Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 2 pre-orders in the United States will begin on April 24, 2025, ending weeks of speculation about timing following the April 2 official reveal. The company also maintained original console and game pricing despite recent tariff pressures, though accessory prices saw modest increases.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is scheduled for June 5, 2025, with pre-orders reopening at major retailers after an earlier April 9 date was postponed due to ongoing trade concerns. Canadian customers will also gain access to pre-orders on the same date, though prices are notably higher in CAD.
When Will Switch 2 Pre-Orders Start?
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally slated to begin on April 9, 2025, but Nintendo delayed the window following tariff announcements that created uncertainty around the company’s supply chain costs. The company confirmed the new April 24 date through an official statement, citing the need to ensure stable pricing for launch.
The delay sparked concerns among eager fans who had anticipated securing units shortly after the Switch 2 Direct presentation on April 2. Nintendo apologized for the inconvenience and acknowledged that future price adjustments remained possible depending on market conditions.
Confirmed Pre-Order Retailers
Major retailers preparing for Switch 2 pre-orders on April 24 include Target and Walmart, both set to begin sales at 12:00 a.m. ET. Best Buy has already set up pre-order pages ahead of the launch window. Nintendo’s own online store and Amazon are expected to follow standard release patterns, though specific launch times for those channels have not been publicly confirmed.
Pre-order stock availability will likely be limited at launch. Retailers including Target and Walmart have implemented queue systems and bot-detection measures to manage expected high demand.
Pre-Order Timeline at a Glance
- April 2, 2025: Nintendo Switch 2 Direct reveals pricing and launch details
- April 9, 2025: Originally scheduled pre-order date (postponed)
- April 24, 2025: Revised pre-order date across major retailers
- June 5, 2025: Official Nintendo Switch 2 launch date
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Available for Pre-Order Now?
As of mid-April 2025, Switch 2 pre-orders are not yet live but will open within days. Nintendo confirmed the console pricing and bundle options during the April 2 Direct, marking the first official details since the company acknowledged a “successor to Nintendo Switch” in May 2024.
Hands-on demonstrations following the Direct confirmed that the Switch 2 maintains backward compatibility with the original Nintendo Switch library, a feature fans had requested since the initial announcement. This compatibility extends to both physical cartridges and digital purchases from the Nintendo eShop.
Confirmed Launch Titles
Three marquee titles will accompany the Switch 2 launch on June 5. Mario Kart World serves as the flagship launch title, while Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond provide additional incentive for Day One purchases. Nintendo indicated additional titles would be announced closer to launch.
Retailers recommend creating accounts and enabling notification alerts ahead of pre-order windows. Target and Walmart both use queue systems that may require early registration.
Where Can I Pre-Order the Switch 2 and What Is the Price?
The standalone Nintendo Switch 2 console carries a price of $449.99 in the United States. Nintendo opted to maintain this price point despite recent tariff implementations, absorbing increased supply costs rather than passing them to consumers at launch. This decision contrasts with the modest price adjustments applied to accessories.
For buyers seeking a bundled experience, the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle is priced at $499.99. This package includes the console and the flagship launch title at a $30 discount compared to purchasing both separately.
Accessory Pricing Adjustments
Several official Switch 2 accessories saw price increases of approximately $5 each:
| Accessory | Current Price | Previous Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Controller | $84.99 | $79.99 |
| Joy-Con 2 Pair | $94.99 | — |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Camera | $54.99 | $49.99 |
| Dock Set | $119.99 | $109.99 |
| Carrying Case & Screen Protector | $39.99 | $34.99 |
| AC Adapter | $34.99 | $29.99 |
Launch Game Pricing
Physical and digital copies of Mario Kart World are priced at $79.99, while Donkey Kong Bananza comes in at $69.99. These prices align with current-generation game pricing seen on competing platforms.
Canadian customers face higher prices: $629.99 CAD for the standalone console and $699.99 CAD for the Mario Kart World bundle. Pre-orders also begin April 24, 2025, in Canada.
What Are the Latest Switch 2 Specs Ahead of Pre-Order?
