Photo credit: www.engadget.com
Following a period of anticipation, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have officially commenced in the United States and Canada as of April 24. This opening comes after an earlier scheduled date of April 9 was retracted due to tariff issues. The much-anticipated console is still set to release on June 5, and those who registered their interest prior to the pre-order date received emails from Nintendo granting them access to order the device.
However, not all interested customers received these emails, and Nintendo has updated its pre-order page to inform users that some may not receive their notifications until after the console launches on June 5.
In addition to direct sales from Nintendo, various third-party retailers such as GameStop, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target have also begun accepting pre-orders for the Switch 2, priced at $450, as well as a promotional Mario Kart World bundle available for $500. At this time, however, inventory is largely sold out at these retailers.
How to Pre-Order the Nintendo Switch 2
Pre-orders with major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Target started at midnight on April 24, with GameStop beginning its orders at 11 AM. Current indications show that stock has quickly diminished, with many listings marked as “coming soon.” While Amazon is expected to carry the Switch 2, they have yet to activate pre-order links on their site.
For individuals who have not yet registered their interest, it is advisable to visit Nintendo’s website. Signing up is free, and even if you have to wait until after June 5 to receive your order invitation, it ensures your place in the queue. Updates on pre-order availability will continue to be shared as they occur.
Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2
Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle
*As of 5 PM ET on Thursday, April 24, Amazon has not yet listed the Switch 2 for sale. This article will be updated with direct links to listings as they become available, and until then, users can check the Nintendo-focused hub on Amazon for information.
How to Pre-Order Switch 2 Accessories
The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a variety of accessories available for separate purchase, although pricing adjustments have been made since the pre-order announcement. For instance, the new Switch 2 camera has increased to $55 from $50, while the Switch 2 Pro controller is now priced at $85, up from $80. Other accessory price changes include the Joy-Con 2 controllers at $95 and the Joy-Con charging grip now available for $40. For a complete list of pricing updates, refer to Nintendo’s official communiqué. Most accessories are currently available for pre-order.
Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2 for $60
Joy-Con 2 bundle for $95
Switch 2 Pro Controller for $85
Switch 2 camera for $55
Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera 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 5 PM ET on Thursday, April 24, Amazon has not yet listed any first-party accessories for the Switch 2. Direct links will be updated here once they are live, and until then, users can refer to Amazon’s Nintendo section for more information.
More on the Switch 2
The official teaser trailer preceding this release hinted at a larger design and innovative capabilities for the detachable Joy-Cons. New features include a C button, enhanced control options incorporating motion sensing, and improved internal hardware. The Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD display with a refresh rate of 120Hz and supports HDR with a resolution of 1080p. Upon docking, users can experience gameplay at resolutions up to 4K, accompanied by upgraded internal speakers.
Additionally, the new dock integrates a cooling fan to maintain optimal performance during extended use, and dual USB-C ports facilitate charging. Storage capacity has been upgraded to a baseline of 256GB and remains expandable with compatible microSD Express cards.
Tariffs and the Nintendo Switch 2
During their recent Direct presentation, Nintendo unveiled more about the Switch 2 strategy than previously disclosed. This showcase included the announcement of the initial $450 price point alongside the April 9 pre-order date. However, due to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on goods imported from China and elsewhere, Nintendo opted to delay pre-orders in both the US and Canada.
In a subsequent announcement, a 90-day suspension of certain reciprocal tariffs for numerous countries was established, although additional tariffs on Chinese imports increased substantially (currently set at up to 245 percent).
Despite these developments, Nintendo confirmed that the introductory price of $450 would stand in the US and Canada, though the potential for price adjustments has not been entirely ruled out. Furthermore, Nintendo has already initiated a shift in some of its production to Vietnam since 2019, where the reciprocal tariff situation appears to be more favorable at this time.
As demand surges—evidenced by 2.2 million pre-order submissions in Japan alone—Nintendo may be compelled to increase production levels in Vietnam to meet the anticipated market need for the Switch 2, even if it means selling at a temporary loss.
Source
www.engadget.com