Nintendo Switch 2: Hype vs. Reality – Should You Rush to Pre-Order?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is generating serious buzz, with pre-orders technically open but quickly selling out at major retailers like GameStop, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Enthusiasts are eager to get their hands on the console, slated for a June 5 release date, but is the hype justified? Let's dive into what's driving the demand and whether you should feel the FOMO if you missed the initial pre-order wave.
Pre-Order Frenzy and Limited Availability:
Nintendo initially planned to open pre-orders on April 9th, but ultimately launched them on April 24th in the US and Canada. The initial stock at third-party retailers vanished within hours. GameStop also confirmed its online stock was depleted rapidly. While some users reportedly snagged orders through Walmart as late as April 26th, many are now facing disappointment. Currently, Nintendo itself is the only confirmed avenue for pre-orders, utilizing an invite system that opened registrations on April 2nd. The first wave of invites rolled out on May 8th. However, even those who registered early might not receive their pre-order email until *after* the June 5th launch.
Tariffs and Pricing Uncertainty:
The Nintendo Switch 2 will sell for 49,980 yen ($350) for a Japanese-language-only version and initially, there was concern about tariffs impacting the $449.99 price point in the US after President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on China. While Nintendo has stated the initial price remains the same, they haven't ruled out potential future increases.Increased tariffs on Vietnam where some Switch console manufacturing has moved, were to be 46 percent, but it seems that's on hold now in favor of a 10% tariff for a 90-day pause period.
Is the Wait Worth It? An Iterative Upgrade:
According to hands-on impressions, the Switch 2 is described as an "iterative upgrade." While it boasts improvements like better frame rates, higher resolution (1080p with HDR on the larger 7.9-inch LCD screen), and a more powerful GPU, the differences may not be immediately striking, especially if you're playing on the existing Switch OLED model. The ability to play at up to 4K on your TV is a plus. The best games for Switch 2 has are likely yet to come, Nintendo built the Switch 2 to be a successor to the original Switch, which means you could wait to move over.
What's New and Noteworthy?
Aside from enhanced performance, the Switch 2 features new Joy-Con 2 controllers with a C button, mouse controls, and a built-in gyroscope. It also has a built-in mic for a new Game Chat feature. Storage has been increased to 256GB, expandable via microSD Express cards. The new dock has a built-in fan to maintain performance. In April 3, 2025 event, an attendee was seen playing Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and other titles on the Switch 2. You can use the Switch 2 Joy-Cons like mice, which is cool, but also we're curious to see how many games support this mode.
Key Takeaways:
Consumer demand is high, but supplies are severely constrained, with 2.2 million lottery applications coming from Japan. Be aware of potential pricing fluctuations due to ongoing tariff uncertainties. If you miss getting a unit at launch, rest assured that the best games are still in development. However, there are two new features you might envy: audio or video Game Chat among friends and the new Joy-Cons working like mice in some supported games.
What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2? Are you desperately seeking a pre-order, or are you content to wait? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Related issues news
How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
The Switch 2's baseline launch price is $449.99 u2014 significantly higher than the original Switch's $299 price tag.
Did Gamestop sell out of Switch 2?
Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect that Nintendo Switch 2 preorders for consoles quickly sold out and go on sale at 11am ET at GameStop.
Did Walmart sell out of Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have sold out online across the major retailers selling them in the US. Walmart, Best Buy, and Target sold out of their inventory early Thursday morning, while GameStop says it sold out of online preorders hours after they opened at 11AM ET.
Is Switch 2 out?
The company admitted that even users who receive pre-order invitations may not receive their Switch 2 units by the official release date (scheduled for June 5).
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