Preorders for the upcoming Switch 2 models will be available next week, accompanied by updates on cost, with both promising and disappointing price adjustments.
If you can't wait any longer for the Nintendo Switch 2, you're in luck! Next week, on April 24, the preorders will officially drop, and the price tag remains the same at $449. Here's a lowdown on Switch 2 preorders:
U.S. Preorders Launching April 24
The Switch 2 base model will continue to retail at $449.99, and the bundle featuring Mario Kart World will set you back $499.99. Interestingly, as Nintendo mentioned on their website, the pricing for Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99), both physical and digital versions, will remain unchanged.
However, there's a catch — Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have seen a price hike due to "changes in market conditions." More information about which accessories will cost more hasn't been disclosed yet.
The Accessory Dilemma
Although specific Switch 2 accessories prices haven't been detailed, there are some trends and potential impacts:
- Price Increases: Nintendo has already increased the prices of Switch 2 accessories, and there could be further hikes for the console itself.
- Third-Party Accessories: Some retailers increased prices for third-party accessories initially, but there are also price cuts and competitive offerings. For instance, Hori reduced prices for many of its Switch 2 accessories. Walmart offers budget-friendly options under its Onn brand.
- Future Price Rises: If tariffs persist and Nintendo depletes its initial stock, price increases could become more common and impact a broader range of accessories.
Place Your Preorders
To bag a Switch 2 on April 24, you can order directly from Nintendo. However, this might be a bit tricky since Nintendo is using a priority preorder system favoring long-standing Switch Online members. To qualify, you must meet these criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a paid, active Nintendo Switch Online membership for 12 months or more
- Have clocked at least 50 hours of gameplay on your current Switch
To join the waitlist for the priority preorder, sign up on Nintendo's registration page. Besides Nintendo, other retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon, and Target will also have Switch 2 preorders up for grabs.
GameStop and Nintendo are the only preorder options offering notifications about console availability. Keep an eye out for updates on the rest. Here are some helpful links:
- Switch 2 preorders at BestBuy
- Switch 2 preorders at Walmart
- Switch 2 preorders at Target
A Transient Price Tag?
Though we have a preorder date, it's uncertain if the Switch 2 price will hold long term. Tariffs have been a rollercoaster, and Nintendo hasn't ruled out adjusting the console's price in the future if necessary. Whether Nintendo will hike the Switch 2 price is a question yet to be answered. But for now, we can celebrate that the console's price tag will remain stable for the preorders!
Stay tuned for more updates!
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The upcoming Switch 2 will feature a Windows-powered laptop-style display for enhanced gaming experience. If you're in the market for a new gadget, consider the Switch 2's base model with a storage capacity of 128GB and SSD for faster loading times. The processor inside the Switch 2 is designed to handle high-performance gaming, making it a top choice over other devices.
The review for the new Switch 2 keyboard indicates a comfortable ergonomic design with responsive keys, adding to the overall gaming experience. If you're looking for a secondary screen or a means to extend your display, a variety of docking stations and external monitors are compatible with the Switch 2.
Unfortunately, higher prices for accessories have been announced due to changing market conditions, although specific items remain unspecified. To secure a Switch 2 preorder on April 24, consider registering on Nintendo's priority preorder page if you meet the criteria, which includes being 18 or older, possessing a paid, active Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months, and demonstrating at least 50 hours of gameplay on your current Switch.
Besides Nintendo, retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon, and Target will also offer preorders. It's worth noting that both GameStop and Nintendo are the only preorder options offering notifications about console availability. Prices for the Switch 2 and its accessories may be subject to increases in the future due to tariffs and inventory levels, so it's crucial to stay informed on the latest updates.
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