Nintendo Switch 2 News: Price, Pre-Order Info, Release Date, and Games
Big news for gamers. Nintendo just showed off the Nintendo Switch 2 in a Nintendo Direct video today. They told us the release date, how much it costs, how to pre-order it, and what games it will have. This new console builds on the old Switch but adds cool new stuff. Here is everything you need to know.
How Much Does the Switch 2 Cost?
Nintendo says the Switch 2 will cost 449 dollars and 99 cents for the basic version. That is more than the first Switch, which was $299 and 99 cents when it came out in 2017. Want something extra? You can get a bundle with the console and a game called Mario Kart World for 499 dollars and 99 cents. This price makes it close to the PlayStation 5, which is 499 dollars and 99 cents, and the Steam Deck OLED, which is 549 dollars and 99 cents. Games for the Switch 2 will cost more, too. Big titles like Mario Kart World will be $79 and $0.99. Some fans might not like that price jump.
When and Where Can You Pre-Order the Switch 2?
Pre-orders start on April 9, 2025. That is one week from today. Nintendo wants to stop people from buying it just to sell it for more money. So, they are letting Switch Online members pre-order first. You need to have paid for Switch Online for at least 12 months and played 50 hours of games by today to get an invite. They will email you if you can buy it early from the My Nintendo Store. You get 3 days to finish the order. Stores like Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Amazon will also sell it starting April 9, but they might run out fast. Best Buy will open at midnight on launch day for people to pick up pre-orders. GameStop will give you up to $175 off if you trade in an old Switch OLED. In the UK, it costs 395 pounds and 99 pence, and pre-orders start April 8 or 9 at places like the My Nintendo Store UK.
When Does It Come Out and What Are the Specs?
The Switch 2 comes out on June 5, 2025, all over the world. It has a bigger screen than the old Switch, 7.9 inches, with super clear pictures and bright colors. It can go fast, up to 120 times a second. It has 256 gigabytes of space inside and two USB-C ports. When you plug it into a TV, it shows games in 4K, thanks to a new chip from NVIDIA. That chip is way stronger than the old Switch. The controllers stick on with magnets and have a mouse feature. There is also a mic for talking in games. One catch: it only takes new, special memory cards, not the old ones.
What Games Will It Have?
The Switch 2 will launch with fun games. Mario Kart World is the big one from Nintendo. There is also Donkey Kong Bananza and better versions of old Zelda games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Those come with a new app called Zelda Notes. Other companies are bringing games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077, which the old Switch could not run. Nintendo plans to release games in three steps: their own at launch, other companies in the fall, and more for the holidays. Most old Switch games will work on it too, but not all.
The Switch 2 looks awesome with its power, easy-to-carry size, and great games. Pre-order soon because lots of people will want it. Check Nintendo.com or your favorite store for more info as June 5 gets closer.
