After a brief delay attributed to evolving global trade conditions, Nintendo has finally announced a new pre-order date for its highly anticipated Switch 2 console. The gaming giant has also revealed an unexpected feature that could change how players transition between console generations.
Pre-order Date Confirmed After Delay
Nintendo has officially set April 24 as the new pre-order date for the Switch 2, following a postponement from the originally planned April 9 date. The company had previously cited evolving global trade conditions as the reason for the delay, likely referring to uncertainty around import tariffs for products manufactured in China. Despite this setback, Nintendo has confirmed the console will still launch as scheduled on June 5, giving customers just six weeks between pre-orders and release.
Pricing Structure and Bundles
The Switch 2 will be available in two configurations: a standalone console priced at USD $450 and a bundle that includes Mario Kart World for USD $500. While these prices remain unchanged from earlier announcements, Nintendo has slightly increased the prices of several first-party accessories, including the Pro Controller, Joy-Con sets, and the charging dock. These price adjustments suggest Nintendo may have factored potential tariff impacts into their final pricing strategy.
Anti-Scalping Measures and Priority Access
In an effort to combat scalping—which plagued the original Switch launch and kept the console unavailable for over a year—Nintendo has implemented strict pre-order limitations. Customers wishing to purchase directly from Nintendo must be at least 18 years old, sign into a Nintendo account, and register their interest before pre-orders open. Most notably, Nintendo will prioritize customers who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid service and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025. These eligible customers will receive email invitations valid for just 72 hours, effectively creating a loyalty-based queue system that favors dedicated Nintendo fans.
Retail Availability
Beyond Nintendo's direct sales channel, pre-orders will also be available through major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. For casual buyers or those who don't meet Nintendo's eligibility requirements, these alternative retailers may offer better chances of securing a console at launch.
Innovative Cross-Generation Cartridge Compatibility
In a surprising development, some Nintendo Switch 2 games will be compatible with the original Switch console. Game developer Marvelous Inc. revealed that its upcoming title, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, will ship on a 64GB red cartridge containing both the original Switch version and the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack. When inserted into either console, the appropriate version will automatically launch without requiring additional downloads.
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| A promotional advertisement showcasing the Nintendo Switch OLED model, relevant to discussions of cross-generation compatibility in gameplay |
Physical Compatibility Between Generations
This revelation also confirms that Switch 2 cartridges will physically fit into original Switch consoles—a departure from Nintendo's historical practice of modifying cartridge designs between generations to prevent cross-compatibility. Instead, Nintendo appears to be using the distinctive red color of Switch 2 cartridges as a visual indicator to differentiate them from original Switch games.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Switch 2 boasts upgraded internal components, improved Joy-Con controllers with magnetic snap-on rails, and backward compatibility for most digital Switch games. While Nintendo has been relatively transparent about the hardware specifications, the new cross-generation cartridge compatibility adds another layer to the console's backward compatibility features, potentially easing the transition for players who own both systems.
Market Implications
This approach to cross-generation compatibility could represent a significant shift in Nintendo's hardware strategy. By allowing some physical games to work across both platforms, Nintendo may be creating a smoother transition path for its user base while maximizing the potential market for new game releases. For developers like Marvelous Inc., this dual-compatibility approach could help maintain sales momentum during the console transition period when the install base for the new hardware is still growing.