nintendo Switch, and there is no PC or console version. If you do not own a Switch 2, there is no way to play it at launch. Pre-orders are live now on the Nintendo eShop and at physical retailers across the US and UK.

Splatoon Raiders Price — Digital vs Physical Explained

This is the most important thing to know before you pre-order. Splatoon Raiders is priced at $49.99 digitally and $59.99 physically in the US — a $10 difference between formats. In the UK, the digital version is £41.99 and the physical is £49.99. This is Nintendo’s new pricing structure for Switch 2-exclusive digital titles, introduced first with Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and Splatoon Raiders is only the second game to use it.

The digital version is the better deal on price alone. However, some retailers have been listing the physical edition at or near the digital price since pre-orders went live, so it is worth checking before you commit. Reports from multiple outlets indicate the physical release ships as a standard game cartridge rather than a game-key card, though Nintendo has not confirmed this directly on its store page.

Where to Pre-Order Splatoon Raiders

Digital pre-orders are live on the Nintendo eShop at $49.99. Physical pre-orders at $59.99 are available at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart. Some retailers have been offering the physical edition at discounted prices close to the digital price point, so checking all four before buying is worth a few minutes. Pre-orders are also live at My Nintendo Store in the UK. For more upcoming releases, see our full list of Nintendo Switch 2 games.

Does Splatoon Raiders Have Multiplayer?

Yes. Despite being a single-player focused game, Splatoon Raiders supports up to four players in co-op through the entire campaign, either online or via local wireless. This is not a separate multiplayer mode — you and up to three friends can raid the Spirhalite Islands together throughout the whole game. Online co-op requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership plus a broadband connection. Local wireless play does not require NSO. Nintendo has not confirmed whether the difficulty changes based on how many players are in your session.

Splatoon Raiders Amiibo — Price, Pre-Orders, and What to Know

Three new amiibo launch alongside Splatoon Raiders on July 23, 2026, featuring Frye, Shiver, and Big Man in their new Raiders designs. Pre-orders for all three are already live on Nintendo’s website. In North America each figure costs $24.99, meaning the full set of three comes to $75 — $25 more than the digital price of the game itself. In the UK, Nintendo lists them as a Deep Cut triple-pack priced at £49.99, with a July 22, 2026 release date.

One design detail worth knowing: the bases of all three figures clip together to form a unified display stand. Nintendo has not yet confirmed what the amiibo unlock in-game. Splatoon amiibo sell out fast at launch — if you want all three, pre-ordering now is the safer move rather than waiting for launch day availability.

Key Specs Before You Buy Splatoon Raiders

The digital download is listed at approximately 20GB on Nintendo’s US store page. The game supports TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes. Nintendo has rated it Everyone 10+ with a Fantasy Violence descriptor in North America, and PEGI 7 in Europe. If you are buying for a younger player, both ratings confirm it is appropriate for most ages.

Is Splatoon Raiders Worth Pre-Ordering Right Now?

At $49.99 digital, Splatoon Raiders is priced well below most Nintendo first-party Switch 2 releases — under the $70–$80 range of Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. For a game that includes a full single-player campaign plus four-player co-op, that price is fair before you even know how long the game is. The campaign length and full story details are still unconfirmed, which is the only real reason to hold off rather than buy now.

If you are already a Splatoon fan, pre-ordering at $49.99 digital locks in the lowest confirmed price with no real downside. If you are new to the series and unsure, waiting for early impressions after launch is a reasonable approach. Either way, if the amiibo interest you, pre-ordering those separately sooner rather than later is the right call given how quickly Splatoon figures disappear from shelves.