Nintendo has officially announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 releases on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. Plenty of fans have been itching to see what new features and improvements are coming with this next-gen console. The hardware’s getting a decent bump, but Nintendo’s sticking with the style people already love.
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 open both online and in stores starting April 24, 2025. There’s a lot of buzz, with new ways to play and a bunch of fresh games on the horizon. If you want the latest scoop on design tweaks, new releases, and the usual burning questions, it’s all right here.
Nintendo Switch 2: Release Date, Pricing, and Preorder Information
Nintendo has officially announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, in the United States and Canada. The console will be available in two configurations:
- Standard Edition: Priced at $449.99
- Mario Kart World Bundle: Priced at $499.99, includes the new Mario Kart World game
Preorders are set to begin on April 24, 2025, following a delay due to recent tariff implementations affecting manufacturing costs.
Key Specifications
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings several hardware enhancements over its predecessor:
- Display: 7.9-inch 1080p HDR LCD with up to 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support
- Performance: Custom NVIDIA processor with support for DLSS and ray tracing
- Storage: 256GB internal storage, expandable via microSD Express cards
- Controllers: Redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers with magnetic attachment and a new “C” button for enhanced functionality
- Audio: Improved speakers with 3D audio support
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and dual USB-C ports
Preorder Details
Preorders will be available through various retailers, each with specific requirements:
- My Nintendo Store: Requires an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and at least 50 hours of gameplay by April 2, 2025. Selected users will receive email invitations starting May 8, with 72 hours to complete the purchase.
- Best Buy: Offers email notifications for preorder start times; an account is required.
- GameStop: Online preorders begin at 11 a.m. EDT on April 24; in-store preorders start the same day. Offers up to $175 in trade-in credit for older Switch models.
- Walmart and Target: Online preorders start at 12 a.m. EDT on April 24. Walmart offers free launch day delivery for orders placed by June 4.
Launch Titles
The Nintendo Switch 2 will debut with a strong lineup of games, including:
- Mario Kart World (included in the bundle)
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Kirby Air Riders
- Cyberpunk 2077
- The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Warriors – Age of Imprisonment
- The Duskbloods
Additionally, select GameCube titles will be available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Pricing Overview
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | $449.99 |
| Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle | $499.99 |
| Mario Kart World (Digital) | $79.99 |
| Mario Kart World (Physical) | $89.99 |
Accessory prices have increased due to market conditions, with adjustments ranging between $5 and $10 on items like Joy-Con 2 controllers, Charging Grip, and the dock set.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5, 2025, starting at $449.99
- The new model brings upgraded hardware and fresh features
- Pre-orders open April 24, 2025, both online and in stores
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Overview
Nintendo Switch 2 drops in 2025, bringing updated hardware, a higher price tag, and a slate of new games. Expect redesigned controllers, a new dock, and more accessory options for players who want to tweak their setup.
Official Release Date
The official release date for Nintendo Switch 2 is June 5, 2025. Nintendo confirmed this after a special Nintendo Direct event. It’s a global launch—North America, Europe, and Japan all get it at the same time, so you won’t be waiting around if you’re outside the US.
Pre-orders started pretty much right after the announcement. Major retailers like Amazon, GameStop, and the Nintendo eShop are taking orders, but let’s be honest—stock is already tight. If you want one at launch, you’ll probably want to jump in early.
Early adopters get access to launch-day titles like F-ZERO GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and SOULCALIBUR II. These are available both as physical cartridges and digitally through the Nintendo eShop.
Price and Availability
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes in at a suggested retail price of $449.99 USD. It’s definitely a step up from the original Switch’s launch price, but that’s kind of expected with the new hardware and features.
There’s also a Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99, which includes the console, an exclusive game, and limited-edition Joy-Con 2 controllers. Supplies are limited, and the bundle’s only around through fall 2025—or until it sells out, which could be quick.
You’ll find the Switch 2 in most big electronics and game stores, plus the Nintendo eShop. Some areas might see shortages at launch, especially with the bundles. If you’re set on getting one, pre-ordering is probably your best bet.
Models and Accessories
At launch, you can pick up either the standard Switch 2 or a bundle. The standard set comes with the updated console, Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the new dock, which now has an adjustable stand and better USB-C ports for charging and data.
