After months of speculation and anticipation, Nintendo has officially opened preorders for its next-generation console—the Nintendo Switch 2. As of April 24, 2025, U.S. customers can now secure the console at select retailers, both online and in-store, with the official release scheduled for June 5, 2025.
Despite online chaos and immediate sellouts at major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, some lucky fans secured their preorders the old-fashioned way: by lining up outside GameStop locations.
“It’s been unbelievably busy,” a GameStop employee in Akron, Ohio, told The Verge. “People started lining up days in advance.”
This shift back to in-person preorders marks a nostalgic return for many longtime gamers and underlines the continued appeal of physical retail during high-demand product launches.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing Remains Steady, Despite Inflation and Tariffs
Nintendo has confirmed that the base model of the Switch 2 will retail for $449.99, with the Mario Kart World bundle priced at $499.99. This bundle offers a savings of approximately $30, considering the standalone game is priced at $79.99.
Here’s a full breakdown of official pricing for consoles, games, and key accessories as of April 18, 2025:
- Nintendo Switch 2: $449.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99
- Mario Kart World (Digital/Physical): $79.99
- Donkey Kong Bananza (Digital/Physical): $69.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $84.99
- Joy-Con 2 Pair: $94.99
- Dock Set: $119.99
- Carrying Case & Screen Protector: $39.99
More accessory pricing details can be found on Nintendo’s official site.
While some accessories saw price adjustments due to market conditions and import tariffs, core console and game pricing has remained consistent. This move has been generally well received, especially in light of recent economic pressures.
Physical vs. Digital Games: No $90 Price Tag After All
Contrary to persistent rumors, Nintendo has confirmed that physical versions of flagship titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will cost the same as their digital counterparts—$79.99 and $69.99, respectively.
This debunks widespread misinformation, some of which even appeared in AI-generated search summaries and Reddit forums.
“It’s $80, not $90—just like the digital version,” reports Andrew Cunningham from Ars Technica.
Additionally, Game-Key cards will be common for many third-party physical releases. These cards act as download tokens rather than containing the game data themselves. While controversial among collectors and preservationists, they still allow for resale and lending, offering a semi-physical ownership model.
Switch 2 Upgrade Packs Introduce Tiered Pricing Model
Nintendo is also introducing Switch 2 Upgrade Packs, allowing players to upgrade existing Switch games with enhanced graphics or new content. These packs come in two tiers:
- $10 Visual Upgrade: Games like Breath of the Wild
- $20 Content + Visual Upgrade: Titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree
Players can buy physical editions that include both the original game and upgrade, or purchase the packs separately through Nintendo’s eShop. This approach provides flexibility for those who already own the original game, especially if purchased secondhand or on sale.
Fan Excitement Remains High Despite Higher Game Prices
While there was some sticker shock at $70–$80 price points for new games, most early adopters aren’t deterred.
“The OLED Switch was $350 when it came out,” one gamer in line told The Verge. “So this isn’t bad, considering it’s been nearly a decade.”
Others noted that while rising costs sting, the value proposition of a powerful new console and marquee Nintendo titles makes it worthwhile.
Where to Buy the Switch 2
Currently, Switch 2 preorders are sold out online across most major retailers. However, brick-and-mortar stores like GameStop are still fulfilling limited preorders and expect more inventory around the launch date.
You can monitor restocks at these links:
- Nintendo Switch 2 at Best Buy
- Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart
- Nintendo Switch 2 at Target
- GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 Listings
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a strong start, with healthy demand, manageable pricing, and clear upgrade paths. As the gaming world awaits its June 5 launch, all eyes are on Nintendo to see if the Switch 2 can live up to its predecessor’s record-breaking legacy.
For more Switch 2 news, stay tuned to Nintendo Everything, Ars Technica, and the official Nintendo newsroom.
