Following a lengthy hype-filled past several months, Nintendo will on Thursday officially launch the Nintendo Switch 2 – their second-generation all-in-one handheld and dockable game console with upgraded specs and new features.
Various retail store outlets, including Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart have confirmed plans to make a very limited number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles available to walk-in consumers to purchase in-store. Some stores, such as Best Buy, will open their doors to prospective buyers as early as 12:01 AM.
If we know anything about game console releases, we expect that supply will dry up very quickly and that scalpers are likely to take full advantage of the limited availability to buy and re-sell Nintendo Switch 2 consoles on third-party marketplaces like eBay at a higher price than what they paid, ultimately harming those who want to actually game on Nintendo’s latest system by forcing them to pay more than they need to.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch in two versions – a standalone console for $449.99, and a console + Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99. For those wanting to own the new Mario Kart game, the bundle is an attractive option because buying the game and the console separately of one another will cost approximately $30 more than buying the all-in-one bundle.
While Nintendo Switch games averaged $60 apiece, it seems that many of Nintendo’s most popular Nintendo Switch 2 games (including the new Mario Kart World game) are slated to cost as much as $80 apiece. Some games will be cheaper than this, namely those offered by third-party developers.
It’s worth noting that while there are dedicated games specifically made for the Nintendo Switch 2, most original Nintendo Switch games will be backwards compatible with the newer system, which means there’s no reason to sell all your existing games. It’s also a good reason to continue buying older Nintendo Switch games, since many are likely to go on sale following the Nintendo Switch 2 launch as stores seek to clear inventory.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is also joined by a suite of new first-party accessories, including:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
- Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Controllers
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
- Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip
- Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case
- Nintendo Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case
- Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Wheel (Set of Two)
- Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Strap
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
A variety of third-party accessories are also going to be available.
Are you planning to line up at a physical store to reserve your copy of a Nintendo Switch 2, or will you wait for them to become available online when all the hype dies down? Let us know in the comments section down below.