The upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, set for June 5, 2025, has gaming enthusiasts buzzing with excitement over its new features and game lineup. With enhanced graphics, additions like the Joy-Con 2, and exciting titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, fans have followed updates since it was first announced this January. Despite these advancements, the announcement has been met with significant backlash.
First, there’s the small issue of price. The Switch 2 will set you back a cool $449.99, and don’t even get us started on Mario Kart World — that’ll cost you up to $90. In a world where Uber Eats offers short-term financing, what’s next? Mortgages for gaming consoles?
Coupled with delays in the pre-order process, as Nintendo navigates the impact of President Trump’s tariffs and the current market conditions, the mood is far from celebratory. There’s also growing concern that these inflated prices can be here to stay, raising fears about other highly anticipated titles like GTA 6 following the same trend.
Below is everything you need to know about the Switch 2, from features and games to pre-orders and pricing.
The brand-new features of the Switch 2
According to the Nintendo website, the Switch 2 will come with new features including an estimated battery life of two to six and a half hours (which isn’t significantly different from the original Switch despite the posts online).
The Joy-Con 2 controllers magnetically attach to the console and have a “C” button (which has features including talking to others and screen sharing). The controllers can also be used like a computer mouse or to aim in a game.
Another new feature is GameShare, which allows players to share games with others who don’t own them. This works by enabling one person with a compatible game to invite others for local play, either on a Switch 2 or an original Switch.
- Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch screen with built-in HD—larger than the original 6.2-inch screen.
- Switch 2 has two USB-C ports (the original only has one), allowing users to charge the gaming system while playing or connect additional accessories, like a camera.
- The Switch 2 offers improved processing speed, visuals, and sound, as well as 256 GB of storage, which is eight times the capacity of the original model.
- The Switch 2 can play compatible games originally on the first Switch, but not every game will be fully compatible or supported.
- The console can also connect to a TV for gaming in up to 4K resolution.
The upcoming games for Switch 2
Along with the Switch 2 launching on June 5, these games will also release the same day or in the coming months.
Mario Kart World: Players can compete in races with up to 24 drivers and participate in the Knockout Tour mode, eliminating players who don’t reach checkpoints in time. A Free Roam mode allows exploration outside the racetrack. The game launches on June 5th, with more details to be revealed in an April 17th presentation.
Donkey Kong Bananza: Available exclusively on the Switch 2, the game features the classic Donkey Kong character in destruction-based exploration. It will be available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 starting July 17th.
The Legend of Zelda (Switch 2 Editions): Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive performance upgrades, offering smoother frame rates, faster load times, and enhanced graphics for the kingdom of Hyrule. Additionally, an update to the Nintendo Switch app, called ZELDA NOTES, will assist players with in-game navigation and provide commentary from Princess Zelda. Both upgraded titles will launch on June 5th.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: In this new story for Switch 2, “a mysterious meteor crashes in the world of Kirby and the Forgotten Land.” The update introduces new abilities for Kirby and is playable in both single-player and local co-op modes. The upgraded game will be released on August 28th.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A: The Switch 2 edition will be enhanced with better resolution and frame rates, allowing players to experience Lumiose City in greater detail. It is set to release in late 2025.
Other upcoming games: Several other titles from development and publishing partners are in the works, including popular games like Split Fiction and Elden Ring, sports titles such as Madden NFL and NBA 2K, and anticipated releases like Hades II and Borderlands 4.
No one is happy with the Switch 2 prices
The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99, or $499.99 if you choose the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle. On its own, Mario Kart World is priced at $80, while Donkey Kong Bananza is slightly cheaper at $69.99. Additional equipment is priced as follows:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
- Joy-Con 2 Controller pair: $89.99
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
- Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel pair: $19.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99
Experts, including NYU Stern professor and author of SuperJoost Playlist Joost van Dreunen, have suggested that Nintendo may use Mario Kart World as a “test case for premium pricing.” In an interview with IGN, van Dreunen explained that Nintendo will likely study the consumer reactions to the pricing before applying it more broadly.
If the higher price point receives a positive response (which seems unlikely based on online feedback), Nintendo could adopt a tiered pricing strategy, with major franchises priced around $80, mid-tier titles ranging from $60 to $70, and smaller games staying at traditional price points, according to van Dreunen.
With the Switch 2, Dreunen pointed out that the console’s pricing may be part of Nintendo’s “strategic balancing act,” taking into account higher manufacturing costs and the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs from the Trump administration on electronics.
No matter the reasoning, social media users are pissed about the high prices — and the ongoing tariff situation is likely to fuel even more frustration, especially with pre-sales now delayed.
How to pre-order the Switch 2
The worst news possible was just confirmed — the pre-orders for the Switch 2 (which were originally supposed to start on April 9) have been delayed “in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” As of right now, there is no new official date yet for pre-orders as the company tries to figure everything out, but it is still set to launch on June 5th.
Even though the dates are delayed, here’s what these stores will be offering once they get the go-ahead from Nintendo:
Through Nintendo: Eligible customers must sign in with their Nintendo account, select their preferred gaming system’s configuration and accessories, and meet certain conditions, such as being at least 18 years old, having a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership, and logging 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch. Purchases are limited to one per eligible account during the initial period.
Through Walmart: Walmart has listed the standalone Switch 2 ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99) along with other related games, but specific details on the launch remain limited along with the date change.
Through Target: Target has published listings for the Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle, along with several Switch 2-related games.
Through GameStop: The retailer has landing pages for both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle. Customers can sign up for notifications regarding the gaming system and related products.
Through Best Buy: Stores will open for pickup at midnight on June 5th in various US time zones (this might be changed). Best Buy’s loyalty members (My Best Buy Plus and Total) will receive a $20 certificate for every $150 spent on Nintendo products. Customers are encouraged to sign up for notifications and check the retailer’s landing pages for updates.
