If you have been waiting for what feels like forever, like I have, then you know the new Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here. After years of rumors and guessing, and a lot of waiting for official news, Nintendo's new console has arrived. The excitement for this launch has been building for a long time, and now it is real. This Thursday, June 5, marks the official global launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. It is a big day for gamers everywhere.
Pre-ordering the Switch 2 has been a bit of a bumpy ride, especially in the US. When pre-orders first went live last month, they sold out in minutes. We have seen a few restocks since then, but nothing that made it easy for everyone to get one. Major stores are now getting ready for the official launch day. Some have even said they will have consoles available on June 5. If you have not secured your pre-order by now, do not worry too much. You are not totally out of luck.
The console sells for $449 or £395. There is also a bundle with Mario Kart World for $499 or £429. If you are still hoping to get a Switch 2 soon, know that many places are doing in-store sales on launch day. This means getting there early might be your best bet. It is always a scramble for new Nintendo consoles, and this one is no different. Remember the Wii back in 2006? Or the PlayStation 5 in 2020? High demand is just part of the game.
All The Details On Where To Find Nintendo Switch 2 Consoles And What To ExpectNavigating The Release Day Chaos To Secure Your Brand New Gaming System
For those in the US, major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, and Target have said they will have limited stock in stores on June 5. Some will even open their doors at midnight for pre-order pickups and for those hoping to buy one without a pre-order. Target for example told shoppers to line up early at designated spots. They will hand out tickets to make sure everyone gets a fair chance. If you cannot make it to a physical store, Target also said that on June 6, the Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle will be available online in the early morning. This is good news for those who prefer to shop from home.
Other stores like Staples, usually known for office supplies, have also announced they will have Switch 2 consoles on June 5. This was quite a surprise. You can pick up a console for $449 or a bundle with games for $500, though they did not list what games come in the bundle. This will be first-come, first-served. It means you need to go to your local Staples store. You can check their store finder to see if your nearest location will have stock. It is a strange place to buy a console but a welcome option for sure.
In the UK, getting a Switch 2 pre-order has been a bit easier. While they sold out at first, many restocks have happened since, some lasting for days. However, many big retailers in the UK chose to sell the Switch 2 in more expensive bundles. This might be why consoles stayed in stock longer there. Game, a UK retailer, even had to apologize after canceling some pre-orders. This caused a lot of anger among customers. They said they were working to fix the errors. This is a good reminder to double-check your payment information and address if you have a pre-order. You do not want your order canceled because of an expired credit card.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally launching soon with many games and new features. Find out when you can get your hands on the console and what to expect.
New Features And Games That Make The Nintendo Switch 2 A Must-Have System
Looking At What Makes This New Console Different And The Exciting Launch Titles
The Nintendo Switch 2 looks like a step up from the original. It has a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen. This screen supports a 1080p resolution and a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, and it also has HDR10. The Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically, which is a neat change. They also have a new "C" button, mouse controls, and a built-in gyroscope. The console itself has a built-in mic. This helps with a new feature called GameChat, letting you talk to friends while playing. This service will be free for all Switch 2 users until March 31, 2026, then it will need a Switch Online membership.
When you dock the console, you can play games in 4K on your TV. Nintendo also said it has improved the internal speakers. The updated dock has a fan to keep the console cool during long play sessions. While we do not know exactly how much more powerful the Switch 2 is, it seems like a big leap. It will have versions of demanding games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. The internal storage has jumped from 32GB to 256GB. You can still expand storage, but you will need newer, more expensive microSD Express cards.
The Switch 2 also brings a new Virtual Game Card system for lending digital games and a GameShare feature. This lets you share certain games locally with just one copy. These are nice additions for players. Some older Switch games will play fine on the Switch 2. However, Nintendo has put out a list of games that might have problems or need your old Joy-Cons, like Ring Fit Adventure. It is worth checking that list if you have a big library of original Switch games.
Nintendo has issued a warning about the Switch 2's pre-applied screen film. We are looking at why you should never remove it and what it means for protecting your new device.
The Exciting World of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Games And Upcoming Titles
From Mario Kart World To The Legend of Zelda, What You Will Be Playing First
What is a new console without great games? Luckily, the Switch 2 has some exciting titles ready for launch day and soon after. Mario Kart World is launching with the console. This new entry will let up to 24 drivers race together. You can drive anywhere on the track, which sounds wild. Nintendo also mentioned new power-ups. This game is surely going to be a big hit for everyone who gets the console.
Another game I am really looking forward to is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. I loved the original game on the first Switch. But I felt the 2017 hardware struggled with the demanding open-world. So, playing Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on more powerful hardware sounds like a dream to me. It promises better visuals and performance. It will also have support for Zelda Notes, a service in the Nintendo Switch app that is only for the Switch 2. This includes voice-assisted navigation, voice memories, and item sharing.
Donkey Kong Bananza is another big title launching on July 17. This game will let Donkey Kong smash through terrain. He can punch through mountains or go underground to find collectibles. It looks like one of the Switch 2's most exciting games. Other titles like Street Fighter 6 1-2 Fighters Edition will feature 26 characters and 20 stages, with new modes for the Switch 2. An improved version of Kirby and the Forgotten Land is also coming, with better graphics and frame rates. The adorable Kirby will run at 60 frames per second, and you can play in 1080p handheld or 1440p docked. It sounds like a lot of great games are coming to the new system.
After a long wait, the Nintendo Switch 2 is here, promising new features and a powerful experience, but it comes with some interesting design choices and warnings.
The Future Of The Nintendo Switch 2 Beyond Its Initial Launch
Looking Ahead At Potential OLED Screens And Long-Term Plans For The Console
Even with the launch, there are still talks about the future. Many people, including me, were a bit disappointed that the Switch 2 did not have an OLED screen at launch. However, Bloomberg has reported that Samsung is pushing Nintendo to use its OLED panels in a future version of the Switch 2. Samsung provided the OLED displays for the current Nintendo Switch OLED. So it is not surprising they want an OLED Switch 2. While this does not guarantee an OLED model will happen, it is good news for those who want that screen. It shows a major partner is on board with the idea.
Nintendo itself has hinted at potential price increases for accessories due to "changes in market conditions." They also mentioned that other price adjustments for Nintendo products could happen in the future. This suggests they are keeping an eye on the market. It has also been said that Nintendo might increase production of Switch 2 consoles in Vietnam to keep up with demand. This would help them stay on schedule. The company expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 units through March 2026. This shows their confidence in the console's long-term success.
The first shipments of consoles are arriving at retailers. Some users on social media have even shared images of unboxed consoles, though Nintendo has been quick to take those posts down. This just adds to the feeling that the Switch 2 is truly here. While getting one right away might be a challenge, I believe it will be worth it. The console promises a solid experience with some great games. I am eager to see how the Switch 2 fares in the coming months and years. It is an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan.