Switch 2 pre-orders direct from Nintendo UK drop invite requirements
Switch 2 pre-orders on the My Nintendo Store have been opened to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, as the console launch approaches.
The Switch 2 might currently be out of stock at most UK retailers, after pre-orders went live last month, but Nintendo has now opened the floodgates on its own store.
Initially, pre-orders through the My Nintendo Store were tied to an invite-only system, which hinged on your playtime, whether you were signed up to marketing emails, and if you were a long-time Nintendo Switch Online subscriber.
As of today (May 7), Nintendo has lifted the invite-only requirements, with pre-orders now available to anyone who is subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online. More Trending
At the time of writing, the £395.99 Switch 2 base console and the £429.99 Mario Kart World bundle are both still available. Although it's likely they will sell out fast.
Pre-orders on the site are limited to one per customer, and if you don't have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can pick one up here for £3.49 for one month, £6.99 for three months, or £17.99 for 12 months.
A number of games and accessories are also available to pre-order on the site too, including Donkey Kong Bananza, the Switch 2 edition of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, and the camera peripheral for GameChat.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch worldwide on June 5, 2025, with the launch line-up including Mario Kart World, Split Fiction, and Cyberpunk 2077.
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Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Games Inbox: When will Mario Kart World DLC be released?
The Wednesday letters page ponders UK video game console preferences, as a reader speculates on the release date for Splatoon Raiders. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@ Open questions Read your review of Mario Kart World and it all made sense to me. Reviews seem to be coming out in the 8 to 9 range and from what I've played that seems to be about right. Like everyone, I'm confused as to why so little has been done with the open world, given how massive it is. So, like you say, do you mark the game down for not doing something obvious or do you just accept it's something different to what you imagined? We all assume Nintendo is going to add more with more DLC, but when? This year? Next year? Three year's time? We literally have no idea. Nintendo is always secretive but this time I think it's really hurting them, because everyone's confused and making up their own theories. It's silly because if they'd said: 'We'll have a ton of free content coming out all the time' that would have been a real draw. Now we don't know what they're doing, why they won't tell us, and whether the DLC will be all paid-for or not. The core game is great but this weird way they've handled the open world feels like it's pulling all the attention away from the stuff they got right. Cranston Secret plans I have no problem with Mario Kart World getting a 9/10 but it is such a strange experience. Knockout Tour is probably the most fun I've had with a video game in several years and yet the open world stuff is just sitting there staring at me blanky, without anything to say. It seems such an unlikely mistake for someone like Nintendo to make, that I feel there must be a reason and purpose to it, but while it's easy enough to guess what that might be what I can't understand is why they won't tell us. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. A roadmap for the game, that promised tons of new tracks and characters and whatever would be a great PR move. Pack it in the box as an actual poster and it becomes a major talking point and an explanation for why the game's so expensive. I just don't get why they don't do something like that. Lumpy Water good game Been playing a bit of Wave Race 64 on Nintendo Switch Online. Not only is it the best racing game Nintendo have made, it's one of the best games ever made. I wish they would do a remaster. The handling and wave physics feels as good as ever. Just be nice to have the frame rate and graphics improved. But it does still play brilliantly in its original, nearly 30-year-old form. Simundo Email your comments to: gamecentral@ Xbox exclusive This whole thing about Call Of Duty on Switch 2 is so stupid. The first Switch is the only Nintendo console it wasn't on, and that was only because it doesn't have a built-up online system like the Xbox and PlayStation 5. Nobody wants to play Call Of Duty on a modern Nintendo console unless they can absolutely avoid it. And if you care that much about it… you'd already have an alternative. So far, I see no sign that Nintendo has done anything to upgrade its online services, so Activision were actually right not to bother in the first place. Now if you wanted to make a spin-off that wasn't so focused on online, that'd make sense, but they're never going to do that. Or if they wanted to just port over Warzone, that'd make sense too as I'm sure Fortnite is quite popular on Switch. A few months ago, I would've said the chances of an Xbox exclusive on Switch 2 was pretty high, or