Retail pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will open on April 24, 2025, Nintendo confirmed in an update on April 18. The U.S. launch prices for the console and select games remain unchanged from the April 2 announcement, with the base model priced at 499.99. However, some accessories will see price adjustments due to shifting market conditions. The console is set to launch on June 5, 2025.
Confirmed Pricing and Pre-Order Details
Nintendo has maintained its initial pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its flagship launch titles:
Standalone Console: $449.99
Console + Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99
Physical/Digital Mario Kart World: $79.99
Physical/Digital Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99
However, select accessories—including the Pro Controller (94.99), and Dock Set ($119.99)—have seen adjustments from their originally announced prices. Nintendo cited "changes in market conditions" as the reason, leaving room for further adjustments on other products.
The Road to Switch 2’s Launch
The Nintendo Switch 2 follows the massively successful original Switch, which has sold over 140 million units since its 2017 debut. Industry analysts had speculated about potential delays due to supply chain issues, but Nintendo has stayed on track for its June 5, 2025 release.
In a statement, Nintendo acknowledged the pre-order delay, saying:
*"We apologize for the retail pre-order delay and hope this reduces some of the uncertainty our customers may be experiencing. We thank our customers for their patience and share their excitement to experience Nintendo Switch 2."*
Market Reaction and Consumer Expectations
The pricing strategy suggests Nintendo is positioning the Switch 2 as a premium device, with the base model $50 higher than the original Switch’s launch price. The inclusion of Mario Kart World in the bundle aligns with Nintendo’s history of leveraging its strongest franchises to drive hardware sales.
Analysts note that the accessory price adjustments could reflect rising production costs or strategic pricing shifts. For example, the Joy-Con 2 Pair is now priced at $79.99 launch price for Joy-Cons.
What’s Next?
With pre-orders opening soon, retailers like Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy are expected to see high demand. Nintendo has not yet announced global pricing outside the U.S., but further updates are anticipated before June.
Conclusion:
The Nintendo Switch 2’s pre-order launch keeps the company on track for its summer release, though accessory pricing remains fluid. Fans can secure their consoles starting April 24, with the full launch arriving on June 5, 2025. As the gaming community awaits hands-on impressions, Nintendo’s next challenge will be meeting what’s likely to be overwhelming demand.
(Note: All pricing and dates are based on Nintendo’s official April 18, 2025 update.)
