RIYADH: Nintendo has announced the launch of its Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch Online services in Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in the company’s regional expansion as it prepares to roll out the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5.

Nintendo also launched its official online store in the Kingdom in April.

The Nintendo Saudi Online Store offers a full range of products including the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, accessories, games and amiibo figurines.

In a press release, Nintendo said the move was part of a broader push to strengthen its presence in new markets and improve local accessibility to its ecosystem.

While the company has not yet revealed the exact launch date for the eShop and online subscription services in Saudi Arabia, it confirmed that “details will be announced at a later time.”

Coinciding with the Saudi store launch, Nintendo also revealed full details of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is being positioned as the next evolution in hybrid gaming.

The new console will feature upgraded performance and a more immersive experience through a 7.9-inch (20-centimeter) full high-definition screen, redesigned magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse-like capabilities, 256 gigabytes of internal storage and spatial 3D audio.

“Nintendo Switch 2 is the next step in at-home gaming that can be taken on the go, based on eight years of play and discovery that began with Nintendo Switch,” said Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo’s president, in the press release.

“With its new features that expand the possibilities of gaming experiences, I truly believe that Nintendo Switch 2 is a leap forward in our journey of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that Nintendo touches.”

A key new feature is GameChat, a built-in system allowing voice and video communication for up to 12 players during gameplay. Players will be able to use a built-in microphone or an optional USB-C camera to chat, share screens or see each other in real time.

GameChat will be available to all Nintendo Switch 2 users until March 31 next year, after which it will require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Nintendo Switch 2 will also include GameShare, enabling users to share compatible titles with friends and family even if they do not own the games themselves, as long as they are part of the same Nintendo Account family group.

At launch, the system will debut with several major titles.

These include Mario Kart World with its new Knockout Tour mode, the exclusive 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, EA SPORTS Madden NFL, and Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV.

With the online store now live and digital services on the way, Saudi Arabia is set to become a key market for Nintendo as it rolls out its next-generation console under the global theme: “All Together, Anytime, Anywhere.”