at least something that was Nintendo focused and would never sell much on other formats, like Banjo-Kazooie. But now I don't know what's going on. I guess it's because Activision Blizzard and Bethesda don't really make anything Nintendo friendly, and Microsoft doesn't want to put up the money for anything else. Haymaker Local pricing Here in Hong Kong, I saw the Switch 2 plus Mario Kart bundle for around HK$4,000 (about £400). Most games were around HK$300-450 (£30-45) with standalone Mario Kart priced at HK$520 (£52). All in all, it's not the pricing bloodbath I was fearing pre-launch, but I guess it's partly due to lower taxes here in Hong Kong. I still don't plan on getting it just yet as I can't justify getting it for only Mario Kart. If it'd launched with an all-new Zelda, it would've been a completely different story! Back I go to finishing the Switch 1 Zelda games in my backlog! ttfp saylow (gamertag) Now playing: Rolling Hills and Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Adding it all up I guess you could've probably predicted that Splatoon would be one of the first games to be announced after launch and I'm fine with that. Personally, I think there probably is a reasonable chance Splatoon Raiders will be out this Christmas. If I was to take a guess, I think Nintendo is packing this year with mid-sized games, like Hyrule Warriors and Metroid and this Splatoon spin-off, and they think that'll add up to one bigger one. That makes some kind of sense and while it's probably wrong, because you can't predict Nintendo, I'm logging that as my 1 in a million chance to say I told you so. I think for Nintendo the problem is Metroid Prime 4. It'll probably review very well but it's a Switch 1 game and the series doesn't sell that much, so it's not going to be much of a draw for the average parent at Christmas. Since they've said it's coming out this year I think they're just planning to coast along on Mario Kart for now and rely on small fry for the fresh meat. Which does make sense because fans like me are interested in Metroid and casual gamers probably don't care about anything but Mario Kart (and aren't going to buying anything day one). I do find the complete lack of any mention of a 3D Mario weird though. Not even teasing it in the first year is odd even for the big N. Geln The wisdom of youth I overheard my 10-year-old son talking to his friends on his phone yesterday, while playing Among Us: Him: The new GTA looks fire.[All agree]Friend: You have to be 18 to play it [Disappointed] Oh well…Friend: Shame…Him: [said seriously] …by the time it comes out we will be. Major Kahonas Taste of a nation It always amazes me how mistakes Nintendo made in the 80s and 90s are still having a big effect on their current business, such that the Switch 2 can't even outsell the Xbox Series X/S. Although how that became one of the biggest sellers I can't even imagine. But then the UK is also the only country other than America that buys into Xbox, so I guess we're pretty unique in terms of our gaming tastes. We've never been as into PC games as the rest of the Europe either, as far as I understand, so basically we really only like PlayStation and Xbox, and mobile I guess. I wonder how that's going to change as Xbox goes third party and it becomes more and more obvious that there's no point in buying the console. At that point we're basically going to become PlayStation Land, not that Sony ever seems to show any appreciation for out unwavering loyalty. I guess with each passing generation (in both senses of the word) Nintendo can grow its fanbase more, as they're clearly on the up at the moment, but it's not hard to see why Sony feels so confident and doesn't feel the need to make much effort. It's just a shame they shut down most of their British developers, because I really would've liked to see them make a new The Getaway, or something similar, because they know there's an audience for it. Grant Inbox also-ransSo if the PlayStation 6 is out in 2027, that means we should see Sony starting to talk about it next year? Basically, get through this Christmas with the PlayStation 5 then immediately start on the next next gen bandwagon. It's inevitable but it seems far too soon. Austin I picked up Fast Fusion for my Switch 2 because it was cheap and I have to say I am super impressed by the graphics, they are top end PS4 quality and super smooth and fast. Not sure about the game itself so far, seems a bit clunky, but graphically it's impressed me. Donut More Trending Email your comments to: gamecentral@ The small print New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers' letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content. You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader's Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot. You can also leave your comments below and don't forget to follow us on Twitter. MORE: Games Inbox: When will the Nintendo Switch 2 Lite be released? MORE: Games Inbox: Does Mario Kart World have the best Nintendo soundtrack? MORE: Games Inbox: What are your Nintendo Switch 2 first impressions?
Metro
3 hours ago
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Nintendo Switch 2 comparison: how do Switch 1 games play on the new console?
