Latest news with #Switch2
Metro
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Nintendo Switch 2 release date, price, games and everything you need to know
To prepare you for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Metro has compiled all the important info you need about its features and games. After years of rumours, Nintendo is finally preparing to move on from the Nintendo Switch, as it launches its next major gaming console: the Nintendo Switch 2. The original Switch will still be supported for at least the next year, with new first party games already scheduled for 2026, but the Switch 2 will become the new priority for both Nintendo and other publishers. With the new console's release right around the corner, we've compiled everything there is to know about the Switch 2, so you know exactly what to expect from it. The Switch 2 is scheduled to launch on Thursday, June 5. That's an unusual time for a new console to be released, as most come out in the autumn or spring, but Nintendo has never really explained why it picked such an unusual date. The Switch 2 is priced at £395.99. It comes with a dock for connecting the console to your TV, a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, two Joy-Con 2 straps, a Joy-Con 2 grip that lets you use the Joy-Con 2s like a traditional controller, an AC adapter, and an HDMI cable. There is also a bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World priced at £429.99, which means you're only spending £34 on the game, instead of its usual asking price of £66.99. At the time of writing, only the Switch 2 on its own is available from Nintendo's own website, with the Mario Kart bundle sold out. Other retailers have their own bundles as well, that are significantly more expensive but do come with additional games and/or accessories. Since the Switch 2 is primarily a more powerful version of the Switch 1, it retains most of the features of its predecessor, including the ability to play games on the go in handheld mode or on your TV at home. Tabletop mode is also back, allowing you to stand the Switch 2 on a table or desk, but the kickstand is much larger and sturdier, and can be angled in different ways. The Switch 2 is markedly bigger than the Switch 1, boasting a 7.9-inch screen, compared to the original's 6.2-inch screen. However, it is an LCD screen and not an OLED one like the Switch OLED model. That said, the Switch 2's improved specs means it can offer better visuals, including support for resolutions upwards of 1080p and even 4K, as well as frame rates upwards of 120 frames per second for select games (if playing in 4K, the frame rate is capped at 60 frames per second). It also has a larger internal storage. Whereas the original Switch has 32GB of storage space, the Switch 2 offers eight times that at 256GB – allowing it to store a lot more games at once. Plus, the Switch 2 is much faster at reading and writing data, so loading and saving games should go quicker than on Switch 1. The built-in speakers have also been improved to offer clearer audio when in handheld and tabletop mode. 3D audio is supported as well. Size: Approximately 4.5 inches tall x 10.7 inches wide x 0.55 inches thick (with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached). Weight: Approximately 0.88lbs without Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, approximately 1.18lbs with Joy-Con 2 controllers attached. Screen: 7.9 inch LCD touch screen with 1920×1080 resolution, HDR10 support, and VRR up to 120 Hz (VRR only supported in handheld mode). CPU/GPU: Custom made processor by Nvidia, with DLSS and ray-tracing support. System memory: 256GB (can be increased with compatible microSD Express cards). Video output: Maximum 3840×2160 (4K) resolution at 60 fps when docked. Supports 120 fps when at 1920×1080 / 2560×1440 resolutions. Maximum 1920×1080 resolution in handheld mode. Audio output: Supports linear PCM output 5.1ch. Stereo speakers and 4 pole stereo 3.5mm mini plug audio jack. Two USB-C ports, on bottom and top of console. The bottom is using for charging or connecting to the dock. The top is used for charging or connecting accessories. Battery life: Approximately 2 – 6.5 hours (dependent on the game you play). Charging time: Approximately 3 hours (when in sleep mode). To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video One of the biggest new features for the Switch 2, GameChat is what it says on the tin: something that allows you to communicate with friends online while playing games on Switch 2. GameChat is activated by pressing the 'C' button on the right-hand Joy-Con 2 controller and up to 12 people can take part in a chat session. Up to four people can also share their game screen simultaneously and the Switch 2's built-in microphone is designed to adapt to your environment, filtering out any unwanted background noise. A separate GameShare feature also makes it possible to share certain games online or via a local wireless connection, so friends can enjoy multiplayer sessions without needing their own copy. Although only Switch 2 consoles can share games, it is possible to receive them with a Switch 1 console, although only locally since Switch 1 doesn't support GameChat. Nintendo is selling a separate camera accessory for £49.99, which you can use for video chats and displaying your face in certain