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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →No. April 2, 2025 was the date of Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct, when the company announced the console’s June 5 launch and other details. Nintendo initially said participating North American retailers would start preorders on April 9; it later moved U.S. retail preorders to April 24. The April 2 date was the big announcement, not the eventual preorder date.
What happened on April 2?
Nintendo held a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025. It announced that the console would launch on June 5 and shared product details, including its 7.9-inch display, 256 GB of internal storage, magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, and support for playing compatible Nintendo Switch games. The announcement is available from Nintendo.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The date was significant because Nintendo had announced in January that it would reveal more about Switch 2 during an April 2 Direct. That made it a natural date for people waiting for news about the console and its availability. Nintendo’s launch announcement, however, named April 9—not April 2—as the planned start of participating retailer preorders in North America.
Switch 2 preorder timeline
| Date | What Nintendo announced |
|---|---|
| April 2, 2025 | Nintendo held the Switch 2 Direct and announced a June 5 release date. The North American launch announcement set April 9 as the planned start for participating retailers’ preorders. |
| April 18, 2025 | Nintendo said U.S. retail preorders would begin April 24 instead of April 9. The June 5 launch date remained unchanged. |
| June 5, 2025 | Switch 2 launched. |
Nintendo’s North American launch announcement is at Nintendo’s launch announcement. Its later U.S. update is at Nintendo of America.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Why did the U.S. preorder date change?
Nintendo’s April 18 update attributed the delay to changes in market conditions. It did not explicitly identify tariffs as the reason in that statement. Contemporaneous reporting by Axios connected the timing to tariff uncertainty; that is reporting about the circumstances, not Nintendo’s stated explanation.
Nintendo apologized for the delay and said it hoped the change would reduce uncertainty for customers. The revised date applied to U.S. retail preorders; it should not be confused with the earlier North American announcement or treated as a worldwide preorder schedule.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
What did the launch price become?
The U.S. launch MSRP was $449.99 for the console. Nintendo’s later price-revision document lists a U.S. MSRP of $499.99 effective September 1, 2026. The launch price is historical, not the current U.S. MSRP as of that effective date. Nintendo lists Europe’s My Nintendo Store price as €499.99 from the same date; that is a store-specific price, not a single price for every European retailer. Prices and tax treatment can differ by territory and seller.
For Japan, Nintendo’s document lists the Japanese-language, Japan-only system’s price increasing from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980 on May 25, 2026. These prices are not directly interchangeable: each applies to a named territory, product, or sales channel. See Nintendo’s price-revision document for the listed changes.
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- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Useful Switch 2 details for prospective buyers
- Original Switch games: Switch 2 supports compatible Nintendo Switch games, but Nintendo cautions that some titles may not be supported or fully compatible.
- Expandable storage: Additional storage requires a microSD Express card; older microSD cards are not the specified format.
- GameChat: Nintendo said a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership would be required after the open-access period ending March 31, 2026. That period has ended, so GameChat should not be described as universally free.
Nintendo’s April 2 announcement contains the system specifications and compatibility qualifications: Nintendo Switch 2 release announcement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
