Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Drop April 24 But Prices Still Sting

After weeks of anxious waiting (and a little rage-scrolling), Nintendo has finally confirmed the U.S. preorder date for the Nintendo Switch 2: April 24, 2025. But while the calendar date is now clear, fans are still side-eyeing the price tag—and not without reason.

New Date, Same Price Tag

Following a brief delay due to the looming tariffs proposed under former President Trump’s trade policies, the preorder gates are finally opening. The base model of the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99, and if you’re eyeing the Mario Kart World bundle, prepare to part with $499.99. That’s still a hefty chunk of rupees, and no, you can’t pay with in-game coins (we checked).

So what’s changed? Not much in terms of relief. While the console’s price hasn’t gone up (yet), Nintendo has quietly increased the MSRP of several key accessories:

• Joy-Con 2 controllers: $5 bump – $89.99 => $94.99
• Pro Controller: Another $5 added – $79.99 => $94.99
• Switch 2 Camera Accessory: Yep, $5 more $49.99 => $54.99

All told, your wallet might need a save point after checkout. Even the strap for the Joy Con 2 didn’t escape the price hike and is $13.99

Fans Are Torn—and Tired

Many fans are excited for what the Nintendo Switch 2 brings to the table: a larger 7.9-inch LCD display (though OLED would’ve been better), improved Joy-Con tech with magnetic attachments, and more powerful hardware backed by a custom Nvidia chip. But excitement is battling frustration as the cost of entry climbs higher, not just for the console, but for games as well.

With several first-party titles launching at $69.99 and accessories pushing past previous generations, players are doing the math and questioning if they can justify the jump.

Final Thoughts: Nintendo, We Love You, But…

We’re hyped. We’re annoyed. We’re clearing space on our shelves while also screaming into the void. The Nintendo Switch 2 looks amazing on paper, but for many gamers—especially in a post-pandemic, inflation-fatigued economy—this feels less like “next-gen” and more like “next paycheck.”

Mark your calendars: April 24 is go-time for preorders in the U.S. But whether you’re ready to shell out the big bucks or waiting for a price drop (or a tax rebate), one thing’s certain—Nintendo’s about to dominate headlines again.