The Nintendo Switch 2: A Preorder Guide and What to Expect
Let's address the elephant in the room: Switch 2 preorders aren't open yet. Expect them to begin after the Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2nd. However, we've compiled key information to help you prepare for this highly anticipated launch.
Register Your Interest
While preorders aren't live, retailers like Best Buy are accepting interest registrations. This ensures you receive updates when preorders open. GameStop also has a listing, but it will likely remain unavailable until after the April announcement.
Other Tips for Securing a Preorder
- Follow IGN and IGNDeals on social media (Bluesky and X) for preorder updates.
- Monitor major retailers: Target, Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy.
- Amazon's track record with Nintendo products in 2024 has been inconsistent, so other retailers might be a safer bet.
Mario Kart 9 Preorders
Mario Kart 9, briefly shown in the Switch 2 announcement trailer, is confirmed. Preorders are expected to launch alongside the console, potentially bundled together.
Switch 2 Price and Release Date
Pricing is unconfirmed, but estimates range from $399 to $499, with $400 considered a likely sweet spot. This compares to the current Switch prices: Switch ($299), Switch OLED ($349), and Switch Lite ($199).
A 2025 release is planned, with more details expected on April 2nd. Preview events extending to June 2025 suggest a second-half 2025 launch.
Upcoming Switch 2 Games: Speculation
We can anticipate several titles:
- Games announced for the current Switch are likely Switch 2 candidates (Metroid Prime 4, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Professor Layton).
- Reports suggest potential Xbox game ports (Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Halo: The Master Chief Collection).
- Ubisoft titles are also rumored, including Assassin's Creed Mirage (launch window) and Assassin's Creed Shadows (later release).
Stay tuned for further updates on the Switch 2!