While Nintendo has not released complete technical specifications, the April 2 Direct confirmed several key hardware capabilities. The Switch 2 features improved processing power suitable for enhanced visual fidelity and faster load times compared to the original Switch. Reports from hands-on sessions indicate a larger display with upgraded resolution.
The inclusion of backward compatibility represents a significant hardware feature, allowing the new console to run the existing Switch library without modification. Nintendo confirmed this compatibility during the Direct presentation, addressing a primary concern from the install base built over the original Switch’s seven-year lifecycle.
Hardware Highlights
- Enhanced processing capabilities for improved graphics and performance
- Larger display with upgraded resolution compared to original Switch
- Backward compatibility with Nintendo Switch game library
- New Joy-Con 2 controllers featuring updated design and functionality
- Integrated camera support for social gaming experiences
The Switch 2 Camera, priced at $54.99, enables new social gaming features demonstrated during the Direct. This accessory supports motion-controlled experiences and video capture capabilities previously unavailable on the original hardware.
Confirmed Versus Unconfirmed Details
What We Know For Certain
- Pre-orders begin April 24, 2025 in the US and Canada
- Launch date is June 5, 2025
- Console price is $449.99; bundle is $499.99
- Backward compatibility is confirmed
- Launch titles include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Pre-orders were delayed from April 9 due to tariff-related concerns
What Remains Unclear
- Complete technical specifications and clock speeds
- Exact launch-time inventory levels
- Whether additional launch titles will be announced
- Long-term pricing strategy if tariffs escalate
- Specific Amazon launch time availability
Switch 2 Pre-Order: Latest Updates, Date & How to Buy
The path to Switch 2 availability has evolved significantly since Nintendo first acknowledged the successor hardware in May 2024. Initial investor calls suggested a reveal before the end of fiscal year 2025, and the April 2 Direct delivered on that timeline with comprehensive pricing and feature announcements.
Pre-launch speculation centered heavily on specifications, display upgrades, and potential price points. Retailers prepared queue systems and inventory management tools anticipating record demand comparable to the original Switch’s historic launch success. The tariff-driven delay tested patience but ultimately resulted in unchanged console pricing.
Fans planning to secure units should monitor retailer alerts and create accounts ahead of April 24. Major outlets like Target and Walmart have confirmed pre-order participation, with Best Buy already hosting placeholder pages. Nintendo’s direct-to-consumer channel may offer additional inventory for those preferring official retail channels.
“Nintendo has maintained its Nintendo Switch 2 pricing and retail pre-orders will begin April 24 in the U.S.” — Nintendo of America official statement, April 2025
Summary
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders open April 24, 2025, with the console launching June 5 at $449.99. The Mario Kart World bundle costs $499.99, and major retailers including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy will support the launch window. Nintendo absorbed tariff costs on the console itself while adjusting accessory prices by approximately $5 each. Backward compatibility with the existing Switch library is confirmed, and launch titles span Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. For those tracking release schedules, the F1 Race Calendar 2025 – Full Schedule and Key Dates provides comparable launch-window planning context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nintendo announced Switch 2 pre-order details?
Yes. Nintendo confirmed pre-orders begin April 24, 2025, at major US retailers including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. The console launches June 5, 2025, at $449.99 for the standalone unit.
Will there be bundles for Switch 2 pre-order?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle is available for $499.99, offering the console and flagship launch title together at a discounted rate compared to separate purchases.
What are the Switch 2 specs for pre-order?
Nintendo confirmed enhanced processing power, a larger upgraded display, backward compatibility with Switch games, and new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Complete technical specifications including clock speeds and RAM have not been publicly released.
Where can I pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2?
Pre-orders will be available at Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Nintendo’s official store, and Amazon. Target and Walmart begin sales at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24.
What is the Switch 2 release date?
The official Nintendo Switch 2 launch date is June 5, 2025, with pre-orders opening April 24, 2025.
Why were Switch 2 pre-orders delayed?
Pre-orders were delayed from the original April 9 date to April 24 due to tariff-related concerns that created uncertainty around Nintendo’s supply chain costs. The company apologized for the delay and noted possible future price adjustments depending on market conditions.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatible?
Yes. Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 maintains full backward compatibility with the original Nintendo Switch library, supporting both physical cartridges and digital purchases from the eShop.
