With the Nintendo Switch 2 hitting shelves next week, excitement is through the roof. After the underwhelming Wii U era, Nintendo struck gold with the original Switch—bringing an innovative hybrid design to gamers around the world. Now, the sequel is poised to build on that success, combining improved hardware, fresh features, and enticing bundles.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer looking for the perfect console, the Nintendo Switch 2 has plenty to offer. This guide will walk you through where to pre-order, what’s changed under the hood, and how to snag the best game and accessory deals. Let’s dive in!
Where to Pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches on June 5, 2025, in the U.S. and various international markets. You can grab the standalone console for $469.99, or opt for the bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World for $509.99—straight from Nintendo’s site. But savvy shoppers know prices can vary significantly across retailers.
Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, GameStop, and more have all opened pre-orders. If you want to secure your unit at the best possible price, bookmark each store’s product page and keep refreshing. Note that the majority of these retailers won’t charge your card until the console ships, except for GameStop, which may take payment immediately.
What’s New in the Nintendo Switch 2
At first glance, the Switch 2 looks familiar: a sleek, handheld screen flanked by detachable Joy-Cons, plus a dock for TV-mode play. But dig deeper, and you’ll find several key upgrades. The screen has grown to 7.9 inches—bigger than the OLED’s 7-inch display—and now boasts a 120 Hz LCD panel with Full HD (1920×1080) resolution and HDR support.
While die-hard OLED fans may lament the absence of an OLED panel here, the lightning-fast refresh rate and vibrant colors on the LCD more than make up for it. Plus, the bezels are finer than ever, delivering a truly immersive handheld experience. Multitasking and split-screen gaming have never looked smoother.
The Joy-Cons have also been reimagined. They’re slightly larger, attach magnetically to the console’s rails, and sport bigger buttons for better comfort. An additional trigger tab makes removal a breeze. These new controllers even function as a PC mouse when connected via Bluetooth—an unexpected perk for productivity-minded gamers.
On the hardware front, Nintendo claims a CPU that’s three times more powerful and a GPU four times stronger than the original Switch. This power boost allows for upscaled 4K output on your TV dock, thanks to NVIDIA’s DLSS technology. The upgraded dock now features improved ventilation, an Ethernet port, and a rounder, more compact design.
Game Compatibility and Retro Goodies
One of the biggest worries for longtime Switch owners was backward compatibility. Fear not—your entire Switch library carries over. Physical cartridges and digital titles will work seamlessly on the Switch 2, letting you revisit old favorites without repurchasing.
To sweeten the deal, many popular Switch games will receive “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades—complete with enhanced graphics, performance tweaks, and even new content. Titles like Mario Party Jamboree are on the list, promising extra boards, characters, and minigames.
Going further back, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will get exclusive access to GameCube classics for the first time. Finally, you can experience titles such as Super Mario Sunshine or The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on a handheld device. Just remember: some of these retro gems require a valid Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Scoring the Best Game Deals
Pre-order bundles often come with hot discounts on launch titles. Keep an eye on major retailers for limited-time promotions. Amazon has already teased up to 10% off select Switch 2 games if you pre-order three or more at once, while Best Buy is offering a $20 gift card with any game pack purchase.
Don’t sleep on smaller retailers either. Newegg and B&H sometimes run flash sales or bundle accessories (like screen protectors and carrying cases) at no extra cost. Sign up for store newsletters and follow social media channels for instant alerts on price drops.
If you’re planning to go big, consider subscription-based strategies. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier often includes key DLC content and retro titles, providing excellent value for frequent players. Combining that subscription with timed retailer vouchers can drive your overall savings sky-high.
Must-Have Accessories for Your Switch 2
Nintendo’s official lineup of Switch 2 accessories is solid. You’ll want an extra set of Joy-Cons in bold colors, the revamped Pro Controller for extended sessions, and a sturdy carrying case for on-the-go gaming. All of these are available in Nintendo’s digital store.
Third-party manufacturers have also stepped up. Brands like Hori, PDP, and PowerA are producing officially licensed accessories that often undercut Nintendo’s MSRP. Look for multi-card readers, high-capacity—yet compact—battery packs, and premium screen protectors made from tempered glass.
Finally, consider grabbing a microSD Express card (256GB or higher) for onboard storage. The built-in 256GB is generous, but digital game downloads and DLC can consume space quickly. Express cards deliver the fastest speeds, ensuring minimal load times and uninterrupted play.
There you have it: everything you need to know about pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2, exploring its new features, snagging the best game deals, and picking out killer accessories. Ready to level up your gaming library? Keep checking our updates as prices continue to shift and fresh bundles drop. Good luck, and happy gaming!
