Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Start April 24 — But There’s a Catch

Big news for Nintendo fans: the long-awaited Switch 2 is finally heading to shelves, and pre-orders are set to go live on April 24. 

But before you rush to secure yours, there's something you should know — accessories are getting more expensive. Yeah… that's not exactly the kind of “next-gen” we were hoping for.

Here’s a quick look at what’s going on and what you should expect if you're planning to be an early adopter.

Nintendo’s keeping the Switch 2 console prices exactly where fans expected:

• Base Console – $449.99

• Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99

Games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are holding steady at $79.99 and $69.99 respectively. So, for those just looking to grab the console and jump into gameplay.

It’s only when you start exploring the extras that things start to feel… less friendly.

Accessories Are Where Things Get Pricey

Nintendo made some "adjustments" (read: bumps) to accessory prices — and while $5 or $10 might not sound like much, it adds up fast. Especially if you're trying to build the perfect setup or game with friends on day one.

Here’s how the updated accessory pricing shakes out:

• Pro Controller – $84.99

• Joy-Con 2 Pair – $94.99 (ouch)

• Charging Grip – $39.99

• Straps, Wheel Set, and Camera – $13.99, $24.99, and $54.99 respectively

• Dock Set – $119.99

• All-in-One Carrying Case – $84.99

• AC Adapter – $34.99

• 256GB microSD Express Card – $59.99

That Joy-Con price, especially, has a lot of fans blinking twice. Nearly $100 for just one extra set? That’s creeping dangerously close to the cost of an entire console back in the day.

If you’re already a Switch owner, here’s some relief: many first-gen Switch accessories will work with the new console. That includes:

• Original Joy-Cons (though they won’t snap onto the new system, they still connect wirelessly)

• Switch 1 Pro Controller

• Even retro Nintendo controllers like the SNES and N64 models, assuming the games support them

So, if you've built up a small museum of Nintendo gear over the years, now's the time to dust them off.

Where You Can Pre-Order

Pre-orders will go live at major U.S. retailers on April 24 — here’s where to look:

• Walmart

• GameStop

• Best Buy

• Target

Expect both the base console and the bundle to be available, though how long they’ll stay in stock is anyone’s guess. 

UK listings have already gone up, but stock is spotty and inconsistent — a possible early hint at how demand will look globally.

Here’s the tricky part. While the console pricing looks fair for what’s (hopefully) a much-improved gaming experience, the rising accessory costs might give you a reason to wait — especially if you're planning to upgrade gradually or aren’t in a rush.

Nintendo even hinted that more pricing changes could happen down the line, depending on market conditions.

The Switch 2 is finally happening — and that’s exciting in itself. New games, better performance, and all the usual Nintendo charm. 

But it’s clear this isn’t the budget-friendly launch Nintendo is sometimes known for.

If you’re planning to preorder, you’ve got a week to decide whether to commit or play the waiting game. 

Just don’t be surprised when the final checkout total is a little higher than you imagined — especially if you're going all-in with the accessories.

Stay sharp, watch the price tags, and may your Joy-Cons never drift.