Nintendo is gearing up to launch pre-orders for its highly anticipated next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2, on April 24, 2025, in the US. This announcement follows a previous delay attributed to uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs, but the company has now affirmed its commitment to the specified date. While the base price of the console remains unchanged, consumers should anticipate adjustments to the prices of accessories.
The suggested retail price for the Nintendo Switch 2 will stay at $449.99. Furthermore, the bundle including the game Mario Kart World will also remain at its initially announced price of $499.99. This pricing strategy aims to provide consumers with accessible entry points into the new console generation.
However, due to what Nintendo describes as changes in market conditions, the prices of accessories for the Switch 2 will be adjusted upwards from the figures initially announced on April 2. Although the exact increase varies, most accessories will see a price bump of around $5. One notable addition to the accessory lineup is a 256GB Samsung microSD Express Card, specifically designed for the Switch 2, which will retail for $60.
Several major retailers, including Best Buy, Walmart, and Target, are expected to participate in the pre-order launch. While specific start times may vary by retailer, some are confirmed to begin as early as 12 AM ET on April 24. This means that customers on the West Coast could potentially place their orders as early as 9 PM PT on April 23. It is recommended that interested buyers check with their preferred retailer for precise timing.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025. For those who secure a pre-order, retailers like Walmart are guaranteeing delivery by 9 AM local time on launch day. Best Buy is also planning midnight launch events at select locations, offering eager fans the chance to get their hands on the console as soon as possible.
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts several enhancements over its predecessor. It features a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. When docked, it can output up to 4K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI. The console will be powered by a custom Nvidia Tegra processor and will include 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD Express cards up to 2TB.
Alongside Mario Kart World, other confirmed titles for the Switch 2 include Donkey Kong Bananza, Civilization VII, Deltarune, Hollow Knight: Silksong (scheduled for 2025), Cyberpunk 2077, and Age of Imprisonment in the Hyrule Warriors series.
The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the hybrid design of the original, allowing it to be used as a handheld device, a tabletop device, or connected to a TV via a dock. It also features detachable Joy-Con controllers, now known as Joy-Con 2, with enhanced functionality, including potential mouse-like controls in compatible games.
With pre-orders opening soon and a launch date on the horizon, excitement is building for the Nintendo Switch 2.
