Nintendo has officially revealed the pricing, release date, and detailed specifications for its highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console. The successor to the popular hybrid gaming device will launch on June 5, 2025, with a base price of $449.99, representing a significant price increase over the original Switch, which debuted in 2017 at $299.99.
Price Points and Bundle Options
Nintendo has set the base price for the Nintendo Switch 2 at $449.99 in the United States. For those interested in getting started with a game, Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes the console and a digital download code for Mario Kart World at $499.99, effectively providing a $30 discount on the game which will retail separately for $79.99.
International pricing varies by region, with the console costing £395.99 in the United Kingdom and €469.99 in Germany. In Japan, the pricing structure is more complex, with a Japanese language system priced at 49,980 yen (approximately $334) and a multi-language version at 69,980 yen.
The price point has been the subject of much speculation in the lead-up to the announcement. Industry analysts noted that factors such as supply chain constraints and uncertainty around tariffs may have influenced Nintendo’s pricing decision, though they also predicted strong initial sales regardless of the price.
Pre-order Information and Availability
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 9, 2025, in North America, while European customers can start placing orders a day earlier on April 8. Nintendo has also scheduled preview events in several U.S. cities to give potential buyers hands-on experience with the console before release: New York (April 4-6), Los Angeles (April 11-13), and Dallas (April 25-27).
Hardware Specifications and Improvements
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor in several key areas while maintaining the hybrid console/portable design philosophy that made the original so popular.
Display and Performance
The new console features a 1080p display capable of running at 120 frames per second with HDR support. This is a substantial improvement over the original Switch’s 720p screen. The dock has also been upgraded to support 4K output for compatible games when played on a television.
Physical Design and Connectivity
The Switch 2 maintains the same thickness as the original model at 13.9mm but has increased dimensions overall, measuring 271.8mm wide and 114.3mm tall. The complete unit with controllers weighs 399g.
One of the most practical improvements is the addition of a second USB-C port, with connections now located on both the top and bottom of the device. This allows users to connect accessories while charging, addressing a limitation of the original model. The kickstand has also been redesigned to extend at a wider angle for more flexible viewing options.
Storage and Audio
Internal storage has been significantly increased from the original Switch’s 32GB to a much more generous 256GB. The console also features improved speakers with immersive 3D sound capabilities and a built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology for voice chat.
Joy-Con 2 Controllers and Accessories
Controller Enhancements
The new Joy-Con 2 controllers represent a substantial redesign. They now attach to the console using strong magnets rather than the rail system of the original, and feature larger analog sticks and more prominent SL/SR buttons for improved comfort when used independently.
Perhaps the most innovative feature is the ability to use the Joy-Con 2 controllers as an optical mouse, either individually or together. This functionality opens up new gameplay possibilities, with Nintendo already showcasing both existing Switch titles with added mouse support and new games designed specifically around this feature.
Accessory Pricing
Nintendo has announced pricing for various accessories that will be available at launch:
- Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
- Left and Right Joy-Con 2: $89.99
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
- Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector: $34.99
Game Pricing and Community Reaction
The pricing structure for games on the Nintendo Switch 2 has generated considerable discussion within the gaming community. First-party titles like Mario Kart World are priced at $79.99, while remastered versions of previous Switch titles will generally cost around $70.
Some consumers have expressed concerns about these price points, particularly for remastered games. On social platforms like Reddit, users have debated the value proposition of paying $70-80 for games, especially in the current economic climate. The pricing strategy for remasters offers several options: purchasing the original Switch version and paying an additional $10 for the remaster, buying a second-hand copy and paying the upgrade fee, or utilizing the Nintendo Online Expansion Pass for certain titles.
A notable new feature called GameShare will allow players to enjoy select titles with friends using just one copy of a game, potentially offsetting some of the increased costs for multiplayer experiences.
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents Nintendo’s next evolution in hybrid gaming, building upon the success of the original Switch with enhanced specifications and new features. Priced at $449.99, the console sits at a higher price point than its predecessor, reflecting both technological improvements and the current economic environment.
While some potential buyers may hesitate due to the increased console price and higher game costs, the significant hardware improvements and innovative features like the Joy-Con 2’s mouse functionality offer compelling reasons for both new and returning customers to consider the platform. With pre-orders beginning in early April and a June 5 release date, Nintendo fans won’t have long to wait before experiencing the next generation of Switch gaming.
