Nintendo of America Vice President of Product and Player Experience Bill Trinen confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 retains the original Switch console’s Friend Code system, according to a new Polygon article. In addition, Nintendo Switch 2 will not have a universal achievements system.
On Nintendo Switch 2, players can add each other as friends with the same Friend Code System from Switch 1, according to Trinen. However, the process is now easier on Switch too, since players can now use QR codes to add each other. Players can use the Nintendo Switch app on mobile to scan an AR code to add a friend to their friend list. There’s also the ability to add notes for each friend.
In regards to universal achievements on Nintendo Switch 2, Trinen simply told Polygon “nope.” Instead, Nintendo Switch 2 games may have their own dedicated in-game achievements, as recently shown with Mario Kart World.
Moreover, the Nintendo Switch 2’s eShop will not have any music, similarly to the eShop on the original Nintendo Switch. According to Nintendo’s Kouichi Kawamoto, the eShop is filled with videos and trailers for games, so Nintendo did not want to intrude on that game audio.
Lastly, Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5 for $449.99, and a bundle featuring Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99. Pre-orders were initially set to go live on April 9, but that date has been delayed as Nintendo evaluates the potential impacts of recent tariffs in the United States. It’s worth noting that pricing may not be finalized yet as well.
