"Switch 2 to Sell Out at Launch, Analysts Say; June Release Eyed"

The anticipated price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is generating buzz across the gaming community. According to analysts speaking with IGN, the next-generation console is expected to debut at around $400. This expectation is further supported by a recent Bloomberg report, which cites predictions from Japan-focused analysts. This price represents a significant jump from the original Switch, with some analysts suggesting Nintendo might even consider a price point as high as $499. However, despite the higher cost, experts predict a massive launch for the Switch 2, potentially setting a record as the biggest console launch ever, regardless of its price.

Tokyo-based analyst Serkan Toto told Bloomberg, "They will sell boatloads of Switch 2 in the first months in particular, almost regardless of the price." One of the driving forces behind this expected success is the highly anticipated launch lineup of games. Toto predicts the inclusion of a new Mario Kart game, as hinted by Nintendo during the Switch 2's reveal, alongside a new 3D Mario game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4, all set to launch within the first year. Additionally, third-party support is expected to be robust, with titles like Call of Duty from Activision on the horizon.

Rumors are swirling about a variety of third-party games coming to the console. In an interview with IGN, Civilization 7 developer Firaxis expressed interest in the Switch 2's rumored Joy-Con mouse mode. French video game and accessories maker Nacon has confirmed they have games ready for the Switch 2, including titles like Greedfall 2, Test Drive Unlimited, and RoboCop: Rogue City. The long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong is also rumored to be making its way to the Switch 2. Last month, EA hinted that Madden, FC, and The Sims could be great fits for the platform. However, Activision has yet to confirm its plans for the Switch 2, and Nintendo has remained silent on the matter.

Speculation about the release date points to June 2025, with Robin Zhu of Sanford C. Bernstein telling Bloomberg that the Switch 2 is expected to launch with an initial inventory of 6-8 million units. If this stock sells out quickly, the Switch 2 could outpace the sales of its predecessor and even the PlayStation 4 and 5, breaking records in the process.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

28 Images

What's the Best Nintendo Switch Game?

Pick a winner

New duel1ST2ND3RDSee your ResultsFinish playing for your personal results or see the community’s!Continue playingSee results

Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war on the price of the Nintendo Switch 2. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico, which analysts warn could affect the cost and availability of video games and consoles. However, Bloomberg points out that the Switch 2 will be assembled in both Vietnam and China, a strategy that could mitigate risks for Nintendo, as Vietnam is a major U.S. trading partner.

While much about the Switch 2 remains a mystery, Nintendo has scheduled a Direct for April 2, promising more details about the console.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled earlier in January with a brief trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility features and the addition of a second USB-C port. Many details, such as its other games and the function of the mysterious new Joy-Con button, remain undisclosed, though the Joy-Con mouse mode theory has gained traction.

Last month, a Nintendo patent suggested that the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers could be attached upside down. This feature indicates that the Switch 2 will use gyro mechanics similar to those in smartphones without screen locks. Unlike the original Nintendo Switch, which used rails to attach Joy-Cons, the new controllers will utilize magnets, allowing for attachment on either side. While this may not revolutionize the hardware, it offers players flexibility in button placement and could introduce innovative gameplay mechanics if incorporated into the final product.