Nintendo enthusiasts make sure to mark your calendars for June 5, 2025 will be among the most important games since the beginning of time. It’s the date when the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched. If the past couple of weeks are taken from, the launch is going to cause nothing less than a flurry. With preorders already open—and many already sold out—the excitement surrounding this next-generation console feels a lot like 2017 all over again, when the original Switch burst onto the scene and turned the gaming industry on its head.
The Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99, represents a significant evolution of Nintendo’s hybrid console concept. There’s also a $499.99 bundle that includes the new Mario Kart World, and unsurprisingly, it’s been flying off digital shelves. Retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart saw preorders go live on April 24, but within hours, many listings were marked as sold out or “unavailable,” sparking a wave of frustration—and a bit of déjà vu—for hopeful buyers who remember how difficult it was to snag the first Switch back in the day.
Let’s talk about what’s new here. At first glance, the Switch 2 maintains that iconic hybrid form factor, but it’s sleeker and more refined. The 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen is larger and brighter, with a crisp 1080p resolution in handheld mode. But dock it to your TV, and the Switch 2 powers up to 4K, thanks to a serious upgrade in the console’s internals. The display supports HDR10 as well as a 120Hz refresh rate. This implies that the game is more fluid, vibrant, and less taxing on the eyes, especially while playing for extended periods.
And let’s not overlook the Joy-Con 2 controllers. They still slide onto the console’s sides, but now they attach magnetically and feature improved ergonomics and motion sensitivity. That alone might convince some skeptical gamers who never fully loved the original Joy-Con design. Nintendo says the Joy-Con 2s were developed with feedback from both casual players and competitive gamers in mind.
Under the hood, the Switch 2 runs on a custom processor developed in collaboration with NVIDIA. It’s a powerhouse, offering snappier load times, better thermal performance, and a noticeable improvement in framerate consistency even on demanding games. Nintendo hasn’t given exact specs (they rarely do). Still, early developer reports suggest it’s roughly comparable to the PS4 Pro in raw power, with an optimization that lets it punch above its weight.
Connectivity is also getting a modern refresh. Wi-Fi 6 is now standard, allowing for faster, more stable online play. There’s Bluetooth support for wireless headsets—finally!—and the dock features HDMI output and a built-in Ethernet port, something hardcore fans have been asking for since the original Switch days.
What’s really interesting is how Nintendo is positioning this launch. While Sony and Microsoft continue their head-to-head slugfest over raw power and ultra-realistic graphics, Nintendo seems focused on evolving its unique identity: accessible, innovative, and fun. The Switch 2 launch lineup reflects that philosophy. Headlining the roster is Mario Kart World, a bold reimagining of the franchise that introduces new open-world tracks and online league play. There’s also Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 2.5D platformer that fans of Tropical Freeze will undoubtedly love.
Of course, there’s always the elephant in the room when new hardware launches—supply and demand. According to reports, more than 2.2 million people entered a preorder lottery in Japan alone. And in North America, heavy traffic crashed several retail sites within hours of going live. Nintendo has acknowledged the overwhelming demand and says it’s ramping up production, but as with all things tech these days, chip shortages and shipping delays could still play a role.
There’s also some lingering concern around pricing, specifically regarding the possibility of tariffs affecting consoles shipped into the U.S. from China. While Nintendo has said there are no immediate plans to raise prices, they’ve also left the door open, noting that “market conditions may require adjustments” in the future. That’s corporate-speak for “don’t be surprised if it costs more later.”
On the accessories front, Nintendo is leaning hard into nostalgia. A new line of Legend of Zelda amiibo figures is launching alongside the console, priced at $29.99 each. These collectible figures offer in-game perks and have become a ritual purchase for die-hard fans. And yes, they’re expected to sell out quickly. Without a question, Nintendo is placing a significant wager on the Switch 2. Although it’s a difficult feat to accomplish, the initial indications indicate the firm is in a strong position to repeat the success of the original Switch, which sold over 125 million devices globally.
The Switch 2 is a real generational leap, not simply a sequel, thanks to its combination of mobility, improved performance, and new exclusives. But perhaps what’s most impressive is how Nintendo continues to chart its course. While the gaming industry has increasingly leaned toward photorealism, high frame rates, and massive live-service ecosystems, Nintendo is still finding magic in colorful worlds, intuitive design, and pure playability. The Switch 2 feels like a console that’s not trying to compete on someone else’s terms—it’s carving its path.
In the weeks ahead, expect restocks to be staggered across retailers. Nintendo hasn’t announced a second wave of pre-orders yet, but if the current demand holds, it’s likely more opportunities will appear before the official launch. My advice? Sign up for stock alerts, follow your favorite retailers on social media, and prepare to act fast. If you’re lucky enough to get one on day one, you’re in for something special.
The Nintendo Switch 2 may not be trying to win the console war with brute force, but with a smart blend of innovation, nostalgia, and sheer fun, it might just walk away with the crown anyway.