Overview of Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders
- U.S. pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are anticipated to commence on April 9, according to industry insiders.
- In Canada, Best Buy is set to initiate pre-orders on April 2, coinciding with the first Nintendo Direct dedicated to the Switch 2.
- The release for the Switch 2 is projected for June 2025, with expectations that it may become Nintendo’s priciest console to date—though price analysis reveals it may not surpass historical costs when adjusted for inflation.
The highly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is gearing up for pre-orders in the United States, slated to kick off on April 9. This update comes from reputable industry insider reports, indicating that the pre-order dates might differ internationally.
Since its announcement on January 16, Nintendo has remained relatively tight-lipped regarding the Switch 2’s details. Nevertheless, the company has committed to unveiling more information during the Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, which will focus on this next-generation gaming console.
According to Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, the U.S. pre-orders will follow one week after the April 2 event. Henderson references undisclosed communications from a major retailer, which anticipates that all pre-order inventory for the Switch 2 will sell out on launch day. Despite Nintendo reportedly having already imported a substantial number of units into the U.S., further shipments are expected shortly before the pre-order date.
Varied Pre-Order Start Dates by Region
Best Buy Canada has revealed plans to initiate Switch 2 pre-orders on April 2. If these reports hold true, it indicates a staggered international pre-order timeline for the console. Specific pricing details have yet to be disclosed, but they are anticipated to be unveiled during the Nintendo Direct event. Additionally, this presentation is speculated to provide insights into the launch titles and unique features, including the enigmatic button located below the Home button on the right Joy-Con.
Expected Release Date and Pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2
Henderson’s analysis also suggests a potential launch for the Switch 2 in June 2025, citing the same retailer insights. The June launch has gained traction among industry analysts over recent months, with many attendees at the recent GDC expressing confidence in this timeline. It is important to note that while the release will be global, not every region may receive the console simultaneously. For example, the original Switch had staggered launches in various countries, including delays for markets like China and Brazil until 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Switch 2: Projected Pricing and Historical Context
Forecasts indicate that the Switch 2 will be priced notably higher than its predecessor, which debuted at $299. Unlike past Nintendo consoles that typically saw mid-lifecycle price reductions, the new model is expected to retail between $399 and $499. This pricing would surpass the previous generation’s cost, making it Nintendo’s priciest offering yet. Nonetheless, when considering inflation, the lower end of this range may remain less than the equivalent cost of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), which launched at $199 in 1990—roughly equivalent to $459 in 2024 currency.