Fans of gaming across the UK are currently enjoying the opportunity to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, while those in the United States are left waiting for their chance. Originally set for an April 9, 2025 launch date for pre-orders in the U.S., Nintendo has announced that these will now be indefinitely delayed. This decision comes as a response to the recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, which prompted the company to reassess the impact of tariffs on their pricing and distribution strategy.
According to a statement released by Nintendo to Engadget, the U.S. pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will no longer commence on April 9, 2025, as initially planned. The company is currently evaluating how these tariffs will affect market conditions. Despite this setback, the official launch date for the Switch 2 remains unchanged at June 5, 2025. As part of their latest Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo had previously confirmed both the pre-order and launch dates for North America.
The anticipated starting price for the Switch 2 is set at $450, though it remains uncertain if this will be adjusted in light of the proposed tariffs. When the console does become available in the U.S., it is expected to be sold through several major retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart.
If you are looking to pre-order directly from Nintendo, there are specific requirements you need to fulfill. According to the details listed on Nintendo's pre-order page, interested customers must be at least 18 years old and must sign in with their Nintendo account. Additionally, you will need to register your interest in pre-ordering. Once pre-orders open, you will receive an invitation email that is valid for 72 hours.
It's important to note that invitation emails for pre-orders will be prioritized based on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months and have logged at least 50 gameplay hours by April 2, 2025, will have first dibs on purchasing the Switch 2. However, it remains unclear whether these same restrictions will apply to pre-orders made through third-party retailers.
The excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is heightened by its impressive features. The new console is expected to be larger than its predecessor and will introduce an innovative design for the detachable Joy-Cons, dubbed Joy-Con 2. These new controllers will feature a new C button, enhanced mouse controls, and an integrated gyroscope for tilt control. Additionally, the console will include a built-in microphone to support a new feature called Game Chat, enabling players to communicate seamlessly with friends during gameplay.
In terms of display, the Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR capabilities, and a resolution of 1080p. When docked, players can enjoy gaming at resolutions up to 4K on their TVs. To enhance the gaming experience, Nintendo has also improved the console's internal speakers and added a built-in fan in the new dock to maintain optimal performance during extended play sessions.
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes equipped with dual USB-C ports for charging, and the base storage has expanded to 256GB. Players can still extend their storage capacity, but it will now require the use of newer microSD Express cards. A range of accessories will also be available for purchase separately, including a new Switch 2 camera for $50, a Pro controller for $80, an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers for $90, and a Joy-Con 2 charging grip for $35.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs raises questions about whether the prices of these accessories will change before they become available for order. For those eager to get their hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, staying informed about pre-order details and pricing updates will be essential.
