Nintendo Switch 2 release date finally revealed with clever new way to play games and a surprise Zelda title

NINTENDO has finally revealed when the brand new Switch 2 console will be released – along with some surprise new games.

The tech giant unveiled a new Mario title called Mario Kart World, which will launch on the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2, as well as a fresh Zelda title coming later this year.

Mario Kart players will no longer be restricted to the race track with the ability to drive “virtually anywhere” with hidden new areas and routes.

These “vast worlds” will change based on the time of day and weather conditions around you.

Up to 24 drivers can participate in each race, the most in the series' history.

Early footage of a new Zelda title called Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment was also shown during Nintendo Direct, which will be released in the winter.

Elsewhere, Nintendo shared several new ways to play with friends.

Users can now use GameChat to talk to friends with their voice.

And there's a new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for video chat as well.

It supports the parent controls app, so you can require permission every time a child wants to use GameChat to play with friends.

Players need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use GameChat – but it will be free for a limited time to give people a chance to try it out.

Another handy new feature is GameShare, allowing a group of friends to play one title from multiple screens.

This means you can play a racing title locally with one copy of the game but use your own screen.

It'll be available on selected titles, starting with Clubhouse Games 51 Worldwide Classics.

Elsewhere, Nintendo shared more about its new-look Joy Con controllers for the Switch 2.

A new C button is there to initiate GameChat.

SL and SR buttons are bigger when using controllers horizontally.

As previously announced, the controllers now connect magnetically to the main Switch 2 console – just press release buttons on the back to detach them.

Each controller can be used as a mouse too.

The display on the console itself is now bigger at 7.9 inches wide, compared to 7.2 inches on the last Switch.

It now supports 1080p with 120fps (frames per second) for smoother game play.

And the new dock goes a step further with 4K support and a built in fan to keep things cool.

Nintendo has boosted the internal storage to 256GB as well so you can store more of your games and data.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5.