games. You plug it into the second USB-C port on the top of the console. While GameChat will be free for everyone to begin with, this is a limited time offer until March 31, 2026. After that, you will need to pay for a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use GameChat. One of the big newsfeatures of the Joy-Con 2 controllers is that they magnetically attach to the Switch 2, meaning they'll be more firmly connected but still easy to detach by pushing a release button on their back. They also come with larger 'SL' and 'SR' buttons, which makes them more comfortable to use horizontally. Most importantly though, the Joy-Con 2s come with mouse controls, offering new ways to play certain games, such as first person shooters like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and allowing for more types of games to release on Switch 2. It will be possible to plug a regular USB mouse into the Switch 2 as well, as confirmed in a gameplay demonstration for Koei Tecmo's Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Exactly 23 games are scheduled to launch the same day as the Switch 2. Only four of them are first party games from Nintendo (two of which are upgraded ports of Switch 1 games), while the rest come from third party companies. Those games, along with their prices on the official Nintendo UK website, are as follows: Mario Kart World – £66.99 digital, £74.99 physical – Switch 2 exclusive – £66.99 digital, £74.99 physical – Switch 2 exclusive The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – £66.99 – can be upgraded from the Switch 1 version for £7.99 – the upgrade is free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers – £66.99 – can be upgraded from the Switch 1 version for £7.99 – the upgrade is free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – £66.99 – can be upgraded from the Switch 1 version for £7.99 – the upgrade is free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers – £66.99 – can be upgraded from the Switch 1 version for £7.99 – the upgrade is free for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour – £7.99 – digital only – Switch 2 exclusive – £7.99 – digital only – Switch 2 exclusive Street Fighter 6 – £34.99 – digital only – a Years 1-2 Fighters Edition that includes all the DLC is available physically and digitally for £49.99 – £34.99 – digital only – a Years 1-2 Fighters Edition that includes all the DLC is available physically and digitally for £49.99 Split Fiction – £44.99 – digital only – compatible with GameShare – £44.99 – digital only – compatible with GameShare Hogwarts Legacy – £49.99 for standard edition, £59.99 for digital deluxe edition – £49.99 for standard edition, £59.99 for digital deluxe edition Hitman: World Of Assassination – Signature Edition – £54.99 – Signature Edition – £54.99 Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster – £33.99 – Switch 2 exclusive – £33.99 – Switch 2 exclusive Yakuza 0 Director's Cut – £44.99 – timed Switch 2 exclusive – £44.99 – timed Switch 2 exclusive Deltarune – £20.99 – digital only – includes chapters 1 through 4 – £20.99 – digital only – includes chapters 1 through 4 Civilization 7 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – digital only – can be upgraded from the Switch 1 version for £8.99 – digital only – can be upgraded from the Switch 1 version for £8.99 Survival Kids – £44.99 – digital only – Switch 2 exclusive – £44.99 – digital only – Switch 2 exclusive Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – £59.99 – £59.99 Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess – £32.99 – £32.99 Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S – £34.99 – digital only – £34.99 – digital only Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – £59.99 – can be upgraded from the Switch 1 version for £10 – £59.99 – can be upgraded from the Switch 1 version for £10 Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition – £57.99 for standard edition, £87.99 for collector's set – digital only – £57.99 for standard edition, £87.99 for collector's set – digital only Fast Fusion – £13.49 – digital only – Switch 2 exclusive – £13.49 – digital only – Switch 2 exclusive Fortnite – free-to-play – free-to-play Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer – £14.99 – digital only – £14.99 – digital only Sonic X Shadow Generations – £44.99 for standard edition, £54.99 for digital deluxe edition – £44.99 for standard edition, £54.99 for digital deluxe edition Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune And Dunan Unification Wars – £44.99 – discounted to £35.99 until June 4 – £44.99 – discounted to £35.99 until June 4 Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – can be upgraded from Switch 1 version for undisclosed fee – exact UK prices not confirmed yet There is also a host of Switch 2 games scheduled to follow all the way through 2025 and beyond, both from Nintendo and other publishers. While not all of them have release dates, here is a list of every Switch 2 game confirmed thus far: Raidou Remastered: The Mystery Of The Soulless Army – June 19 – June 19 Tamagotchi Plaza – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – June 27 – June 27 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 – July 11 – July 11 Donkey Kong Bananza – July 17 – Switch 2 exclusive – July 17 – Switch 2 exclusive