Nintendo Switch 2 retail pre-orders in Canada began on Thursday, April 24, 2025—not April 9. Nintendo kept the Canadian launch date of June 5, 2025. The console launched at a suggested retail price of C$629.99, while a bundle with Mario Kart World cost C$699.99. The April 24 window is now historical, so current buyers should check live Canadian stock and pricing rather than look for an open pre-order.
What changed from the original schedule?
Nintendo originally announced April 9, 2025, as the North American pre-order date. That plan was postponed while Nintendo assessed tariffs and changing market conditions. Reports also described the revision as a way to align Canadian and U.S. retail timing more closely. The postponement did not move the launch: Nintendo continued to list June 5, 2025, as the Canadian release date.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console | $339.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The revised April 24 date applied to retail pre-orders through participating Canadian sellers. It was not a promise that every retailer would activate its product page at the same minute.
Nintendo Life reported on the postponement, while Associated Press coverage connected the delay with tariff and broader market uncertainty. Those reports do not establish a specific tariff amount built into the Canadian price.
#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
Canadian launch prices
| Product | Suggested retail price in Canada | What was included |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | C$629.99 | Console system |
| Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World | C$699.99 | Console plus a digital version/download code for Mario Kart World |
These were Nintendo’s Canadian suggested retail prices at launch, not guaranteed checkout totals. Taxes, shipping, retailer promotions, membership discounts and payment policies could change the amount a customer paid. Nintendo’s launch announcement lists both prices and identifies the bundle’s game as digital: Nintendo Canada’s press release.
Nintendo later issued pricing information for games and accessories, including adjustments to some accessories. Launch figures should not be treated as current 2026 prices without checking a live Canadian listing.
When did Canadian retailers open?
Participating retailers began taking orders on April 24, but each seller controlled its own launch time, inventory and order limits. The clearest reported example was Walmart Canada, which was expected to open online pre-orders at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 24, 2025, according to MobileSyrup’s retailer timing report.
- Midnight Eastern applied to that reported Walmart schedule, not automatically to every Canadian retailer.
- Midnight Eastern was not midnight nationwide; customers in other time zones needed to convert the time.
- A retailer could use online, in-store or staggered inventory.
- A product page, waitlist or “notify me” button did not necessarily mean checkout was active.
- Successful checkout still did not guarantee delivery on launch day.
Retailers also set their own shipping estimates, pickup options, cancellation rules, purchase limits and payment timing. Check those terms on the individual order page before submitting payment.
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What could buyers pre-order?
Console-only package
The standalone system was the lower-cost choice for customers who already owned Mario Kart World, did not want the game or preferred to buy software separately.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Mario Kart World bundle
The bundle cost C$70 more at the suggested retail level and included a digital game code rather than a physical cartridge. It made the most sense for someone who planned to buy Mario Kart World anyway. Buyers should allow for a download and ensure that the Nintendo Account receiving the code has sufficient storage and internet access.
Games and accessories
Launch games, controllers, cases and other accessories were listed according to each retailer’s inventory. There was no guarantee that every product would appear at the same time as the console, or that the standalone system and bundle would sell through at the same rate.
Pre-order, reservation and delivery are different things
A completed order meant a retailer accepted the transaction; it did not automatically mean the unit would arrive on June 5. Initial allocations could sell out, and orders could be delayed or cancelled because of overselling, payment failure, address verification or fulfilment problems. Stock could later return through cancellations, inventory reconciliation or additional allocation waves. Online and store inventory could also be separate.
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Before ordering, compare:
- Whether the retailer charges immediately or at shipment.
- Shipping cost and the stated delivery estimate.
- In-store pickup availability.
- Cancellation, return and refund terms.
- Purchase limits and account requirements.
- Whether taxes and shipping are included in the displayed total.
Do not treat rapid sellouts reported in the United States as proof of identical Canadian stock conditions. U.S. demand coverage, including Axios reporting, illustrates launch pressure but does not provide a Canadian inventory count.
Retail pre-orders were not Nintendo eShop pre-orders
The April 24 announcement concerned physical console reservations through participating retailers. Nintendo uses different terms for digital and physical purchases: eligible digital games can be pre-ordered through Nintendo eShop, while physical items bought through Nintendo Store may be described as pre-purchases and can be charged immediately. The retailer’s own contract governs a console reservation. Nintendo explains the distinction in its support documentation: Pre-orders and pre-purchases.
Rank #3
- 【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.
What existing Switch owners should check
Game compatibility
Switch 2 supports many physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, but compatibility is not universal. Some software may need an update, a paid upgrade or may have limitations. Review Nintendo’s title-by-title guidance rather than assuming every game behaves identically: Nintendo’s Switch and Switch 2 compatibility information.
Controllers and accessories
- Original Joy-Con controllers can pair wirelessly with Switch 2 but cannot physically attach to it.
- Original Joy-Con cannot be connected wirelessly to the original Switch when used as Switch 2 controllers; Nintendo documents the specific limitations.
- An original Pro Controller can be used wirelessly for supported play.
- Do not assume an original dock, case or other accessory is a direct Switch 2 replacement.
Nintendo’s controller guidance is available at this support page.
Storage and accounts
Digital games and the bundle’s download require storage and a Nintendo Account. Switch 2 has specific storage requirements, so verify whether a microSD Express card is needed before reusing an older card. Nintendo Switch Online membership and existing account entitlements should be checked against the game or feature being used.
What the date means now
The April 24, 2025 Canadian pre-order event is over, and the system launched on June 5, 2025. The relevant buying question in 2026 is not when pre-orders open, but which Canadian retailer currently has stock, what price and delivery terms it offers, and whether the console-only package or the digital Mario Kart World bundle fits your library. Nintendo’s later launch notice confirms that the system and game bundle were available from June 5: Power Up Your Play with Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World.
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.
