After a brief pause following new U.S. tariff uncertainty, Nintendo has confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the United States will open on April 24. The company had previously delayed preorder plans while it evaluated the impact of evolving trade policy, but it’s now moving forward with its rollout.
### Pricing Stays the Same for the Console
Nintendo says the core hardware pricing remains unchanged: the standard Nintendo Switch 2 will still be $449.99, while the Mario Kart World bundle is set at $499.99. Nintendo also reiterated launch pricing for two first-party games tied closely to the Switch 2 marketing push—Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99.
### Accessory Prices Are Climbing
Where players will feel the shift is in peripherals. Nintendo acknowledged that “accessory pricing” is being adjusted due to “changes in market conditions,” with increases across items like Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Pro Controller, the Switch 2 camera, and even basics like the dock set and AC adapter. The company also noted that pricing could change again in the future depending on how conditions develop.
Nintendo’s messaging draws a line between keeping the headline console price stable and passing on rising costs through add-ons—an approach commonly seen in consumer electronics when companies want to avoid sticker shock on the main product.
### What This Means for Players
For buyers planning to pick up Switch 2 at launch, the smartest move may be budgeting beyond the console itself. If you’re looking at a second controller, a Pro Controller, or extra charging gear, those costs now matter more than they did in the previous Switch era—especially for households planning local multiplayer out of the gate. More broadly, this is another sign that the next hardware cycle may be defined by premium pricing for big first-party games and increasingly expensive accessories, even when the base console price holds.
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