Shadow Labyrinth – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – July 18 – July 18 Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV – July 24 – can be upgraded from Switch 1 version for £16.99 – July 24 – can be upgraded from Switch 1 version for £16.99 No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files – July 25 – July 25 Wild Hearts S – July 25 – Switch 2 exclusive – July 25 – Switch 2 exclusive Madden NFL 26 – August 14 – August 14 Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road – August 21 – August 21 Story Of Seasons: Grand Bazaar – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – August 27 – August 27 Kirby And The Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World – August 28 – can be upgraded from Switch 1 version for £16.99 – August 28 – can be upgraded from Switch 1 version for £16.99 Star Wars Outlaws – September 4 – September 4 Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion – September 5 – September 5 Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake – October 30 – October 30 Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment – winter 2025 – winter 2025 Marvel Cosmic Invasion – winter 2025 – winter 2025 Witchbrook – winter 2025 Borderlands 4 – 2025 – 2025 Drag X Drive – 2025 – 2025 Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition – 2025 – 2025 FUR Squadron Phoenix – 2025 – 2025 Goodnight Universe – 2025 – 2025 Hades 2 – 2025 – 2025 Hollow Knight: Silksong – 2025 – 2025 Kirby Air Riders – 2025 – 2025 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – 2025 – 2025 Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – 2025 – 2025 Professor Layton And The New World Of Steam – 2025 – 2025 Reanimal – 2025 – 2025 Spine – 2025 – 2025 Two Point Museum – 2025 – 2025 Yooka-Replaylee – 2025 – 2025 The Duskbloods – 2026 – Switch 2 exclusive – 2026 – Switch 2 exclusive Enter The Gungeon 2 – 2026 – 2026 Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions – 2026 – 2026 AFL 26 – TBA – TBA Aurascope – TBA – TBA Bestiario – TBA – TBA Cookie Clicker – TBA – TBA Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade – TBA – TBA Human: Fall Flat 2 – TBA – TBA Mouse Work – TBA – TBA My Time At Evershine – TBA – TBA Project 007 – TBA – TBA Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O – TBA Yes, you will be able to play your Switch 1 games on Switch 2 through backwards compatibility. Some games will have compatibility issues, but Nintendo has said it's investigating those. You can view which games have compatibility problem on Nintendo's website. Select Switch 1 games will also receive free Switch 2 updates, which range from optimising the graphics and frame rates to adding GameShare support. Those games are: These updates will be available to download from June 5. Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games are essentially upgraded versions of existing Switch 1 games and offer significantly improved visuals and/or entirely new content. This is why these are sold as separate purchases and not offered as free upgrades. So far, the majority of Switch 2 Editions come from Nintendo itself and if you own the original version on Switch 1, you can pay a variable fee for an upgrade pack to receive a digital copy of the Switch 2 version. A small handful, however, come from third parties, so Switch 2 Editions aren't exclusive to Nintendo. So far, the Switch 1 games confirmed to be receiving Switch 2 Editions are: The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild – includes improved performance, support for the Zelda Notes app, and HDR support – upgrade costs £7.99 – upgrade is free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers – includes improved performance, support for the Zelda Notes app, and HDR support – upgrade costs £7.99 – upgrade is free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom – includes improved performance, support for the Zelda Notes app, and HDR support – upgrade costs £7.99 – upgrade is free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers – includes improved performance, support for the Zelda Notes app, and HDR support – upgrade costs £7.99 – upgrade is free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers Super Mario Party Jamboree – includes new modes and minigames using the mouse controls, microphone, and camera accessory and GameShare compatibility – upgrade costs £16.99 – includes new modes and minigames using the mouse controls, microphone, and camera accessory and GameShare compatibility – upgrade costs £16.99 Kirby And The Forgotten Land – includes new Star-Crossed World story content and improved graphics and frame rate – upgrade costs £16.99 – includes new Star-Crossed World story content and improved graphics and frame rate – upgrade costs £16.99 Pokémon Legends Z-A – includes improved performance – includes improved performance Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – includes mouse controls support and support for 4K resolution, HDR, and 120 fps (for compatible TVs) – includes mouse controls support and support for 4K resolution, HDR, and 120 fps (for compatible TVs) Civilization 7 – includes mouse controls support – upgrade costs £8.99 – includes mouse controls support – upgrade costs £8.99 Story Of Seasons: Grand Bazaar – upgrade costs £10 – upgrade costs £10 Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma – upgrade costs £10 – upgrade costs £10 Shadow Labyrinth – upgrade is free – upgrade is free Tamagotchi Plaza – includes three exclusive shops that make use of mouse controls Nintendo will be adding GameCube games to its retro library with Switch 2. These will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription tier and only available on Switch 2. So far, only 10 GameCube games have been confirmed, of which three will be available at launch on June 5. Those games are: The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker (available at launch) (available at launch) Soulcalibur 2 (available at launch) (available at launch) F-Zero GX (available at launch) (available at launch) Super Mario Sunshine Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance Pokémon XD: Gale Of Darkness Mario Smash Football Chibi-Robo! Luigi's Mansion Pokémon Colosseum To coincide with this, Nintendo is also selling a wireless GameCube controller that will launch on June 5. It's available for pre-order on Nintendo's website for £58.99, but it's exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. Nintendo has a handful of Switch 2 accessories available for purchase on its website, including the aforementioned USB-C camera and wireless GameCube controller. Below is a list of all Switch 2 accessories, their prices, and links to their listings on the Nintendo storefront: Yes, Switch 1 controllers will still work on Switch 2 through a wireless connection. In the case of the Switch 1's Joy-Cons, though, they can't be physically attached to the Switch 2 and thus can't be charged using the console. More Trending Accessories for the Switch 1 Joy-Cons, like the Ring-Con from Ring Fit Adventure, can used on Switch 2 as well but are not compatible with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. Here is a complete list of Switch 1 controllers and accessories compatible with Switch 2: Joy-Con controllers (must be charged separately) Pro Controller (can be charged by connecting it to the Switch 2 dock with a USB cable) NES controller (must be charged separately) SNES controller (can be charged by connecting it to the Switch 2 dock with a USB cable) N64 controller (can be charged by connecting it to the Switch 2 dock with a USB cable) Sega Mega Drive control pad (can be charged by connecting it to the Switch 2 dock with a USB cable) GameCube controller adapter Joy-Con grip (not compatible with Joy-Con 2 controllers) Joy-Con charging grip (not compatible with Joy-Con 2 controllers) Joy-Con wheel (not compatible with Joy-Con 2 controllers) Leg strap (not compatible with Joy-Con 2 controllers) Ring-Con (not compatible with Joy-Con 2 controllers) The following Switch 1 accessories, however, are not compatible with the Switch 2 whatsoever: Switch 1 dock Switch 1 AC adapter (can be used when plugged in directly but not for using the console in TV mode) Switch 1 HDMI cable Adjustable charging stand microSD cards To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. 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. MORE: Nintendo Direct set for around Switch 2 launch claims insider MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 OLED Model is happening if Samsung gets its way MORE: Nintendo admits Switch 2 will be missing a major technical feature at launch
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Desperate for a Switch 2? You Might Want to Camp Out at Staples Next Week
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. If you want to buy a Switch 2 on launch day, don't forget to check out your local office supplies store. Staples plans on carrying the console on June 5 at hundreds of locations across the US. Staples tells us this is "a rare second chance" for consumers to nab a Switch 2 after preorders sold out weeks earlier. Participating locations will offer "1 console per customer per day, while supplies last,' it says. Check out this web page to see if your local store will carry the Switch 2. Importantly, Staples is only selling the console in-store, meaning you'll need to wait in line, possibly overnight, to have a chance at scoring a Switch 2. 'Availability is first-come, first-served, and the [online] list does not show real-time inventory,' the retailer adds. The stores will offer the standalone Switch 2 for $449 and the Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart World for $500. Staples notes that it "has also leveled up its gaming accessories, with in-store finds like ergonomic gaming chairs, keyboards, and immersive headsets.' "The Switch 2 will be offered at normal store hours (no midnight drop)," a spokesperson for Staples added. The retailer made the announcement after a Reddit user leaked Staples' memo to employees about the in-store sales. That Staples notification also mentioned offering the Switch 2 in 349 stores, which has since been confirmed in the company's official announcement. Other retailers, including GameStop and Best Buy, also plan to carry the console on launch day, and sales will start at midnight on June 5.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Still Looking for a Nintendo Switch 2? Try Costco on Launch Day
