Nintendo has officially confirmed that pre-orders for the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada. The next-generation console is slated to launch on June 5, 2025, bringing with it major hardware upgrades, backward compatibility, and a wave of exciting new titles. Here’s your complete rundown of what to expect.
đď¸ Launch Date & Pricing
- Release Date: June 5, 2025
- Base Model Price: $449.99
- Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99
The pricing puts the Switch 2 in line with other modern consoles like the PS5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series X, but Nintendoâs hybrid handheld/dockable approach still makes it a unique option in the market. The bundle includes Mario Kart World, a launch title designed to show off the systemâs enhanced graphics and new multiplayer capabilities.
đ Pre-Order Details: Who Can Buy and Where
Pre-orders open April 24, but getting your hands on one may not be as simple as just hitting “buy.”
Nintendo Store Requirements
To pre-order directly from Nintendo, youâll need to:
- Have a Nintendo Account
- Be logged in
- Possibly meet criteria such as:
- Nintendo Switch Online membership
- Amount of gameplay logged
- Data-sharing permissions enabled
Nintendo is reportedly using this system to give priority access to their most engaged players, in an effort to combat scalping.
Major Retailers
Retailers like Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart will also offer pre-orders:
- Target goes live at 12 a.m. ET on April 24
- Availability may be limited and vary by region
If you plan to secure a unit at launch, you’ll want to have multiple tabs open and act fast.
đ° Accessory Price Changes
While Nintendo has kept the base price stable, some accessory prices have quietly gone up due to increased component costs and recent U.S. tariff shifts:
- Joy-Con 2 Controllers: Now $5 more than previous versions
- Pro Controller: Also increased by $5
These new controllers introduce several improvements, so the price hike isnât entirely without meritâbut itâs worth factoring into your total cost.
đšď¸ Switch 2 Hardware & Features: A Big Leap Forward
Nintendo has overhauled nearly every aspect of the Switchâs internal and external design for its sequel:
- Display: 7.9-inch 1080p HDR LCD
- Up to 120Hz refresh rate
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support for smoother visuals
- Storage: 256GB internal
- Expandable via microSD Express, allowing faster load times
- Joy-Con 2:
- Magnetic attachment (no more wiggly rails)
- Larger buttons for better ergonomics
- New âCâ button for GameChat, Nintendoâs built-in voice comms system
- Performance:
- Supports 4K at 60fps when docked
- HDR10 and VRR for improved image quality
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth for wireless audio and peripherals
- Dual USB-C ports
Nintendo is also offering enhanced performance for backward-compatible games, similar to how Xbox handles Smart Delivery titles. Some older games will run at higher frame rates or resolutions automatically.
đŽ Confirmed Launch Titles
Nintendoâs lineup for launch and shortly after includes some heavy-hitters designed to appeal to both legacy fans and newcomers:
- Mario Kart World â a new evolution of the kart racing formula
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond â long-awaited and graphically stunning
- Donkey Kong Bananza â a return to 3D platforming roots
- PokĂŠmon Legends: Z-A â continuing the open-world PokĂŠmon trend
- Split Fiction â narrative co-op adventure with cross-play and GameShare support
These titles are meant to fully showcase what the Switch 2 can doâespecially with improved load times, higher fidelity, and multiplayer connectivity.
đ Hands-On Experience Events
Want to try it before you buy? Nintendo is hosting in-person demo events in select cities:
- Dallas, TX: April 25â27
- Toronto, ON: April 25â27
These events are open to the public and will feature playable demos, accessories on display, and exclusive merch for early attendees.
đŽ Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 isnât just a minor refreshâitâs a full generational leap that brings modern hardware and long-requested features to the hybrid platform. With pre-orders launching on April 24, fans should get ready for whatâs likely to be one of 2025âs biggest gaming product launches.
If you want to secure a Switch 2, set your alarms and have your accounts readyâbecause competition will be fierce.
Switch 2 Overview
Nintendoâs Switch 2 is coming in with some fresh features and a pretty wide lineup of accessories aimed at making the whole gaming thing a bit smoother. Big names like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop are all getting in on the pre-order actionâthatâs happening April 24, 2025, for anyone marking calendars. The system sticks to the detachable Joy-Con 2 controllers, plus a Pro Controller, and thereâs a new Joy-Con Charging Grip so youâre not always hunting for a cable. Thereâs also a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen now, bumping up to 120Hz refresh and 1080p, which honestly should look pretty slick.
The base model is $449.99, and if you want the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle, thatâs $499.99. Both Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza (digital or physical) are sold separately, not bundled. Accessories like the Joy-Con 2 Pair and the Dock Set might see their prices move around depending on whatâs happening in the market.
Select Switch 2 Launch Pricing
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | $449.99 |
| Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle | $499.99 |
| Mario Kart World (digital/physical) | $79.99 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza (digital/physical) | $69.99 |
| Switch 2 Pro Controller | $84.99 |
| Joy-Con 2 Pair | $94.99 |
| Joy-Con Charging Grip | $39.99 |
| Switch 2 Camera | $54.99 |
| Switch 2 Dock Set | $119.99 |
| Samsung microSD Express Card 256GB | $59.99 |
Theyâve tossed in a built-in mic, game chat support, and some beefed-up online capabilities if youâre using Nintendo Switch Online. The dual USB-C ports and microSD Express card compatibility mean more storage and easier connectivity, which is nice if youâre tired of shuffling files around. The new batch of accessories seems to cover different play stylesâwhether youâre all about competitive matches or just want something easy to carry around.
Production for Switch 2 is shifting over to Vietnam, likely to sidestep tariffs and some of the current supply headaches. Nintendoâs already hinted that accessory prices might move again, depending on how things go. The big launch is set for June 5, 2025, so thereâs a bit of time to figure out which version or accessories you want, and where youâre going to pre-order. For the nitty-gritty on pricing and whatâs coming, you can check the official Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order and pricing update.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does the Nintendo Switch 2 Cost to Start?
The Nintendo Switch 2 kicks off at $449 in the U.S. Thatâs the starting price right now, but it could shift if the market does something unexpected. If you want to keep tabs on any changes, Fortuneâs pricing article is a solid place to check.
Are Nintendo Switch 2 Game Prices Different from the Previous Model?
So far, game prices arenât jumping up compared to earlier Switch releases. No surprise increases at launchâexpect the usual price range for new titles.
How Can Someone Reserve a Nintendo Switch 2?
Pre-orders open online in the U.S. on April 24. If youâre interested, youâll need a Nintendo Account, and then you can register through the official Nintendo buying guide.
Will Launch Bundles or Special Editions Be Available?
At launch, thereâs nothing official about special edition consoles or bundles. Only the standard Switch 2 model is locked in for releaseâmaybe weâll see some bundles or limited editions down the road, but not just yet.
Which Stores Will Offer the Nintendo Switch 2 When It Releases?
Major electronics chains and big online retailers will have the Switch 2, plus Nintendoâs own site. GameStop, Best Buy, Walmartâall the usual suspectsâare expected to stock it on day one.
Are There Price Differences for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Different Parts of the World?
The $449 tag is for the U.S. Outside the States, prices can change thanks to exchange rates, taxes, or import fees. If youâre not in the U.S., itâs worth double-checking your regionâs Nintendo site for accurate numbers.
