Let’s address the big question right away: No, the Switch 2 isn’t available for preorder yet. Preorders likely won’t open until after the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2. However, we’ve gathered all the essential details to help you prepare for one of the most anticipated console launches ever.
Switch 2 Preorders: Register Your Interest Now
While preorders aren’t live yet, Best Buy is already letting you register your interest. This is a smart move to ensure you receive email updates when preorders open in the coming months (just in case you forget). Otherwise, GameStop is the only major retailer with an official Switch 2 listing, albeit one that will remain "unavailable" likely until April.
In the meantime, here are some additional tips:
- Follow IGN and IGNDeals on social media platforms like Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter). We’ll keep you updated on preorders for the console, games, accessories, and more.
- Keep an eye on major retailers like Target, Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy.
One notable question mark is Amazon, which has had limited availability for Nintendo products in 2024. The only major release sold directly by Amazon this year was The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom — and even that arrived a month late. Given this track record, it’s safer to assume other retailers will be your best bet for securing a preorder.
Mario Kart 9 Preorders
One confirmed game for the Switch 2 is Mario Kart 9, which was briefly teased in the console’s announcement trailer. While preorders for the game are not yet live, it’s reasonable to expect they’ll launch alongside console preorders. It also wouldn’t be surprising if Nintendo announces a Mario Kart 9 bundle, which could be a popular option as well.
How Much Will the Switch 2 Cost?
Nintendo has yet to confirm a price for the Switch 2, but speculation places it between $399 and $499. Analysts, including Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games Inc., believe $400 is the “sweet spot” for success, calling it a price point that balances value and competitiveness.
For context, here are the current prices for Nintendo’s existing lineup:
- Nintendo Switch: $299
- Nintendo Switch OLED: $349
- Nintendo Switch Lite: $199
If the Switch 2 builds on its predecessor with improved power and features — as hinted in the trailer — a $400 price tag seems likely.
Switch 2 Release Date
The Switch 2 is currently slated for a 2025 release, but details remain vague. More concrete information about the release date is expected during the April 2 Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo has also scheduled hands-on preview events in major cities through June 2025, suggesting the console will likely launch in the second half of 2025.
Stay tuned as we cover all the latest news on the Switch 2, including preorder updates, pricing, and exclusive game announcements.
Upcoming Switch 2 Games
We can make some informed speculation about what games to expect on the Switch 2. It seems likely that games Nintendo has announced as coming to the Switch this year and beyond will also make their way to the Switch 2. Metroid Prime 4, for example, is a safe bet.
As is Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. The question is, will these games look and play significantly better on the Switch 2 compared to the Switch?
In a previous podcast, Nate the Hate said a number of Xbox games are coming to Switch 2, including Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Windows Central’s Jez Corden subsequently corroborated that report, saying it’s likely that most, if not all Xbox games, will launch on Switch 2 if the console is able to run them well enough.
Moreover, also accordingly to Nate the Hate, a number of Switch 2 games are also coming from Ubisoft, including a port of Assassin’s Creed Mirage in the console’s launch window. The upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, currently only down for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC, is also reportedly coming to Switch 2, although at a later date outside the launch window.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
