The countdown to the next generation of Nintendo is officially underway. Nintendo has confirmed that retail pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24, 2025, across major U.S. retailers. The highly anticipated console will hit store shelves on June 5, 2025, setting the stage for what could be Nintendo’s most ambitious launch yet.
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Despite changes in market conditions and industry-wide price fluctuations, Nintendo is holding steady on the pricing announced earlier this month. This move is a reassuring signal to gamers who have been eagerly watching for updates and fearing sudden cost hikes.
Confirmed Pricing for Nintendo Switch 2
Here’s what to expect at launch:
- Nintendo Switch 2 – $449.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99
- Mario Kart World (Standalone) – $79.99
- Donkey Kong Bananza – $69.99
These prices reflect the same structure announced on April 2, maintaining Nintendo’s promise to keep the system accessible without sacrificing performance or innovation.
Updated Accessory Prices
Nintendo did announce price adjustments to accessories due to market fluctuations. These are the official launch prices for all Nintendo Switch 2 peripherals:
- Switch 2 Pro Controller – $84.99
- Joy-Con 2 Pair – $94.99
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip – $39.99
- Joy-Con 2 Strap – $13.99
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set – $24.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – $54.99
- Dock Set – $119.99
- Carrying Case & Screen Protector – $39.99
- All-In-One Carrying Case – $84.99
- AC Adapter – $34.99
- Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB – $59.99
Gamers looking to build out their Switch 2 setup should consider budgeting for these premium accessories, as many have been upgraded with better durability, compatibility, and feature enhancements over the original Switch generation.
What’s New With Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a complete evolution of the hybrid gaming experience. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Enhanced OLED Display with higher resolution and faster refresh rates
- Improved Battery Life and onboard cooling
- Next-Gen Joy-Con 2 with magnetic locks and redesigned comfort grip
- Voice and Video GameChat Button integrated directly into the hardware
- Full Backward Compatibility with select performance enhancements on older titles
- Seamless Switch Online Sync for cloud saves, friends lists, and parental controls
Although fans were hoping for Hall Effect joysticks to prevent drift, Nintendo has instead reinforced the build quality of the analog sticks to meet pro-level demands.
First Wave of Switch 2 Titles
Nintendo’s launch strategy includes blockbuster exclusives that cater to both long-time fans and new players:
Mario Kart World
Reimagined as a hybrid between arcade racing and open-world adventure, Mario Kart World brings online competitive racing to new heights. Featuring up to 24-player tracks, dynamic weather, and new vehicle mechanics, it’s not just another sequel—it’s a full series reboot.
Donkey Kong Bananza
A 3D platformer that introduces new gameplay systems like cooperative exploration, destructible environments, and seamless level transitions. Donkey Kong Bananza is built to show off the Switch 2’s power with a bold, colorful world that’s larger and more interactive than anything DK has seen before.
Enhanced Classics and Backward Compatibility
Nintendo is doubling down on value by offering performance-boosted versions of existing titles:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons+
- Breath of the Wild (Switch 2 Enhanced)
Expect sharper visuals, improved load times, and new control mapping options across the board.
Nintendo Switch Online Evolves
Launching alongside the console is a new premium tier of Nintendo Switch Online—Nintendo Classics, focused on bringing GameCube-era legends back to life:
- Super Mario Sunshine
- Luigi’s Mansion
- F-Zero GX
- Soulcalibur II
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
These games will be available in a rotating collection with modern emulation enhancements and full controller support.
Pre-Order Details and Early Access
Starting April 24, you’ll be able to pre-order from major U.S. retailers including Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. Select Switch Online members who pre-qualified before April 2 will gain access to an early reservation window on May 8, giving them 72 hours to lock in their order before public access.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Nintendo Fans
The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be the most ambitious and exciting console release of 2025. With a firm focus on innovation, backwards compatibility, premium experiences, and a massive games lineup, it’s more than just a sequel to a successful console—it’s a turning point for the future of Nintendo gaming.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to upgrade, this is it. The next era begins June 5—and every day leading up to it will only build the hype.