Fans are abuzz with excitement following the recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, the worst-kept secret in gaming history. Slated for its official showcase on April 2, speculations surrounding the console's release date and price have begun circulating, with retailers making their own predictions.
Italian retailer Games and Movies has already taken the plunge, offering pre-orders for the new handheld device at €364.99, amounting to approximately £307 or $379.25. Should this price hold up, it reflects a significant increase over the original Nintendo Switch, which is currently available for around £259.99. The expectation of heightened pricing for the Switch 2 aligns with its predicted enhancements, including increased screen size and improved performance capabilities.
What’s intriguing about this pre-order listing is the notation accompanying it: “By pre-ordering it now you can guarantee the discounted price.” This phrase suggests the listed price might merely be a placeholder, potentially hinting at the likelihood of the actual price being higher.
Crossing over to Finland, retailer Konsolinet listed the console for May 9, 2025, leaving many fans questioning whether this is simply guesswork or insider information. Given Nintendo’s notorious secrecy surrounding new releases, skepticism remains about whether retailers have concrete knowledge of the launch date.
Regardless of uncertainties surrounding the release date, the Switch 2 is set to hit the gaming market soon. It’s anticipated to showcase at various events around the world after the upcoming Nintendo Direct. While franchise favorites like Mario Kart 9 are known to be part of the lineup, specific game titles supporting the console are yet to be confirmed.
The excitement for the Switch 2 is palpable as anticipation builds for the next generation of beloved franchises. According to leaks, the new console's price point is expected to range between $399 and $499, markedly higher than its predecessor, which launched at $299. This potential price increase isn’t surprising when considering the ambitious enhancements associated with the new hardware.
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella from Circana explains the situation, noting, “Early adopters of the new Nintendo hardware aren’t very price-sensitive, so as long as the launch price isn’t some egregious amount, it’ll sell.” This suggests Nintendo has some leeway with pricing, especially considering the strong brand loyalty it holds within the gaming community.
Adding to price predictions, Shpeshal_Nick on X indicates speculation around the Switch 2’s base price launching at $449, potentially rising to $499 with bundle packages featuring new titles. If true, this would place the Nintendo Switch 2 below the pricing of both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, strategically positioning it as the budget-friendly option for gamers.
The economic environment surrounding gaming hardware is also under examination, especially with impending tariffs on imports. Reports suggest these tariffs could escalate the costs of consoles significantly, potentially raising prices by up to 40%. With production anchored predominantly overseas, and whether the console uses chips from Nvidia or AMD, both companies have manufacturing bases subject to these tariffs. Consequently, early adoption may become advantageous to save costs.
For the $399 launch price, analysts predict it could jump to around $560 if tariffs kick in, making it imperative for gamers to purchase sooner rather than later to avoid inflated prices.
Consumer interest is balanced with the practicality of opting for the new console. Existing Nintendo Switch games are expected to be compatible with Switch 2, providing another incentive for fans to upgrade. Accessories, such as Joy-Cons, will not be compatible, adding to the overall cost of transitioning to the new console.
Currently, the excitement for the Switch 2 taps directly back to Nintendo’s storied legacy, promising to deliver fresh gaming experiences brimming with nostalgia and innovation. While details are still sparse, the anticipation swells as eager fans await the April Direct announcement.
Until the April update arrives, speculation and pricing predictions will continue to fill the information void. Gamers remain hopeful to receive concrete details on the Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities, lineup, and pricing during the showcase, which could only heighten anticipation for launch day.
The gaming world awaits with bated breath, ready to embrace the next chapter of Nintendo’s storied history.