Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 US Pre-Order Date, Holds Firm on Pricing Despite Backlash
Nintendo has officially announced the U.S. pre-order date for the highly anticipated Switch 2: April 24. Despite some public pushback, the company is standing firm on its pricing strategy for both the console and its game bundles.
In a recent update on its website, Nintendo confirmed that prices will remain unchanged from earlier announcements. The base Nintendo Switch 2 will retail for $449.99, with the Mario Kart World Bundle priced at $499.99. The standalone Mario Kart World game will cost $79.99, a price that has drawn criticism for exceeding typical game pricing.
Nintendo acknowledged market concerns but defended its pricing choices, stating, “We believe these prices reflect the value of the products.” The company did note, however, that accessory pricing had been adjusted due to “market conditions” since its initial April 2 announcement.
Here is the full list of current pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories:
- Nintendo Switch 2 – $449.99
- Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99
- Mario Kart World – $79.99
- Donkey Kong Bananza – $69.99
- Switch 2 Pro Controller – $84.99
- Joy-Con 2 Pair – $94.99
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip – $39.99
- Joy-Con 2 Strap – $13.99
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set – $24.99
- Switch 2 Camera – $54.99
- Switch 2 Dock Set – $119.99
- Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector – $39.99
- Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case – $84.99
- Switch 2 AC Adapter – $34.99
- Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB) – $59.99
While many expected a pricing revision—especially in response to criticism over the $80 price tag for Mario Kart World—Nintendo has remained firm. The company defended the cost by asserting the game’s value and significance as a launch title.
The $450 price point for the Switch 2 now places it above some competitors, such as the $400 PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and the $300 Xbox Series S, shifting Nintendo away from its traditional position as the “budget-friendly” console option. However, Nintendo seems confident that the Switch brand’s strong legacy gives it the leverage to push pricing upward.
On the policy front, recent tariff changes under former President Donald Trump’s administration influenced Nintendo’s timing. The U.S. recently standardized most electronics tariffs at 10%, reducing previous rates from as high as 24% (Japan) and over 40% (Vietnam, Cambodia). While some electronics may be exempt, video game consoles are not, contributing to the final pricing.
Despite the high prices, expectations remain strong for the Switch 2’s success, particularly with Mario Kart World poised to be a marquee launch title.
