Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 coming out on June 5, 2025, for $450. The console will feature significant updates like enhanced graphics, 256GB storage, and improved third-party support. The console continues to have a design similar to its predecessor but comes with a bigger screen, magnetic Joy-Cons, and a backing of existing Switch games.
Switch 2 preorders come with strict conditions designed to dissuade scalpers. The prospective buyer will have to have a Nintendo Switch Online account with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership, be over 18 years of age, and have at least 50 gameplay hours on the original Switch prior to April 2. Invitations to preorder are set to begin being sent from May 8, giving the invitee a 72-hour window to complete their order. Once these initial invitations have been fulfilled, any remaining preorders will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There will be two console types: the standard Switch 2 for $450 and a Mario Kart World pack for $500. Other retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Target have not yet opened up their preorder pages but are offering notifications for when they become available.
The Switch 2 will most certainly sport more complex specs such as an eight-core processor, up to 12GB of RAM, and NVIDIA’s DLSS technology to enhance graphics processing. While storage upgrades will speed up loading times compared to the standard Switch, they won’t be able to match SSD loading times found in other consoles such as the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.
Nintendo is preparing for strong day-one sales with six to eight million copies in stock in preparation. The anticipated games include a new Mario Kart title and perhaps a new 3D Mario game. The console’s reveal trailer also referenced backward compatibility and innovative features that can inspire new release game concepts.
A world tour starting April 4 will allow individuals to test the console themselves in cities like New York and Paris. Additional details on launch titles and features also come during the April 2 Nintendo Direct presentation.
