It’s been a whirlwind of anticipation for Nintendo fans, and the company just dropped some big news: preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are officially set to begin on April 24, 2025, in the United States and Canada. Despite swirling rumors and economic uncertainties, Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will stick to its original price of $449.99. But, as with any major console launch, there’s a lot more to unpack—some good, some less so. Let’s dive into what this means for gamers, why the delay happened, and what you need to know about the Switch 2 as we inch closer to its June 5, 2025, launch.

Nintendo’s announcement comes as a relief to many who feared that the incoming Trump administration’s tariff policies, announced earlier this year, might jack up the cost of the Switch 2. For context, President Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods had sparked concerns across the tech and gaming industries, with some analysts predicting price hikes for consoles and accessories manufactured overseas. Nintendo, however, has managed to keep the base price of the Switch 2 at $449.99, a figure first revealed during the console’s big showcase event last year.

There’s also a premium bundle that includes Mario Kart World, priced at $499.99, which remains unchanged. Individual game prices for launch titles like Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananaza ($69.99) are also holding steady. This is a win for gamers who were bracing for a hit to their wallets.

But here’s the catch: while the console itself dodged a price increase, the Switch 2’s accessories are taking a hit. According to Nintendo’s statement, the new tariffs have forced a slight bump in the cost of some key peripherals:

• Joy-Con controllers: Up from $89.99 to $94.99.
• Pro Controller: Now $84.99, a $5 increase from $79.99.
• Switch 2 camera: Previously $49.99, now $54.99.

These price hikes, while modest, might sting for gamers planning to fully kit out their Switch 2 setup. Accessories are a big part of the Nintendo ecosystem—Joy-Cons are practically a cultural icon at this point—so the increase could add up for those looking to stock up on extras for multiplayer sessions or replace worn-out controllers down the line.

If you’ve been following the Switch 2 saga, you might remember that preorders were originally slated to start on April 9, 2025. So, what happened? The short answer: tariffs and market jitters. When the Trump administration announced new tariffs on imported goods in early April, Nintendo hit pause on its preorder plans to “assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” It was a cautious move, and one that left fans frustrated but not entirely surprised.

The delay wasn’t just a U.S. issue. Nintendo also pushed back preorders in Canada to align with the U.S. timeline, ensuring a synchronized rollout across North America. The decision paid off, it seems, as President Trump’s subsequent announcement of a 90-day tariff pause on goods from countries outside China gave Nintendo the breathing room to stick with its original pricing for the console itself.

This isn’t the first time global economics have shaken up the gaming world. Just days before Nintendo’s announcement, Sony raised the price of PS5 models in regions like the EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, citing a “challenging economic environment.” Nintendo’s ability to avoid a console price hike feels like a small victory in comparison, though the accessory price increases show they’re not entirely immune to these pressures.

For those who haven’t been glued to every Nintendo Direct or social media post about the Switch 2, here’s a quick rundown of what makes this console worth the hype. The Switch 2 is shaping up to be a significant leap over its predecessor, blending the hybrid portability of the original Switch with some serious upgrades:

• Bigger screen: A 7.9-inch LCD display, compared to the original’s 6.2-inch (or 7-inch for the OLED model). More screen real estate means a more immersive experience, whether you’re playing docked or on the go.
• Improved Joy-Cons: The new controllers are larger, addressing complaints about the original’s cramped design. They’re also said to be more durable, with enhanced features for motion controls and multiplayer gaming.
• More power: While Nintendo hasn’t spilled all the technical details, reportedly, the Switch 2 will boast a beefier processor and better graphics capabilities, bringing it closer to the performance of a PS4 or Xbox One.
• New accessories: The Switch 2 camera is a new addition, likely tied to expanded motion-based gameplay or social features. Details are still scarce, but it’s an intriguing hint at what Nintendo has in store.

The launch lineup is another big draw. Mario Kart World, a vibrant new entry in the beloved racing series, will be available at launch, either standalone or as part of the $499.99 bundle. Then there’s Donkey Kong Bananaza, a 3D platformer set to drop on July 17, 2025, which has already generated buzz for its lush visuals and creative level design. These titles, combined with backward compatibility for most original Switch games, make the Switch 2 a compelling upgrade for existing fans and newcomers alike.

Nintendo’s handling of the Switch 2 preorder saga reflects a company trying to navigate a tricky landscape. On one hand, they’re under pressure to deliver a next-gen console that justifies its $449.99 price tag—$150 more than the original Switch’s launch price in 2017. On the other, they’re contending with global supply chain issues, tariff uncertainties, and a competitive market where Sony and Microsoft are also vying for gamers’ dollars.

The decision to delay preorders, while frustrating, shows Nintendo prioritizing transparency and stability over rushing to market. Their apology in the announcement—“We apologize for the retail pre-order delay, and hope this reduces some of the uncertainty our customers may be experiencing”—strikes a humble tone that’s rare in the often-hype-driven world of gaming. It’s a reminder that Nintendo, for all its quirky charm, is a company that takes its relationship with fans seriously.

If you’re planning to snag a Switch 2 at launch, mark April 24, 2025, on your calendar. Preorders are likely to be a frenzy, as we’ve seen with past Nintendo launches (remember the original Switch’s sold-out chaos?). Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop are expected to handle preorders, with Nintendo’s own online store also in the mix.

If you’re on the fence, consider what you’re getting for $449.99. The Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, larger screen, and promising launch titles make it a strong contender, especially if you’re a fan of Nintendo’s first-party exclusives. But the higher price point and accessory costs might give budget-conscious gamers pause, especially if you already own a Switch OLED.

One thing’s for sure: the Switch 2 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Nintendo. With its blend of innovation, nostalgia, and that signature Nintendo magic, it’s got the potential to dominate living rooms and commutes alike. Whether you’re ready to preorder or just watching from the sidelines, April 24 is when the next chapter of Switch mania officially begins.