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| Nintendo Switch 2 Officially Launched: Price, Games, and Availability at Major Retailers |
Dhaka, June 5, 2025 – The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has officially launched today, June 5, 2025, in most regions globally. After years of speculation and rumors, Nintendo unveiled the console's full specifications and release details on April 2, with pre-orders beginning on April 5. The new hybrid console promises an enhanced gaming experience with significant upgrades over its predecessor.
Pricing and Availability:
The Nintendo Switch 2 has launched with a baseline price of $449.99 USD. This is a notable increase from the original Switch's launch price, drawing some criticism regarding the 50% price hike. A special Mario Kart World bundle is also available for $499.99 USD, which includes the console and a copy of the new Mario Kart game.
Major retailers in the U.S. including GameStop, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart began taking pre-orders in late April. While initial pre-order waves sold out quickly, these retailers are expected to have launch day stock.
- GameStop: Held midnight launch events for the Nintendo Switch 2. Online and in-store stock are available.
- Best Buy: Also planned midnight launch events for pre-order pickups and had stock available.
- Target: Had in-store stock available from June 5, with online stock expected to drop on June 6.
- Walmart: Had online and in-store stock available from midnight ET on June 5.
- Costco: May also carry the console, with some leaks suggesting placeholder prices there previously.
- Amazon: Has been relatively quiet during the pre-order phase, but stock is expected for launch day.
Console Features and Upgrades:
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support and a 120Hz refresh rate. When docked, it supports 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate. It's powered by a custom Nvidia T239 processor based on the Ampere architecture (similar to RTX 30 series GPUs), offering significantly improved graphics performance, including DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing capabilities.
The console comes with 256GB of internal storage (up from 32GB in the original Switch) and is expandable via microSD Express cards (up to 2TB). It retains backward compatibility with original Switch games, though a day-one update is required for this functionality. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are magnetically attached, feature a new 'C' button for the 'GameChat' feature (a Discord-like chat system), and support mouse controls.
Launch Titles and Upcoming Games:
Nintendo has released a strong lineup of games for the Switch 2 launch, including both first-party and third-party titles. Some notable launch games available from June 5 include:
- Mario Kart World: The highly anticipated new installment in the Mario Kart series, featuring 24 drivers and new game modes.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Enhanced versions of the critically acclaimed Zelda titles.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: An interactive exhibit-style game showcasing the console's features.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Street Fighter 6
- Fortnite
- SPLIT FICTION
- HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition
- SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS
- DELTARUNE (new chapters)
- Suikoden I&II HD Remaster
- Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Sid Meier's Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members with a Switch 2 can now access a new Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library, featuring titles like F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and SOULCALIBUR II at launch.
Despite the higher price point, demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be "sky-high," and shortages are anticipated globally, particularly in the initial launch period.
