Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders: High Demand, Bundles Dominate, and What You Need to Know

The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is reaching fever pitch, with pre-orders causing a stir and providing valuable insights into consumer preferences. Early data suggests a strong preference for bundles, particularly the Nintendo Switch 2 bundled with Mario Kart World, and retailers are struggling to keep up with the crushing demand. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about securing your next-gen console.

Bundle Mania: According to exclusive sales figures, the Switch 2 bundled with Mario Kart World sold seven times more units than the standalone console in the United States. This suggests that consumers are willing to spend a little extra for the convenience of having a game included, especially when it represents a long-term cost saving. One subscriber in The Shortcut's Substack Chat shared they were “considering going for the console only and paying the $30 tax to hopefully increase my chances”, highlighting the anxiety surrounding securing a pre-order.

Demand Overload: The sheer demand for Switch 2 pre-orders caused some retail US sites to crash. Despite initial struggles, Walmart even restocked pre-orders. This points to both the incredible excitement surrounding the console and the challenges retailers face in managing such high traffic.

Accessories in Demand Too: Beyond the console itself, consumers are also eager to get their hands on accessories. The best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories include items such as and launch games are also selling well, including the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, dbrand Killswitch case for Switch 2, and microSD Express memory card.

Early Impressions: Is it Worth the Hype? An early hands-on experience suggests that the Switch 2 is an iterative upgrade, not a revolutionary one. Frame rates are better, graphics are sharper and smoother, and the new controller is comfortable like the previous gen. While the improved hardware is certainly welcome, the core experience remains familiar. This means those who miss out in early pre-orders may very well be still satisfied with their trusty Nintendo Switch. However, bigger TV and sharper graphics cards are going to enjoy gaming at higher resolutions, especially going from 720p to 1080p.

What Does The Future Hold? Nintendo’s historical game release patterns suggest that the console release dates and their respective release titles for their older platforms often stay active in the marketplace for a year or two, so expect the original Nintendo Switch to have new game titles even as the Nintendo Switch 2 sales ramp up.

Missing out on the first wave of Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders isn't the end of the world. The console is an upgrade, but the best gaming titles and the future of gaming are still in the works. The question is, are you willing to wait? Let us know in the comments below what you think of the Nintendo Switch 2 and if the hype is worth the wait!

• Mario Kart
• Nintendo Switch 2
• Walmart

Related issues news

When are Gamestop preorders for Switch 2?

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders begin in-store when doors open April 24, 2025 and online at 11:00 AM EST on the same day. Midnight releases will be held in all stores June 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM EST / June 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM PST.

How much is the Nintendo Switch 2 going to 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.

Does Switch 2 play Switch games?

In addition to games exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 system, Nintendo Switch 2 can also play Nintendo Switch games.