Pre-orders for Nintendo’s eagerly awaited Switch 2 will be kicking off in the United States on April 24, the company confirmed today. Staying true to their pricing strategy, the base system will start at $449.99, with a special bundle featuring Mario Kart World available for $499.99.
Initially, US gamers had to wait a little longer to place their orders after the console’s first announcement. Nintendo took a pause to evaluate the possible effects of tariffs and fluctuating market conditions before greenlighting pre-orders.
In some less cheerful news, fans will notice a slight increase in prices for certain Switch 2 accessories. For instance, the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, initially priced at $89.99, will now cost $94.99. Similarly, the Pro Controller’s price has inched up from $79.99 to $84.99. Additionally, there will be price hikes for the Switch 2 camera, dock set, wheel set, and charging grips.
“As the market evolves, other Nintendo products could also see price adjustments,” the company stated in their announcement.
Mark your calendars for June 5 when the system officially launches!
Originally, pre-orders were slated for April 9. However, the announcement was overshadowed by President Donald Trump’s unveiling of extensive tariffs that same day. On April 9, Trump temporarily halted many tariffs for 90 days, barring those imposed on Chinese goods.
Thankfully, the cost of flagship titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Banaza, which arrives on July 17, won’t be changing. Both are priced at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively.
Significant upgrades differentiate the Switch 2 from its predecessor. Users can look forward to a bigger display with HDR support, a second USB Type-C port, and an enhanced graphics chip courtesy of Nvidia.
However, the $449.99 price tag, while offering a host of new features, is notably higher than the original Switch, which debuted at $299.99. This has led some fans to call for price cuts during Nintendo’s online events.
In a bid to ease any anxiety from potential buyers, Nintendo apologized for the delayed pre-orders, expressing their hope that this will calm any uncertainties their customers might be feeling.
