Gaming Upgrade: Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Open Soon

The big day is approaching for video game lovers in the US and Canada. Nintendo has revealed the date for pre-orders of the much-awaited Switch 2. Starting April 24, fans can reserve their console. The price for the console alone is $450, but if you want the bundle with Mario Kart World, it will cost $500. Pre-orders will be available through Nintendo and major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Target. GameStop is taking pre-orders both in-store and online, with online pre-orders starting at 11 AM ET. Target's pre-orders will open at midnight. Amazon is also expected to join the party. There is a twist if you plan to pre-order directly from Nintendo. You must be 18 or older and have a Nintendo account. After registering your interest, you will get an invitation email to complete your pre-order. But here is the catch: priority goes to those who have a Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months paid and 50 hours of gameplay as of April 2, 2025. This is Nintendo's way of rewarding loyal customers. Nintendo has also addressed the issue of price adjustments due to market conditions. While the console's price stays the same, expect to pay more for accessories. The company has apologized for the pre-order delay and assured fans that the Switch 2 will be widely available starting June 5. The Switch 2 is not just a minor upgrade. It features a 7. 9-inch LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and 1080p resolution. When docked, you can enjoy up to 4K on your TV. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers come with a C button, mouse controls, and a built-in gyroscope. The console also features a built-in mic for in-game communication and improved internal speakers. The dock now has a built-in fan to keep things cool during marathon gaming sessions. Storage has been bumped up to 256GB, and you can expand it using newer microSD Express cards. The console also sports dual USB-C ports for charging. But be prepared to pay more for accessories. The new Switch 2 camera will cost $55, the Pro controller $85, an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers $95, and a Joy-Con charging grip $40. Nintendo has been smart about tariffs. They started moving Switch console manufacturing to Vietnam in 2019, a move that might help them stay on schedule despite potential price increases. The company has left the door open for future price adjustments, so keep an eye out for any changes.