Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Start April 24 With Unchanged Pricing

Nintendo has officially announced that pre-orders for its highly anticipated next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2, will commence on April 24, 2025. This announcement follows a brief delay that was initially set for April 9 due to uncertainties surrounding new tariff policies from the Trump administration. Despite these concerns, Nintendo has confirmed that the retail price for the Switch 2 will remain unchanged at $449.99, while the bundle including the popular game Mario Kart World will be priced at $499.99.

The excitement surrounding the Switch 2 is palpable, as it promises significant upgrades over its predecessor. With a larger 7.9-inch LCD display capable of 1080p Full HD and 4K Ultra HD when docked, players can expect a visually stunning gaming experience. Enhanced performance features, including frame rates of up to 120Hz, are also on the table, making the Switch 2 a compelling choice for gamers eager for a state-of-the-art console.

According to Nintendo’s press release dated April 18, 2025, the company reassured customers that the MSRP of the console and its launch titles would not see any increases, despite speculation. However, some accessories will experience price hikes due to rising import costs. For instance, the Joy-Con 2 controllers will now retail for $94.99, up from $89.99, while the Pro Controller will increase from $79.99 to $84.99. The Nintendo Switch 2 camera will also see a price adjustment, moving from $49.99 to $54.99.

The launch day for the Switch 2 is set for June 5, 2025, and it will feature a lineup of new titles including Mario Kart World, Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, Hogwarts Legacy, and Street Fighter 6, all available on the same day. The excitement is building as gamers look forward to experiencing these new games on the upgraded console.

For those eager to secure their Switch 2, pre-orders will open at midnight EDT on April 24 at Target, with other retailers expected to follow suit. This means that for consumers in different time zones, pre-order times will vary. For example, those in the Central Time Zone will be able to place their orders at 11:00 PM on April 23, while those in the Pacific Time Zone can start at 9:00 PM on the same day.

With limited stock available, potential buyers are advised to prepare ahead of time. Saving payment and shipping information on retailer websites could streamline the purchasing process, especially given the anticipated high demand.

Additionally, Nintendo has introduced a reserved stock option for those who register through their Nintendo account. This reserved stock will be available for purchase starting May 8, 2025, giving priority to users with a Nintendo Switch Online account. This strategy aims to increase the chances of securing a console for dedicated fans.

The decision to postpone the initial pre-order date was made to assess the potential impact of tariffs and market conditions. Nintendo's statement emphasized their commitment to transparency during this process, saying, “We apologize for the retail pre-order delay, and hope this reduces some of the uncertainty our customers may be experiencing.”

As the April 24 pre-order date approaches, retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon are preparing for a surge in traffic as gamers rush to secure their consoles. The Switch 2's enhanced features and the promise of new exclusive games have generated considerable buzz, making it one of the most anticipated console launches in recent memory.

In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to redefine the gaming experience with its upgraded hardware and exciting new titles. With pre-orders beginning soon, fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and be ready to act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out on this next-generation console.