On June 5, 2025, Nintendo officially released the Switch 2, the successor to one of the most popular game consoles of the decade. Sales started at 00:00, and queues immediately began to form in major US cities. The demand for the console was so high that some stores ran out of stock before morning.

What We Know About the Nintendo Switch 2

The Switch 2 features more powerful hardware, a 7.9-inch 1080p screen, 4K support in docked mode, and new second-generation Joy-Con controllers. Improved performance allows for running more complex games with smoother graphics.

The base version includes only the console, while the Mario Kart World bundle comes with the game pre-installed. Prices start at $449.99, with the bundle costing $499.99.

Where and How to Buy

• GameStop opened its doors for fans at midnight. In many cities, people lined up hours before the sales began. According to Reddit users, some stores sold out within minutes.
• Best Buy focused on processing pre-orders. Most customers were able to pick up consoles via in-store pickup only. Online orders were temporarily suspended due to shortages. As a bonus, some customers received a commemorative Nintendo coin.
• Walmart launched simultaneous online and offline sales. In large cities, shelves were emptied before dawn. The Walmart website periodically restocks the console — it’s important to monitor updates.
• Target organized a ticket system: the first in line received purchase tickets. Online sales were unavailable at launch but are planned to open soon.
• Other retailers like Sam’s Club and Costco offer limited quantities through their websites, mostly for club members. Antonline and Newegg also participated in the launch but quickly sold out.

Fan Reactions

Reddit discussions are lively — some camped out overnight, while others are frustrated by canceled online orders. Still, many managed to get the console by arriving early at stores.

Media Coverage

BBC described the launch as one of the most intense in Nintendo’s history. Journalists noted massive queues, online hype, and logistical challenges. Some stores received only 20–30 units, leading to a spike in secondary market prices within hours of launch.

Games Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2

Alongside the launch, Nintendo confirmed a lineup of games with improved or special versions for Switch 2:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Super Mario Party Jamboree
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Launch Day Games Available on Nintendo Switch 2

Confirmed games available from day one:

• Hitman: World of Assassination
• Fast Fusion
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Fortnite
• Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• Split Fiction
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
• Survival Kids
• Deltarune
• Street Fighter 6
• Mario Kart World
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Will Older Games Be Improved?

Switch 2 supports games from the previous console via real-time translation, similar to Rosetta on Mac, allowing new hardware to run old software. Nintendo states that in some cases, loading times are shorter and performance is more stable. However, no official list of games with confirmed enhancements is available yet.

Accessory Prices for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has also raised prices on accessories:

• Joy-Con Strap — $14
• Switch 2 Dock — $120
• Switch 2 Camera — $55
• Joy-Con Charging Grip — $40
• Pro Controller — $85
• Samsung microSD Express 256GB — $60
• Pair of Joy-Con 2 — $95
• Joy-Con Wheel Set — $25
• All-In-One Case — $85
• Case + Screen Protector — $40
• AC Adapter — $35

Nintendo Switch 2 Experience

To introduce players to the new system, Nintendo is conducting a worldwide Nintendo Switch 2 Experience tour. Events are held in major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania from April to June 2025. Attendees can play demos of new games, test Joy-Con 2 controllers, and meet company representatives.

Though registration for most events is closed, waiting lists are available. Attending without prior registration is very difficult due to live queueing and limited capacity.

Event Schedule

North America:

• New York — April 4–6
• Los Angeles — April 11–13
• Dallas — April 25–27
• Toronto — April 25–27

Europe:

• Paris — April 4–6
• London — April 11–13
• Milan — April 25–27
• Berlin — April 25–27
• Madrid — May 9–11
• Amsterdam — May 9–11

Asia:

• Tokyo (Makuhari) — April 26–27
• Seoul — May 31 – June 1
• Hong Kong and Taipei — Dates to be announced

Tips for Buyers

If you haven’t purchased Switch 2 yet — act fast. Your best chances are at GameStop or Walmart, especially by monitoring online stock updates. Also check less popular platforms or sign up for stock notifications.