Accessories at release include:
- Joy-Con 2 Controllers: Redesigned for more comfortable grip and better wireless connection.
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: Improved battery life for longer sessions.
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: Faster charging, USB-C all the way.
- Adjustable Stand: Built right into the dock for tabletop gaming.
- USB-C Camera: New add-on for gameplay features and video calls.
Most accessories are sold separately, but some of the bundles toss in exclusive versions of the controllers or dock. Everything’s designed to work with the new ports and dock, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility headaches.
Design, Features, and Game Library
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a bigger Full HD screen, upgraded Joy-Con controllers, and more horsepower under the hood. There’s a new online system, exclusive games, and—you guessed it—support for a bunch of Switch classics, so your old favorites aren’t going anywhere.
New Hardware Features
The Switch 2’s got a brighter, larger display that supports Full HD and HDR. Refresh rate’s bumped up, and with NVIDIA G-SYNC VRR, gameplay looks smoother. If you dock it, you can get up to 4K output—pretty wild for a Nintendo system.
Joy-Con 2 controllers feel better in your hands and are supposed to be more reliable. The updated Pro Controller is still there if you prefer that. Storage now starts at 256GB, and you can expand it with microSD Express cards if you need more room.
Other tweaks: Wi-Fi 6 for faster downloads, improved audio quality with spatial 3D sound, and a new USB-C port for charging and add-ons. There’s even USB camera support for gamechat and video calls in certain games. These updates make the Switch 2 more flexible, whether you’re playing handheld or at a table with friends.
Nintendo Switch 2 Games and Backward Compatibility
Nintendo Switch 2 launches with exclusives like Donkey Kong Bananza, The Duskbloods, Mario Kart World, and Kirby Air Riders. Big names like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Hyrule Warriors, and F-Zero GX get visual upgrades and better frame rates.
Some games support up to 120 FPS and load a lot faster. You can buy digital or physical copies—yep, the game cards are sticking around.
Backward compatibility is a big deal here. Most Nintendo Switch games work, including hits like Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6, and SoulCalibur II. You can transfer your saves and re-download digital purchases via the Nintendo eShop, so you’re not starting your library from scratch.
Online Services and User Experience
The new system upgrades Nintendo Switch Online with better voice chat (GameChat), improved parental controls, and lower multiplayer latency thanks to Wi-Fi 6. There’s a new gameshare feature too, letting you share select games with friends.
Cloud saves and virtual game cards keep your stuff safe and make it easier to access across devices. Tabletop mode’s smarter now, so local multiplayer is less of a hassle to set up.
Accessibility gets a boost—multiple account logins, an improved interface, and better notifications. C Button shortcuts mean you can get to your favorite features faster. Plug-and-play headsets and mics are finally a thing with the USB-C port, which honestly should’ve happened sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
People have a lot of questions about the Nintendo Switch 2: when’s it coming out, how much will it cost, what games are launching, and what about pre-order bonuses? Game pricing and international release dates are also on everyone’s mind.
When will the Nintendo Switch successor be available for purchase?
Nintendo hasn’t dropped the exact release date for the Switch 2 yet. Industry chatter suggests late 2025, but we’re all waiting for something official. Keep an eye on Nintendo’s channels for updates as launch gets closer.
What is the expected price range for the new Nintendo Switch model?
No confirmed price from Nintendo so far. Analysts are guessing it’ll be a bit more expensive than the original—probably somewhere between $349 and $399 in the US.
What games will be available at the launch of the next Nintendo Switch?
There’s no full launch lineup from Nintendo yet. Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon usually show up early on new consoles, but we’ll get more details as the release date approaches.
Will there be any pre-order bonuses for the upcoming Nintendo Switch iteration?
Nothing announced for pre-order bonuses yet. In the past, there’ve been digital codes or accessories for certain regions or retailers, but it’s a wait-and-see for now.
How does the cost of games for the upcoming Nintendo console compare to current pricing?
Expect game prices to be pretty similar to current Switch releases. Most first-party titles will probably run $59.99, maybe $69.99, since that’s the trend lately.
Will the upcoming Nintendo console be released simultaneously worldwide?
No word yet on a worldwide simultaneous release. Nintendo’s done staggered launches before, so we’ll have to see. More info should come out closer to launch.
