TheNintendo Switch 2 is finally almost here. And if you missed out on the chance to preorder the console, don't fret: Plenty of retailers includingBest Buy andGameStop have officially partnered with Nintendo to ensure that stores have at least some physical stock availableforcustomers on launch day June 5.
To help you find the best way to get a Switch 2 in your hands as fast as possible, I put together a list of all the vital information you need, like where you can buy bundles and consoles, what launch titles will be available, and (most importantly) how much it'll all cost you.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a lot of cool new features and updated specs that do make it a worthwhile option if you're looking to upgrade from a standard Switch or Switch OLED.
While the unit itself is about the same size and weight as the previous version of the Switch, the Switch 2 sports a 1080p screenforhandheld or tabletop mode and full 4K output supportforTV play. It also has much more internal storage, with 256GB of space that can be expanded with a microSD Express card for up to 2TB of storage space. A brand new, custom graphics processor by Nvidia helps boost the Switch 2's graphics capabilities, but means you'll have to sacrifice a bit of battery life (6.5 hours vs 9 hours). And one of the biggest draws for the Switch 2 is that it will have exclusive support for Nintendo's GameCube virtual console, featuring classic titles for the popular retro console.
Also: Nintendo Switch 2 revealed: Specs, pricing, release date, and more official details
If you don't want to put your email on a waitlist to buy directly from Nintendo, there are a handful of official retailers where you can try your luck with at launch:
It should be noted thatAmazon is the only major retailer that has been excluded from Switch 2 preorders and official seller status. At the time of this writing, Amazon hasn't had any product listings for Switch 2 consoles or official hardware like cameras and controllers. But you can order third-party accessories like cases and screen protectors, as well as physical and digital copies of games. So after the official launch of the Switch 2, if you see a console listing on Amazon, it's likely a scalper looking to offload units they bought up from another retailer, or a scammer looking to cash in on a highly-anticipated hardware release.
If you're looking to just pick up the console and download some digital titles later, the Switch 2 will run you about$450, though there will be a Switch 2 bundle available with a copy of Mario Kart World that retails for$500. But the pricing doesn't stop there: to take advantage of Nintendo's popular virtual consoles, which offer access to classic titles from the NES, SNES, and GameBoy eras, as well as online multiplayer, you'll have to sign up for aNintendo Online membership .
The basic Nintendo Online plan gives you access to online multiplayer as well as the NES, SNES, and original GameBoy virtual consoles, and will run around$20 per year for the individual option or$35/year for the family plan. If you want access to every virtual console as well as special offers, cloud saves, and exclusive game expansions, you'll need the Expansion Pack membership, which is$50 per year for individuals and$80 a year for families.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a decent lineup of launch titles that will be available on June 5, including:
There are more highly-anticipated titles set to release throughout the year as well, like:
As for accessories, it doesn't seem like the Switch 2 will come bundled with anything extra unless you opt for the Mario Kart World pack-in game bundle. If you want to take full advantage of the Switch 2's new features like game chat and screen sharing, you'll have to purchase theSwitch 2 Camera for $55, the improvedPro Controller for $85, and new kartracing wheel Joy-Con 2 holders for $25.
A big point of contention with the Switch 2 has been what the company has buried within the terms and conditions for the console and games. Nintendo has been very upfront with their policy that states customers who purchase a Switch 2 console, accessories, and games do not own them, but own the license to use them. Nintendo reserves the right to remotely disable ("brick") your Switch 2 system if they discover that you have made any "unauthorized modifications" like downloading an emulator or added capture hardware for screen recording in handheld mode.
While most users won't have any issues sticking to official game releases and Nintendo shop downloads, community modders and digital game archivists who use emulation as teaching and archival tools may run into a heap of legal trouble. Physical game cartridges will also contain no game data, but rather a security key that tells the console that you have purchased the license to download the game from the Nintendo servers; so anyone in a rural area with a slow internet connection is going to have a bad time trying to download large game files.
The Nintendo Switch 2 console, games, and accessories will officially launch at 12:01AM EDT on June 5, 2025, but many officially partnered retailers may have special customer events for anyone who wants to line up early.
As of right now, that's a big no. Nintendo has put out a list of officially partnered retailers that includes Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco, and GameStop. So after the launch, if you see a Nintendo Switch 2 console for sale on Amazon, it's likely from a scalper or scammer looking to offload a unit at a ridiculous mark-up or sell you an empty box. However, even though you won't be able to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 console from Amazon, you will still be able to order games and accessories like Joy-Con 2 controllers and webcams.
At the time of writing, the only Switch 2 bundle offer available is a typical console and pack-in game, featuring Mario Kart World.
It's highly unlikely that the Switch 2 will go on sale for Prime Day, as Nintendo is notoriously stingy with markdowns on hardware, games, and accessories. However, Switch 1 hardware, games, and accessories may see discounts as retailers try to make space for new Switch 2 inventory.
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that Nintendo will not charge$90 for physical games in the U.S. The bad news is that physical games will still retail for anywhere from$40 to$80 depending on the title, despite not containing any game data, but rather a security key that tells the Switch 2 that you have bought access to a digital download. Digital titles seem to be retailing anywhere from$60 to$80 depending on the title and whether or not you opt for digital extras like in-game cosmetics or in-game currency.