The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been revealed, and excitement is palpable as retailers in the UK begin to roll out pre-orders ahead of its launch on June 5, 2025. With a price tag of £395.99 for the standalone console and £429.99 for a bundle that includes the new Mario Kart World game, demand is already outpacing supply.
Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 during a recent Direct live stream, showcasing its impressive features, including a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD display with 1080p resolution, HDR10 support, and variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz. The console boasts 256GB of internal storage, expandable via MicroSD cards, and comes with a dock that includes two USB ports (USB 2.0 compatible), an HDMI port, and a LAN port. Notably, the Switch 2 is expected to deliver 4K output at 60 frames per second under certain conditions, although performance may vary depending on the game.
As of April 4, 2025, several retailers, including Argos, GAME, and Very, have begun accepting pre-orders, although initial stock has already sold out. Argos was the first to open pre-orders, and it has since seen a rapid depletion of available units. The Mario Kart World bundle, which saves players £32.99 compared to purchasing the game digitally or £40.99 against the physical version, has also garnered significant interest.
Amazon has initiated a unique invitation system for pre-orders, allowing customers to request an invite to purchase the console. This strategy aims to combat scalpers and ensure that genuine fans have the opportunity to secure a unit. Customers who wish to pre-order through Amazon must register their interest, and if selected, they will receive an email with a link to complete their purchase. The invitation is valid for 72 hours, and the console will be available for £395.99 or £429.99 for the bundle.
Meanwhile, Currys has also joined the fray, offering pre-orders that must be completed in-store. Customers can visit their local Currys to secure a unit for the June 5 release. The retailer's website encourages shoppers to check stock availability before making the trip, as demand is high.
On April 8, 2025, Nintendo will officially open pre-orders through its My Nintendo Store, but this will initially be by invitation only. The company will prioritize invites for those who have been subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online for at least two consecutive years as of March 31, 2025, and who have maintained an active membership on the day of the pre-order. This means that only the most dedicated players will have a chance to secure the console during the first wave of pre-orders.
In addition to the Switch 2 console, various accessories are also available for pre-order, including the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller and a USB-C camera designed for chat features. Retailers like Very and ShopTo are offering these accessories, ensuring gamers can enhance their experience right from the start.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launch will coincide with a host of new games, including Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Fortnite, and Hogwarts Legacy. Additional first and third-party titles are expected to follow, with Donkey Kong Bananza scheduled for release on July 17, 2025, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond later in the year. Notably, Nintendo is also set to release enhanced versions of existing Switch games, including upgraded editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, featuring improved visuals and smoother frame rates.
With the excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, gamers are advised to act quickly if they hope to secure a pre-order. As stock levels fluctuate, it’s wise to keep an eye on various retailers and be ready to act as soon as new stock becomes available. The upcoming console is poised to be one of the biggest tech launches of the year, and with its impressive lineup of features and games, it’s no wonder that fans are eager to get their hands on it.
As the April 8 pre-order date approaches, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation. Will you be one of the lucky few to snag a Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day? Keep checking back with your favorite retailers, and don’t forget to register for those all-important invites!