Nintendo has announced that pre-orders for its highly anticipated Switch 2 console will begin on April 24, 2025, for gamers in the US and Canada. The new console will be priced at $450 for the standalone version, while a bundle including the game Mario Kart World will be available for $500.
In a recent press release, Nintendo acknowledged the delay in pre-orders and confirmed that the Switch 2 will officially launch on June 5. Additionally, the company indicated that prices for Switch 2 accessories may increase due to changing market conditions. They also noted that adjustments to the prices of other Nintendo products could be possible in the future, depending on similar market factors.
For those interested in pre-ordering the Switch 2, it will be available for order directly from Nintendo as well as through various participating retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, Target, and others.
However, potential customers should be aware of certain stipulations if they choose to pre-order directly from Nintendo. According to the pre-order page on Nintendo’s website, individuals must be at least 18 years old, sign in with their Nintendo account, and express their interest in the pre-order. Following registration, players will receive an invitation email when pre-orders commence, which will be valid for 72 hours.
Priority for these invitations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis to Nintendo Switch Online members who have a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay by April 2, 2025. This means that only active members who have spent considerable time gaming with the Switch will have first access to pre-orders. It is still unclear whether similar restrictions will apply to pre-orders from third-party retailers, suggesting that gamers may have alternative avenues to secure a console.
The announcement of the Switch 2 pre-orders comes amid ongoing discussions regarding tariffs affecting the gaming industry. Earlier this month, during a Direct presentation, Nintendo revealed not only the pre-order date but also confirmed that the starting price of $450 would remain, despite the potential for higher manufacturing costs due to tariffs.
The gaming community experienced uncertainty earlier when President Trump implemented sweeping tariffs on imports from China and other countries, which influenced Nintendo’s decision to delay pre-orders in the US and Canada. However, Trump later announced a 90-day pause on certain reciprocal tariffs impacting 75 nations, while the tariff on Chinese imports remains as high as 245%.
Despite these challenges, Nintendo stands firm on the pricing of the Switch 2 in both the US and Canada, though the company hinted at the possibility of price adjustments in the future based on market circumstances. Since 2019, Nintendo has been gradually shifting some of its manufacturing operations to Vietnam to better navigate the evolving tariff landscape. Vietnam’s reciprocal tariff was initially set to be 46 percent but is currently facing a 10 percent tariff during the 90-day pause period.
There are speculations that Nintendo may increase production of the Switch 2 in Vietnam to maintain its release schedule, even if it means incurring losses in the short term.
In terms of specifications, the new Switch 2 model features a larger build and enhancements to the detachable Joy-Con controllers. The redesigned Joy-Con 2 includes a new C button, mouse control capabilities, and an integrated gyroscope for tilt functionality. The device boasts a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and a resolution of 1080p.
When using the console in docked mode, players can enjoy gaming in up to 4K resolution on their TVs. Nintendo has also improved the internal speakers of the device, while the new dock comes equipped with a built-in fan designed to keep the console cool during extended gaming sessions. The internal storage of the Switch 2 will start at 256GB and can be expanded using newer microSD Express cards, following the expandable memory feature of its predecessor.
As the launch date approaches, fans of Nintendo are eagerly anticipating the first opportunity to get their hands on the Switch 2, along with the exciting new features it promises.
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