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Nintendo's Switch 2 arrives on June 5 and preorders are largely sold out, but a few unexpected retailers say they will have the gaming handheld in stock. Costco now has a dedicated page for the Switch 2, which says the console will be available for purchase on June 5. You can buy one unit per week, provided you have a Costco membership. The store was not part of last month's preorder blitz. A note on its Switch 2 listing says, "This product is expected to be in stock and available for purchase soon. Check back again later." Costco's website also only lists the Mario Kart World bundle at the moment. There's no price on but the bundle has been going for $499.99 for the Switch 2 console, Mario Kart World game, and 12 months of Nintendo Switch Online. The standalone Switch 2 costs $449.99. There's no guarantee that the stock will be available at your local Costco. "Item may be available in your local warehouse, prices may vary," the website says. If you're unable to get the console from Costco on launch day, there are a few other retailers you can try. Staples, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target are expected to have additional stock. On the other hand, if you preordered the console, check your order as some users are seeing their purchases get canceled without reason.
Engadget
10 hours ago
- Engadget
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order updates ahead of the June 5 launch date
Update, 5/29/25: The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch soon on June 5. Pre-order advice currently remains the same, which is to say that you probably won't be able to pre-order the console before launch day anymore, since all retailers still list it as either "unavailable" or "coming soon." Now, it's all about launch-day logistics. A number of retailers, including Best Buy, plan to open some stores early on June 5 and have stock available for customers to purchase on site. If you didn't manage to get a pre-order in already, your best bet may be to go to a local Best Buy, Walmart, Target or GameStop on June 5 to see if you can walk out with a new console that day. Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are officially live at Nintendo's online store — but only if you've received an invite. As advertised, the My Nintendo Store began sending out Switch 2 pre-order invites on Thursday to those who previously registered their interest and meet the company's "priority criteria." If you've been chosen, congratulations! You have 72 hours from the time your email was sent to complete your purchase. If you previously signed up but haven't received a notice, well, we'll have to see when exactly it'll arrive. Nintendo has been accepting registrations since April 2, and it's sending invites to past Switch players and Switch Online subscribers before anyone else. If you meet the priority requirements and signed up on the earlier side, you should (hopefully) get your invite before most others. If you signed up later, don't be surprised if it takes awhile for Nintendo to grace your inbox. The company warned last month that it may not be able to send all invites — or even deliver all orders that do get placed — before the Switch 2's June 5 release date. Beyond Nintendo, the song sadly remains the same. As of our latest check, the device remains fully sold out at Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, Target and other retailers. This has mostly been the case in the US since the Switch 2 first went up for sale on April 24, and it remains unclear when it'll change. That said, we're keeping an eye out for any surprise restocks that pop up. If you're still hoping to get your hands on the device early, we've rounded up all the Switch 2 pre-order listings we could find for easy access and broken down what to know about buying the console. As noted above, Nintendo is only selling the Switch 2 through an invite system, which began on April 2. While it seems unlikely you'll receive your console before launch day if you sign up with Nintendo now, we still recommend doing so in case stock remains low at other stores. Registration is free, and you'll receive your invite eventually, even if it takes some time. On that point, Nintendo says it is prioritizing invites "on a first-come, first-served basis" to registrants who meet the following criteria: You must have purchased a Switch Online membership as of April 2, 2025. If you've only ever been part of a family plan and weren't the paying account, that's a no-go. You must have been a paid Switch Online subscriber for at least 12 months as of April 2, 2025. You must have logged at least 50 hours of total Switch gameplay time as of April 2, 2025. You must have opted into sharing gameplay data with Nintendo as of April 2, 2025. You can confirm this in your account's privacy settings. You must be a Nintendo account holder who is at least 18 years old. If you fulfill those requirements, you'll be ahead in Nintendo's invite queue. If not, you'll have to wait until after the priority registrants receive their emails. Once they do, the remaining invites will go out on a first-come, first-served basis. Whenever you get your email, you'll have a 72-hour window to buy. As with other stores, you have two models to pick from: the base Switch 2 console for $450, and a bundle with Mario Kart World for $500. Note that you can only purchase one console per invite. You'll also be able to pick up certain accessories when it's your time to shop. Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle We received our invite late Thursday evening after signing up about an hour after the registration window first opened. We've posted screenshots of what the official invite email and buying process looks like below. (A previous version of this guide linked to screenshots from Reddit and the gaming forum ResetEra, but one ResetEra user appears to have shared a fake invite, so we've removed that.) Broadly speaking, the experience is far less chaotic than it's been at other stores. Our confirmation email says that our console will ship by June 4. This is what Nintendo's official Switch 2 pre-order invite email looks like. Unfortunately, the Switch 2 remains sold out everywhere else as of this writing. To recap the situation: After a two-week delay, Nintendo finally kicked off Switch 2 pre-orders at third-party retailers in the US and Canada at midnight ET on April 24. A couple of (headache-inducing) hours later, stock at Walmart, Target and Best Buy had sold out. GameStop began taking pre-orders later that morning but quickly met the same fate. Some eagle-eyed buyers were reportedly able to pre-order through Walmart as late as April 26, but things have dried up since. Other membership-based retailers like Costco and Sam's Club have Switch 2 listings as well, but we haven't seen anything to suggest they will accept pre-orders. Newegg also has a Switch 2 page but hasn't provided an option to buy just yet. As for Amazon, we assume the Switch 2 will eventually be available there, but it's not today, and there's been no indication as to when that might change. (Even before the Switch 2 was unveiled, stock of the original Switch and first-party Switch games had been limited at Amazon US for several months.) If you're desperate to catch a restock, it's a good idea to create a free account with the retailers above and ensure all of your shipping and billing info is up to date with each. Downloading each store's mobile app and signing up for notifications may help too, though that could get annoying fairly quickly. Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* *As of 1:15pm ET on Friday, May 9, Amazon has not listed either Switch 2 console package for sale. We will update this article with direct links if they arrive; until then, we're linking to the site's Nintendo-focused hub. Naturally, there are numerous accessories and games up for pre-order alongside the Switch 2 itself. While Nintendo hasn't changed the console's price since delaying its initial pre-order date, it has hiked the cost of several accessories due to "changes in market conditions" (read: tariffs). The new Switch 2 camera, for instance, now costs $55 instead of its original $50, while the Switch 2 Pro Controller leapt from $80 to $85. An extra set of Joy-Con 2 controllers is up to $95 from $90, and the official Joy-Con Charging Grip costs $40 instead of $35. Most (but not all) of Nintendo's official Switch 2 accessories are still up for grabs at one or two retailers at a minimum, but stock has become spottier since they first went up for sale. Upcoming Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza , meanwhile, remain widely available. Mario Kart World for $80 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Donkey Kong Bananza for $70 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Additional Switch 2 games Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB) for Nintendo Switch 2 for $60 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon Joy-Con 2 bundle for $95 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Switch 2 Pro Controller for $85 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Switch 2 Camera for $55 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera for $60 Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip for $40 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2) for $25 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case for $85 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector for $40 Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon* *As of 1:15pm ET on Friday, May 9, Amazon has not listed any first-party Switch 2 accessories or games for sale. (Some third-party devices and games are listed, however.) We'll update this article with direct links if they arrive; until then, we're linking to the site's Nintendo-focused hub. The Nintendo Switch 2. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget) We knew from its initial teaser trailer that the Switch 2 would be bigger than its predecessor and take a new approach to its detachable Joy-Cons. The Joy-Con 2s, as they're called, now attach magnetically and include a C button, mouse controls and a built-in gyroscope for tilt control. The console itself is indeed larger, with a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports a 1080p resolution, a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz and HDR10. The hardware also has a built-in mic to support a new feature called GameChat that'll let you communicate with friends in-game. (This is what that C button is for.) Nintendo says this service will be free to all Switch 2 users until March 31, 2026, at which point it'll require a Switch Online membership. When docked, you'll be able to play up to 4K on your TV. Nintendo says it's improved the consoles internal