Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders: A Skeptic’s Guide to the Hype

Nintendo announces Switch 2 pre-orders starting April 24 in the US and Canada, with prices holding steady at $450, but with a catch on accessories and pre-order priorities.

Ah, the Nintendo Switch 2. The latest shiny object to distract the masses. Nintendo has finally deigned to tell us when we can throw our money at them for the privilege of pre-ordering their new console. Mark your calendars for April 24, folks, if you’re in the US or Canada. The base model will set you back a cool $450, while the bundle with Mario Kart World will lighten your wallet by $500. But wait, there’s more. Nintendo, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that some accessories will now cost more due to “market conditions.” How convenient.

Pre-ordering directly from Nintendo comes with its own set of hoops to jump through. You must be 18, have a Nintendo account, and register your interest. Then, if you’re lucky, you’ll get an invitation email. But here’s the kicker: priority goes to those who’ve paid for at least 12 months of Nintendo Switch Online and logged 50 gameplay hours by April 2, 2025. Because nothing says “rewarding loyalty” like making you pay and play more to buy something.

For those who prefer to avoid Nintendo’s circus, the console will also be available at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. No word yet on whether they’ll impose similar restrictions, but let’s not give them any ideas.

In a move that surprises no one, Nintendo has also hinted at potential future price increases, blaming the ever-convenient “market conditions.” Meanwhile, they’ve been shifting production to Vietnam to dodge tariffs, a strategy as old as trade itself. The Switch 2 boasts a larger screen, improved specs, and new Joy-Cons with a C button and mouse controls. Because what the world needs now is another way to control a game.

So, there you have it. The Switch 2 is coming, and it’s as convoluted and corporate as you’d expect. Whether it’s worth the hassle and the price is up to you. But remember, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just another toy.