With the official unveiling of Nintendo's next console just around the corner , speculation about when Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders might open has reached a new level of intensity. While no official announcement has been made yet, several sources agree that the possibility of pre-ordering and securing the console is imminent.
The Nintendo Direct event announced for April 2nd , which will focus entirely on the next generation of the popular hybrid console, will likely be the starting point for clearing up many unknowns. During this Direct, Nintendo is expected to reveal key details such as the price, the release date, and, what many are eagerly anticipating, when pre-orders will begin.
Confusion surrounding the reservation opening date
Information regarding the opening of pre-orders has been varied and, in some cases, contradictory . Best Buy Canada was one of the first to generate excitement, after publishing (and subsequently deleting) an article on its blog stating that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 would begin on April 2nd, coinciding with the Nintendo Direct.
This message was picked up and disseminated by various media outlets, generating a wave of anticipation among gamers. However, Best Buy's withdrawal of the statement, as well as the lack of confirmation from other subsidiaries of the retailer or from Nintendo itself, raised doubts about the veracity of that date. For more information, you can consult this article about the Nintendo Direct.
As the days passed, new leaks began to contradict that initial information. Several specialized websites, such as Insider Gaming and The Shortcut, claim to have accessed internal documents from major retailers in the United States specifying that pre- orders will begin on April 9, a week after the Nintendo Direct . This second version seems to be gaining more credibility, as it is consistently reported across different platforms.
A measured commercial strategy by Nintendo
According to these latest leaks, Nintendo's plan is to announce at the end of the Direct that pre-orders will be available "very soon ," accompanied by a countdown visible on their website and partner retailers. This countdown would end on April 9th, coinciding with the supposed date pre-orders will open.
This strategy would allow Nintendo to gauge the impact of the event and generate a second peak of media attention just a week later, thus maintaining interest in the new console for a longer period. Furthermore, some rumors suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 could have backward compatibility features, which could be a major draw for gamers.
Furthermore, it is rumored that early Nintendo Switch 2 buyers will receive a commemorative collectible coin , although this incentive would be limited to a small number of units, as forecasts indicate that demand will exceed the initial supply, at least in certain key markets such as the United States and Europe.
Launch planned for summer 2025
Regarding the console's official release date, most sources agree it will be between June and July 2025. Although there is no confirmation from Nintendo yet, this launch window seems reasonable, as it would allow the company to capitalize on the summer sales season and prepare for the holiday season. Furthermore, there is information suggesting that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backward compatible with titles from its predecessor.
There is also talk of a three-phase plan for the console's rollout : an initial phase with exclusive Nintendo titles, a second phase with third-party games, and a third phase with major releases aimed at the end-of-year holidays.
Test track and fan events
Not only are pre-orders and the commercial launch being prepared, but global events are also being organized where fans can try out the console before its release . These events require prior registration and will be held in various European cities: Paris (April 4-6), London (April 11-13), Milan and Berlin (April 25-27), and Madrid and Amsterdam (May 9-11). Similar events will also take place in other cities outside of Europe, such as Tokyo and Seoul.
At these events, attendees are expected to be able to interact with the console and try out titles from the launch lineup , including games like a new Mario Kart title and a possible enhanced version of Metroid Prime 4, titles that will also be featured in the Direct on the 2nd. For more details about Mario Kart, you can see the article about the Mario Kart 9 rumors.
These types of initiatives reinforce Nintendo's commitment to its fan base and generate even more excitement for the console's launch.
Expectations regarding price and pre-sale model
Another aspect that has the community eagerly anticipating the new console is its price . While it hasn't been officially revealed, estimates place the cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 between €400 and €500, depending on the model and included accessories. Some sources suggest that the most likely price will be €399, a figure that would represent a €50 increase compared to the current OLED model.
Furthermore, it's speculated that pre-orders will initially only be available through specific channels , such as large retailers and authorized online platforms, to avoid overloading the system and better manage distribution. Sites like Walmart, Amazon, GameStop, Target, and the Nintendo Store itself are strong contenders to lead this pre-sale.
There have even been rumors that the console could appear on retail systems just an hour after the Nintendo Direct, on April 2nd at 16:00 PM CEST. However, this theory has been weakening, as has the theory that the entire thing was scheduled for April 9th.
In any case, it's worth paying attention to the content of the Direct and subsequent official communications , where all these details are expected to be finally confirmed.
Although leaks have been outlining a fairly consistent scenario regarding the future pre-order of the Nintendo Switch 2, we'll have to wait for the Nintendo Direct to clear up any doubts. The console will be released in the summer, with pre-orders expected to begin on April 9 and include incentives for early adopters. However, considering the enthusiasm it has generated, it won't be easy to get your hands on a launch unit unless you act quickly.
