You might be eagerly anticipating the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, or perhaps you're weighing whether it's wise to spend $450 on Nintendo's latest console amidst rising prices. Regardless of your decision, the first important update is that, as of April 24, Nintendo has officially launched preorders for the Switch 2 in the US and Canada. Initially, preorders were available in other countries, but the original April 9 preorder window for the US and Canada was canceled due to tariff assessments.
The good news is that the Switch 2 price remains set at $450, while the Mario Kart World bundle is available for $500. However, some accessories have seen slight price hikes. In today's competitive market, securing a preorder for the Nintendo Switch 2 is more complicated than merely adding it to your cart once the website goes live. For those buying directly from Nintendo, certain requirements must be met, which we will detail in this guide.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will feel familiar to anyone who has used the original Switch, but with several enhancements. The new console features a larger 7.9-inch screen compared to the original's 6.2 inches, while still offering the hybrid functionality of being both a portable console and a dockable unit for TV play. Thanks to a custom Nvidia graphics card, everything you play will look significantly better, as Nvidia claims the Switch 2 has 10 times better graphics than its predecessor, complete with ray tracing support and AI-powered upscaling.
Although the Switch 2 utilizes an LCD screen—possibly seen as a step back from the vibrant OLED version—the new 1080p resolution with HDR support enhances the viewing experience. The console also boasts a 120-Hz variable refresh rate, making gameplay smoother and more fluid. The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers are larger, allowing for new functionalities, such as using them as mice in specific games, enhancing precision in first-person shooters and real-time strategy games.
Moreover, the new Switch 2 features improved speakers supporting 3D audio and a built-in microphone that filters out background noise. Enhanced connectivity options include two USB-C ports, enabling charging in handheld mode while connecting peripherals like the new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for social gaming experiences.
The Switch 2 preorders went live at midnight Eastern time on April 24, with the official launch set for June 5. Here are the specifics from top retailers:
GameStop: Preorders began when stores opened on April 24, including the Mario Kart World bundle. Online preorders started at 11 am Eastern. Target: Preorders also launched at midnight Eastern. Note that the website experienced slowdowns and errors during the initial rollout. Best Buy: Preorders commenced at midnight Eastern, but the page was temporarily down due to high demand. Walmart: Preorders are available, with a streamlined checkout process. Walmart guarantees delivery by 9 am Eastern on June 5 for preorders made by June 4 at 8 am Eastern.As of now, it appears that Amazon may not be offering preorders for the Switch 2, but keep an eye on Nintendo's Amazon storefront for potential updates.
Preordering the Switch 2 comes with some risks, including competition from scalpers and bots. To secure a preorder directly from Nintendo, you must sign in to your Nintendo Account and register your interest in purchasing the console. You must be at least 18 years old and will receive an email when it’s your turn to buy the console, with the first batch of invites going out on May 8. You must complete your purchase within 72 hours of receiving the email.
Eligibility requires that you purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership and maintained it for at least 12 months, opted to share gameplay data, and logged a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay. Payments can be made through various methods, and while Nintendo aims to ship your order before launch day, release-day delivery is not guaranteed.
During the recent Nintendo Direct event, several games were announced for the Switch 2, but only a select few will be available on launch day, June 5. Here are some of the key titles:
Mario Kart World - $80 Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour - $10 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition - $80 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition - $70 Civilization VII Switch 2 Edition Fortnite - Free Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition - $70 Deltarune - $25Additional games will launch later in the summer and fall, including popular titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4.
The Switch 2 offers broad backward compatibility, allowing most Switch games to run smoothly. However, there will be exclusive “Switch 2 Edition” games that utilize the new hardware for improved graphics and gameplay. For instance, if you don't own Breath of the Wild, the Switch 2 Edition will retail for $80, but if you already own it, you can purchase an upgrade pack for just $10.
Alongside the console, several first-party accessories have been announced, though many have seen price increases due to tariffs:
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $85 Joy-Con 2 Pair: $95 Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $40 Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $55If you're considering trading in your old Nintendo Switch to offset the cost of the new console, GameStop will offer special trade-in values starting April 24. You can receive up to $125 for a standard Switch, $175 for a Switch OLED, or $100 for a Switch Lite, provided they are in good condition and come with all original packaging.
Lastly, with the announcement of GameCube games coming to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, players will be able to enjoy titles such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX. These games will launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, but be aware that you will need a Switch 2 console for compatibility.