Now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is out, we've tested a handful of the Switch 1's best games to see how they run on the more powerful hardware. The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn't even been out for a week now and since review units weren't sent out more than a week before launch it's taking a while for some information to trickle down, as everyone rushes to try out all the new games… and many of the old ones. While the Switch 1 boasts an incredible library of games, it isn't the most powerful console around and one of the big appeals of the Switch 2 is seeing how older games can benefit from running on its hardware. Aside from the paid-for Switch 2 Editions of certain games, Nintendo has issued free updates to a small selection of Switch 1 games that are meant to improve performance and add new Switch 2 features. To see if it's worth revisiting old games on Switch 2, we've tested a number of these free updates, as well as some games that haven't received dedicated patches. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Super Mario Odyssey already looks and runs great on Switch, so we weren't sure how much of a glow up it would see on Switch 2. But while the update is pretty minor on the surface, you can quickly see a difference. It still runs at 60 frames per second, but we noticed less stuttering, particularly around Mario's shadow, and less lag on non-player characters, like the residents of New Donk City. Pop-in hasn't been eliminated though, and it still uses that crosshatch effect that so many Switch games do, but that remains a very tiny blemish. The colours in general seem much cleaner and pop more when in handheld mode, compared to the Switch 1. At first, this sounds strange when both consoles use LCD screens, but the Switch 2's is higher resolution and better at reproducing bright colours. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Given it took as long to boot up Luigi's Mansion 3 on Switch 2 as it does on Switch 1, we suspected it wouldn't enjoy any sort of benefits on stronger hardware. Turns out we were right. We tested a fresh save file on both consoles, one after the other, and as far as we can tell, Luigi's Mansion 3 looks and performs exactly the same. But that's not surprising as it was already the best-looking Switch 1 game and didn't really need an update. It does, however, make us want Luigi's Mansion 4 on Switch 2 even more. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild's performance upgrade is locked behind a paid Switch 2 Edition, but we were curious to see if the original game has any sort of enhancements if we just popped it into the console without the paid-for upgrade. For the most part, the answer is no. The frame rate is still locked to 30fps and when we tried the Lost Woods section (the most infamous area for frame lag), things weren't any better on Switch 2 compared to Switch 1. Although that area was improved with subsequent patches anyway. One difference, is the load times. While they were never awful on Switch 1, they are noticeably much faster on Switch 2. Not instantaneous, so you've still got time to read through the on-screen hints, but you'll definitely be spending less time in them. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video We wouldn't be surprised if the Switch 2 saw an updated version of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate instead of an entirely new sequel, but for the time being the Switch 2 is now the best place for Nintendo's big crossover fighter. While we didn't notice any differences in performance and visuals, load times are definitely improved. We tested out eight player matches with the stage morph feature on and yet load times were practically instantaneous. Same for the classic mode matches in single-player and loading alternate costumes for characters, which tend to take a while to appear on screen when selecting them on Switch 1. Unfortunately, online doesn't seem to have got any better. It took us forever to find even one other player to match against and although we didn't spy any frame drops or input lag, we were unable to check how online play fares with four or more characters on screen at once. Plus, our matches usually lacked items and busy stages, so things may be different during more chaotic matches. It has also been reported that there can be issues with online matches if the Mii Fighters are involved, but that's a small problem that should be fixed eventually. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video At first, we were concerned Bayonetta 3 hadn't seen any improvements when we booted it up on Switch 2, as it didn't load any quicker than it does on Switch 1. However, once we got into the game proper, it was obvious even from the level select screen that the frame rate has been significantly increased. Bayonetta 3 runs fine on the Switch 1, but its frame rate can get choppy at times, which isn't ideal in a fast-paced action game. Fortunately, Bayonetta 3 now runs at a silky smooth 60fps on Switch 2, at least during gameplay. Cut scenes don't seem to be affected but that's hardly a deal breaker. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video While we're on the subject of PlatinumGames, we had hoped that its 2019 Switch exclusive Astral Chain would enjoy as much of a glow-up on Switch 2 as Bayonetta 3 does. Unfortunately, it appears there are no significant differences between running Astral Chain on Switch 2 compared to Switch 1. The frame rate is still capped to 30 and it doesn't look like load times are improved either. It's a real shame, since Astral Chain is still fantastic, but it's more difficult to recommend in a time where 60fps is normalised, particularly for action games. The next best thing would be an Astral Chain 2 designed specifically for Switch 2, but while rumours say that such a project exists, it's experiencing a very rough development cycle, not helped by the many staff departures at PlatinumGames. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Not the most obvious game to test for its technical performance but while this remake of the old Game Boy classic was purposefully low-fi in terms of visuals it is one of the few Nintendo published games infamous for its poor frame rate. That always seemed odd considering the game's simplistic graphics, to the point where some wondered if the choppy performance was on purpose, in some half-cocked attempt to channel the clunkiness of 8-bit gaming. Playing it on Switch 2, it's made plain that it wasn't intentional, as it now runs at what seems to be a silky smooth 60fps. If you were put off buying it before, because of the issues, it works perfectly now and looks great on the Switch 2's portable screen. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Out of everything from the Switch 1's library, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet might have benefitted the most from the Switch 2. While we maintain it's a much better game than Pokémon Sword & Shield (especially once the infamous bugs were ironed out), that's very much in spite of how low-tech it is. A trailer for how the game runs on Switch 2 already demonstrated how smoother everything is, but we had to witness it ourselves and the improved performance almost feels like witchcraft. Whether it was during battles, cut scenes, or when multiple Pokémon were on screen at once, we never noticed the frame rate dip at all. Residents of Paldea stroll past at a consistent pace, instead of looking like they're trapped in a zoetrope. To our amazement, even the online tera raids maintained a consistent 60 frames per second. If the Switch 2 can ensure this level of performance even during online play, it only makes us more excited for the potential of the next set of games. More Trending It's not a truly perfect redemption arc for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, however. The upgraded performance only makes the flat art style and graphics all the more obvious and there is still some very noticeable pop-in at times. But if you never played it on Switch 1, or dropped it because of its original performance, the Switch 2 really is the best place to experience it. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Thanks to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet's dedicated Switch 2 upgrade, Pokémon Legends: Arceus only looks more technically inept than it did when it launched in 2022. Considering it didn't receive its own upgrade, we didn't expect it to run that much better on Switch 2, but it's still disappointing to be proven right. The frame rate is still locked to 30fps, pop-in is aplenty, and textures remain flat and very ugly when up close. We've heard some claim load times are faster but we honestly couldn't tell. At least its successor, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, not only appears to run better on Switch 1, based on early footage, but its separate Switch 2 version sports a much smoother frame rate, that makes everything look a lot cleaner. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. 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Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
Nintendo Switch 2 outsells Switch 1 launch by over 100% but fails to beat PS5
Only a couple of UK retailers held midnight launches (Credits: David Parry/PA Media Assignments) The Nintendo Switch 2 has already sold over 160,000 consoles in the UK and become Nintendo's fastest selling console ever. Although there's still no official sales figures for the Nintendo Switch 2 everything points towards it being a massive worldwide success, selling more units in its first day than any other console. That'd certainly be an impressive feat, but Nintendo itself has yet to substantiate these claims. Earlier today, though, additional sales data has been shared, and it at least gives an indication of how the Switch 2 has performed here in the UK. Although no exact figures have been given, it's said that the Switch 2 has had the best UK launch of any Nintendo console ever. Although given the company's history in this country, it's difficult to know exactly what that means. The data comes courtesy of market research firm NielsenIQ, which shared its findings with The Game Business, adding that the Switch 2 outperformed the Switch 1 by more than two to one. On top of that, it outperformed the Nintendo 3DS, which was the original record holder for the biggest Nintendo hardware launch in the UK. For the record, the Switch 1 managed 80,000 units in the UK at launch while the 3DS sold 113,000 units. So the implication is that the Switch 2 sold over 160,000 consoles. Expert, exclusive gaming analysis Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. The only Switch 2 figures we have so far are from Currys, which says it sold 30,000 pre-orders at its stores, which they seemed to be very happy with. PlayStation consoles have always been more popular in the UK (Sony) NielseinIQ adds that this only makes the Switch 2 the fourth best-selling console launch in the UK, trailing behind the Xbox Series X/S, the PlayStation 4, and especially the PlayStation 5. Coming out in the middle of lockdown, the PlayStation 5 was a huge deal in the UK, when it launched in 2020, and went on to become the country's best selling console in 2021. As The Game Business points out, the original Switch and the Wii had weaker launches in the UK than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox One. The UK has always been Nintendo's weakest international market, which can be traced all the way back to the original NES from the 1980s. Not only did the UK not receive the console until 1987 – four years after its initial Japanese launch and two years after the US – but it and its games were badly overpriced and little effort was made in converting it for PAL televisions. Nintendo didn't even have a proper UK headquarters at that time and it wasn't until the GameCube that they started taking the region seriously, with the Wii and DS being the first time that Nintendo's success in the UK mirrored that of the rest of the world. The good news for Nintendo is that things have been steadily improving since then and doubling the Switch 1's debut is quite a feat. In the run up to the Switch 2's release, some analysts predicted it would be the biggest console launch ever, although Nintendo is only aiming to sell slightly more than the original Switch managed in its launch period. This more conservative outlook can likely be chalked up to Nintendo opting to play things safe due to all the uncertainty caused by US president Donald Trump's tariffs. Plus, it looks better for them if they easily beat their goals. A lot of people queued up for the Switch 2's midnight launch in the UK (Credits: David Parry/PA Media Assignments) Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. Arrow MORE: Mario Kart World review – the final verdict on the Switch 2's biggest game Arrow MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour review – the dullest Nintendo game ever made Arrow MORE: New Splatoon game coming to Nintendo Switch 2 – plus massive Splatoon 3 update
