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The moment gamers have been waiting for has arrived — pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are officially open across North America. While the console is set to launch on June 5, individuals who registered via Nintendo’s website should have received an email providing access to place their pre-orders starting April 24. In addition to purchasing directly from Nintendo, several retailers, including GameStop, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, will also be offering pre-orders for the $450 console and the $500 Mario Kart World bundle.
How to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2
In addition to Nintendo’s own platform, major retailers such as Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Target confirmed their pre-order readiness as of April 24. GameStop will facilitate in-store and online pre-orders beginning at 11 AM ET, while Best Buy, Walmart, and Target will kick off their pre-orders at midnight. Although Amazon is expected to stock the console, it has yet to activate purchase links as of this writing.
Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2
Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle
*As of midnight ET on Thursday, April 24, Amazon had yet to list any Switch 2 console options for sale. This article will be updated with direct purchase links when they become available, but for now, readers can explore Amazon’s Nintendo-specific hub.
How to pre-order Switch 2 accessories
The Switch 2 will also offer a range of accessories available for separate purchase, many of which have undergone price adjustments since the announcement of the pre-order date. The new Switch 2 camera, for instance, is now priced at $55 instead of the previously announced $50. Other accessory costs include the Switch 2 Pro controller at $85, additional Joy-Con 2 controllers at $95, and a charging grip priced at $40. A comprehensive list of price adjustments can be found in Nintendo’s official announcement. Many of these accessories can be pre-ordered alongside the main console.
Joy-Con 2 bundle for $95
Switch 2 Pro Controller for $85
Switch 2 camera for $55
Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2 for $60
Joy-Con 2 charging grip for $40
Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2) for $25
Switch 2 all-in-one carrying case for $85
*As of midnight ET on Thursday, April 24, Amazon has not yet listed any official Switch 2 accessories for sale. This article will be updated with links when they become available, for now, refer to the Nintendo hub on the site.
More Switch 2 details
The teaser trailer has hinted at several enhancements in the Switch 2, including a larger design and new functionalities for the detachable Joy-Cons. The redesigned Joy-Con 2 will feature a new C button, mouse controls, and an integrated gyroscope for improved tilt control. Additionally, the console includes a built-in microphone to support the new Game Chat feature, enabling in-game communication with friends. The device’s screen has expanded to 7.9 inches, with a refresh rate of 120Hz, HDR support, and a full HD resolution of 1080p.
When connected to a dock, users can enjoy gameplay at resolutions up to 4K on their TVs. Nintendo has asserted that the internal speakers have received enhancements, and the newly designed dock includes a fan for cooling, which is vital for maintaining performance during extended gaming sessions. The Switch 2 is equipped with dual USB-C ports for charging, and the base storage has been increased to 256GB. While users can still expand storage, this will now necessitate the use of newer microSD Express cards.
Tariffs and the Nintendo Switch 2
During its latest Direct presentation in early April, Nintendo unveiled additional details about the Switch 2, including the pre-order date of April 9 and the initial $450 price point. However, the announcement of broad tariffs by President Trump on imports from China and other nations led to a temporary delay in pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada.
Following this, President Trump declared a 90-day suspension of stringent “reciprocal” tariffs affecting numerous countries, although the tariff on products from China will increase significantly (currently at 245 percent).
Despite these developments, Nintendo has confirmed that the proposed $450 pricing for the Switch 2 will remain unchanged in the U.S. and Canada, although the company has hinted at the possibility of future price adjustments. Nintendo had previously begun shifting some of its production to Vietnam in 2019. The reciprocal tariff for Vietnam was initially set at 46 percent, but for the duration of the tariff suspension, a more manageable 10 percent rate is in place.
To meet the anticipated demand for the Switch 2, it appears Nintendo may increase production in Vietnam, even if it incurs short-term financial losses. Reports indicate that the pre-order response has been overwhelming, with 2.2 million entries recorded in Japan alone, a number that significantly exceeds the available units set for delivery on launch day.
Source
www.engadget.com