Nintendo has officially confirmed the much-anticipated US pre-order date for its next-generation console. Gamers in the United States can mark their calendars for April 24, 2025, to secure their Nintendo Switch 2. This announcement comes after a brief delay, initially planned for April 9, which Nintendo attributed to navigating uncertainties related to new US tariffs. The console itself is still slated for a June 5, 2025 launch date, maintaining the previously announced schedule. Fans concerned about potential price hikes for the console itself can breathe a sigh of relief. Nintendo reiterated that the pricing announced earlier in April remains firm for the launch. The standalone Nintendo Switch 2 console will retain its $449.99 price tag. Similarly, the bundle featuring the highly anticipated *Mario Kart World* will stay at $499.99. Furthermore, the pricing for key launch titles remains unchanged, with the physical and digital versions of *Mario Kart World* costing $79.99 and *Donkey Kong Bananza* priced at $69.99. While the core hardware and major software prices are holding steady, prospective buyers will find adjustments elsewhere. Nintendo revealed that the manufacturer's suggested retail prices for official Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have increased. Citing "changes in market conditions" – widely understood to relate to the aforementioned tariff situation and potentially broader manufacturing cost pressures – the company has implemented a price bump across its first-party accessory line-up. Nintendo explicitly mentioned that future price adjustments for any product remain possible depending on how market conditions evolve. Nearly all first-party accessories announced alongside the console have seen a $5 increase compared to their initial reveal prices. This means consumers will need to budget slightly more for peripherals. Examples of the updated pricing include:Pro Controller: Now $84.99 (previously $80)Joy-Con 2 Pair: Now $94.99 (previously $90)Charging Grip: Now $39.99 (previously $35)Wheel Set (Pair): Now $24.99 (previously $20)Camera: Now $54.99 (previously $50)Carrying Case & Screen Protector: Now $39.99 (previously $35)All-In-One Carrying Case: Now $84.99 (previously $80)These accessories are expected to be available for pre-order alongside the console on April 24 at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Nintendo's decision reflects a strategic balance; by maintaining the console's price, potentially aided by stockpiling units in the US ahead of launch, the company avoids significant consumer pushback on the core purchase. However, the increased accessory costs allow Nintendo to offset some of the external economic pressures impacting manufacturing and import costs. Ultimately, entering the Switch 2 ecosystem will cost what was initially expected for the console and games, but fully outfitting the experience with official peripherals will now require a slightly larger investment.