speakers as well. The updated dock has a built-in fan to keep the console cool and help maintain performance during long play sessions. Though we won't know exactly how much of a power upgrade the Switch 2 is over to the first Switch until it's released, it looks to be fairly significant leap, given that it'll have ports of relatively demanding games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. Elsewhere, the Switch 2 has dual USB-C ports for charging, while the internal storage amount has jumped from 32GB to 256GB. That storage is still expandable, but the device will only work with newer (and more expensive) microSD Express cards. As seen in the recent 20.0.0 update for the original Switch, the upcoming console will also utilize Nintendo's new Virtual Game Card system for lending digital games across systems, as well as a GameShare feature that lets you share select titles locally with just one copy of a game. The Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con 2 controllers. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget) During its most recent Direct presentation at the start of April, Nintendo showed off more of the Switch 2 than it ever had before. That included the reveal of its original April 9 pre-order date, in addition to its $450 starting price. Shortly after, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on China and other countries, prompting Nintendo to delay pre-orders in the US and Canada. In a reversal, President Trump later announced a 90-day pause on steep tariffs affecting 75 countries, but also announced that the tariff imposed on China will go up even further (right now, it sits at 145 percent). We now know that the original $450 price for the Switch 2 will remain the same in the US and Canada, but based on its official statement, it appears Nintendo is leaving the door open for potential future price increases. We also know that Nintendo started moving some of its Switch console manufacturing to Vietnam in 2019. The increased tariff for Vietnam was set to be 46 percent, but that's temporarily on hold in favor of a 10 percent tariff that's in effect for the 90-day pause period. It has been speculated that Nintendo will boost production of Switch 2 consoles in Vietnam so it can stay on schedule, even if it sells the console at a loss in the short term. It appears the company will have to seriously ramp up production to keep up with Switch 2 demand: According to Nintendo, 2.2 million people entered the pre-order lottery in Japan alone, which is far more devices than it is expected to deliver in that region on launch day. In total, the company projects it will sell 15 million Switch 2 units through March 2026.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Customers furious after Game cancels Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders
UK high street chain Game has apologised after it cancelled some pre-orders of the hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Gamers have waited years for the Switch 2 - the successor to one of the best-selling consoles in history - with the new model being finally released to the public on 5 June. But some of those who pre-ordered the Switch 2 through Game will now not be able to get their hands on it on its release date. "We understand how disappointing this is, especially for those who have been eagerly awaiting their order," Game wrote in a post on social media. There has been a furious reaction from those affected, with one customer calling the situation "outrageous." Game did not give any reason why the pre-orders were cancelled. The BBC has approached it for comment. In its social media post it says it is "currently working hard to reinstate as many affected pre-orders as possible." I played the £75 Mario Kart World on Switch 2 - was it worth it? The Switch 2 has already attracted some controversy from fans who questioned the price of some of its games - with a boxed edition of Mario Kart World coming in at £74.99. But this price appears not to have impacted the initial sales of the hardware, with most retailers now unable to take on new pre-orders so close to its launch. Gamers who no longer have a pre-order may consider turning to the return of the midnight launch, which used to be part-and-parcel of game releases but has become far less common in recent years. At least one retailer has held back some stock in the hope of getting people through its doors - with Smyths promising a "limited" number of consoles will be available in-store when doors open on launch day. Fans scrambling to get their hands on new consoles has been a part of Nintendo's history, for example with the Wii in 2006. The original Switch ended up becoming the fastest-selling console in history in the US when in launched in 2017. This is not just limited to Nintendo - its rival Sony's PlayStation 5 proved to be such a hot ticket item that people joined virtual queues with thousands of others just to have the chance to buy one in 2020. This trend continued throughout the first three years of the console's life, with the supply chain issues that partly fuelled the demand only being resolved in 2023. Nintendo announces Switch 2 release date - and a new Mario Kart game Will £75 be the new normal for video games after Switch 2's Mario Kart? Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
