Excitement is building as gamers gear up for the highly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5! Whether you’re ready to camp outside your local GameStop or weighing the hefty $450 price tag in today’s economy, there's a lot to know before you hit that preorder button.

Preorders Are Here!

As of April 24, Nintendo has officially launched preorders in the U.S. and Canada, after previously postponing the April 9 window. The current price remains at $450 for the console and $500 for the Mario Kart World bundle. Be aware, though—some accessories have seen a small price increase due to rising costs.

What’s New with the Switch 2?

The Switch 2 brings exciting upgrades while keeping its beloved hybrid functionality. It sports a larger 7.9-inch screen compared to the original’s 6.2 inches, enhanced by custom Nvidia graphics, promising over ten times the graphical power! Expect ray tracing support and AI upscaling that will make your games look stunning.

While you might miss the vibrant colors of an OLED display, the Switch 2 boasts a 1080p LCD screen with HDR support, a variable refresh rate of 120 Hz, and superior fluidity in gameplay. Say goodbye to Joy-Con drift—now larger Joy-Con 2 controllers connect via magnets and come loaded with new features like mouse functionality.

Audio & Connectivity Revamp!

The audio experience gets a significant upgrade as well, featuring enhanced speakers with 3D audio and a built-in microphone that cuts out background noise so your teammates can focus on the game! Plus, with two USB-C ports, you can charge your console while playing and easily connect new accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.

GameChat and 4K Graphics!

The new GameChat feature enables you to communicate and collaborate with in-game friends effortlessly. When docked, the Switch 2 can now output stunning 4K HDR resolution, accompanied by a variety of ports for enhanced connectivity.

Navigating Preorders!

Preorders have begun at major retailers like GameStop, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart. Ensure you know when each store opens and what limitations exist. Walmart claims to deliver preorders by June 5 if ordered in time, while other retailers struggle under the weight of traffic and site issues.

Nintendo's Anti-Scalper Measures!

To combat scalpers, Nintendo has implemented a registration system for direct purchases from their website. Pre-register your interest using your Nintendo Account, and if selected, you'll receive a purchasing email starting May 8!

Launch Games You Can’t Miss!

On launch day, the Switch 2 will debut with some incredible titles including: - Mario Kart World - $80 - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition - $80 - Street Fighter 6 - $60 - Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition - $70 Plus, more exciting titles rolling out through the summer and fall.

Accessory Pricing!

Be prepared for some accessory price hikes as well, with the Pro Controller listed at $85 and the Joy-Con 2 Pair at $95. Besides core accessories, don’t forget to budget for stylish carrying cases and microSD cards.

Trade-In Offers!

Thinking of trading your old Switch for a discount? GameStop is offering enticing trade-in values starting April 24, but ensure your device is in good shape!

GameCube Classics Return!

Nintendo’s big announcement revealed that GameCube games are making a comeback on the Switch 2! Titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker will be available for subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online, where you’ll need a Switch 2 to access these classics.

Mark your calendars, gamers—it’s time to embrace the future of Nintendo gaming! Make sure you're ready for preorder action to secure this groundbreaking console!