Nintendo Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025. Nintendo had confirmed only a 2025 release window in January; it announced the date, launch hardware details, prices and games on April 2. The prices below are historical launch MSRPs, not current 2026 price guidance.
When did Nintendo Switch 2 launch?
Nintendo announced on January 16, 2025, that its successor to Nintendo Switch would arrive that year. On April 2, it set the release date for June 5, 2025. Nintendo’s January announcement and April release-date announcement mark the distinction between the initial window and the confirmed day.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What did Switch 2 cost at launch?
Launch prices varied by market. These are the announced MSRPs for launch, not a guide to current prices or retailer availability.
| Market | Standalone console | Mario Kart World bundle |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $449.99 | $499.99, including a download code for Mario Kart World |
| Japan | ¥49,980 for the Japanese-language system | ¥53,980 for the Mario Kart World set |
The U.S. prices are from Nintendo of America’s April 2 launch announcement; Japan’s are from Nintendo’s Japanese announcement. Compare the standalone console and bundle only within the same market: the bundle adds the game, and the yen prices are not direct equivalents to U.S. prices.
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#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
What changed from the original Switch?
Nintendo’s launch announcement described a larger screen, upgraded processing and graphics, more storage, and new controller features. The main changes are:
- Screen: a 7.9-inch LCD with 1080p resolution.
- TV output: compatible games can display at up to 4K when connected to a compatible TV or monitor. That maximum is conditional on the game and display, not a promise that every game runs at 4K.
- Storage: 256 GB of internal storage. Expansion requires microSD Express cards.
- Controllers: the magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers can be used like a mouse in compatible games.
Those specifications are from Nintendo’s U.S. launch announcement. They describe the hardware and supported features; they do not establish that every game uses mouse controls or reaches the stated display maximum.
Can Switch 2 play original Switch games?
Switch 2 supports compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Nintendo cautioned that some original Switch games may not be supported or may not be fully compatible, so compatibility is not universal. Check Nintendo’s compatibility information for a particular game before relying on it for an upgrade decision.
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.***
Existing Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and peripherals, including the Switch Pro Controller, can be used wirelessly with Switch 2. Nintendo’s launch announcement covers both game compatibility and use of existing accessories: Nintendo of America.
Which games were available at launch?
Mario Kart World launched alongside the console and was included as a download code in the U.S. bundle. The Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom were also available on June 5. Nintendo’s May 2025 investor materials listed Mario Kart World and Welcome Tour for launch, and the two Zelda titles as enhanced versions.
Donkey Kong Bananza was not a launch-day game: Nintendo announced it for July 17, 2025. The launch lineup and later release timing are set out in Nintendo’s May 2025 financial results materials.
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 communication features came with the system?
GameChat added voice chat for up to 12 people and screen sharing for up to four friends. Video chat required a compatible USB-C camera; Nintendo’s camera was sold separately. Nintendo said at launch that GameChat would be available without a Nintendo Switch Online membership through March 31, 2026, after which a membership would be required. That was the launch-announced arrangement, not confirmation of service terms in 2026.
GameShare let a player with a compatible game invite others to play it temporarily in local multiplayer on Switch 2 or the original Switch. Feature details and the launch-announced membership terms are from Nintendo of America.
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How did the launch go?
Nintendo of America said that Switch 2 sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide in the four days after its June 5 launch, calling it the fastest-selling Nintendo game system ever. Nintendo attributed the figure to its internal sales data; it is the company’s reported figure, not an independent estimate. See Nintendo’s June 11 statement.
Associated Press reported preorder delays and errors amid high demand, and that U.S. preorders had been delayed for several weeks while Nintendo assessed tariff effects. Nintendo acknowledged very high demand, according to AP. Those reports describe launch friction, but do not establish a complete shortage picture across all countries and retailers. Associated Press’s June 5 launch report and Nintendo’s April 18 U.S. preorder update provide the context.
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.
