At $450 for the standard console, the Switch 2 will be priced similarly to its predecessor, even after the turbulence of global tariffs. The additional bundle, which includes Mario Kart World, will retail at $500. While the base price stays consistent, Nintendo has warned that the prices for accessories might fluctuate due to ongoing “market conditions.”
The company has emphasized that other Nintendo products could see similar price changes in the future, depending on these fluctuating market factors. For now, fans can be sure that the $450 base price of the Switch 2 remains intact.
Pre-Order Process: How Can You Secure Your Switch 2?
Pre-ordering a Switch 2 isn’t quite as simple as adding it to your shopping cart. While you’ll be able to order directly from Nintendo, other major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop are expected to carry the console as well. However, there’s a catch when pre-ordering from Nintendo’s official website. According to the details on their pre-order page, you must be 18 or older, sign in with your Nintendo account, and register your interest.
Once registered, you’ll receive an invitation email to complete the pre-order. But there’s a catch: these invitations are sent out on a first-come, first-served basis and are prioritized for players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership of at least 12 months of paid service and 50 gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025. This means regular players who have actively engaged with the Nintendo ecosystem will likely get the first crack at purchasing the Switch 2.
It’s still unclear if the same restrictions will apply for third-party retailers, but this “priority access” could be a game-changer for loyal Nintendo fans.
The Impact of Tariffs on the Switch 2’s Price
If you’re wondering how international tariffs have affected the price of the Nintendo Switch 2, you’re not alone. Nintendo originally announced the Switch 2 with a $450 price tag, but the introduction of tariffs had many worried about price hikes. However, recent developments have offered some relief.
In a twist of fate, President Trump recently paused the steep reciprocal tariffs that could have affected the price of Nintendo consoles. Although the tariff on China has increased to a staggering 245%, the reciprocal tariff on Vietnam has been lowered to 10%. Given that Nintendo shifted some of its production to Vietnam, this change could help keep costs in check, for now. However, Nintendo has left the door open for future price increases if market conditions worsen.
New Features of the Switch 2: What’s Inside the Box?
The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a bold leap forward in terms of performance and features. Nintendo has packed a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and 1080p resolution. Dock it, and you can enjoy 4K gameplay on your TV. In addition to these upgrades, the internal speakers have been improved for better sound quality, and the new dock includes a built-in fan to keep things cool during extended play sessions.
Perhaps the most exciting change comes in the form of the upgraded Joy-Con controllers, now called Joy-Con 2. These new controllers come with a C button, mouse controls, and a built-in gyroscope for tilt control, enhancing the precision and enjoyment of games. The built-in mic adds another layer of convenience, enabling the new “Game Chat” feature that lets players communicate with friends while gaming.
On the storage front, the Switch 2 now comes with 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using new microSD Express cards. But keep in mind that accessory prices are also on the rise. The price of the new Switch 2 camera, Pro controller, and extra Joy-Con 2 controllers will all see slight increases. For example, the camera will now cost $55 (up from $50), and the Pro controller will cost $85 (up from $80).
As the April 24 pre-order date quickly approaches, Nintendo fans are preparing for what’s likely to be another gaming revolution. With the next-gen console bringing so many upgrades, including better graphics, a larger screen, and more immersive gameplay, the Switch 2 is sure to make a massive splash in the gaming world.
While there are still some unknowns about availability and potential price hikes, Nintendo’s proactive stance in adjusting its production strategies and setting up early access for loyal users has fans feeling optimistic. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from your old Switch or join the Nintendo family for the first time, the Switch 2 promises to be a game-changer.
What You Need to Remember About the Switch 2 Launch?
– Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 open on April 24 in the US and Canada, with the base model priced at $450 and the bundle at $500.
– Nintendo will be adjusting the prices of accessories due to market conditions, so expect price hikes on items like the Pro controller and extra Joy-Con 2 controllers.
– To pre-order directly from Nintendo, you must have a Nintendo account, be 18 or older, and register your interest. Invitation emails will be sent out to users with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and a history of gameplay.
– The new Switch 2 will feature a larger screen, better graphics, improved Joy-Con controllers, and increased storage, alongside 4K TV support when docked.
