Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are set to begin on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in the United States. Nintendo's newest console comes with a bit of a sticker shock.
The Switch 2 console itself will retail for $449.99, $150 more than what its predecessor sold for nearly eight years ago. There's also the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99. Although this is technically more expensive, the bundle discounts the price of Mario Kart World as it would normally retail for $79.99 on its own. Through the bundle, you're basically getting it for $49.99.
While Nintendo opted not to raise the price of the console as a result of the U.S.-imposed tariffs, this is still a hefty price tag for those on a budget. If you are a bit tight on cash but currently own the original Nintendo Switch, GameStop is offering additional trade-in value when you put it toward a Nintendo Switch 2 reservation.
The gaming retail giant is offering up to $175 trade-in value towards a Switch 2, but it depends on which model you have. The Switch OLED will get you $175, while the Switch V1 or V2 will get you $125. The Switch Lite trades for $100.
This trade-in offer is only valid through April 30, 2025, and products "must be in good condition and have all necessary components to receive the highest trade value."
Although GameStop typically gets a lot of flack for its trade-in values, this is actually not a terrible deal. A pre-owned Switch OLED is selling for just over $200 on eBay and that involves you have to go through the hassle of shipping and dealing with strangers. If you go through GameStop, it's completely stress free.
GameStop has announced that pre-orders for the Switch 2 will begin both online and in stores at 11:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, April 24th. Most other retailers are starting pre-order availability at midnight on April 24th. Trading in your current Switch at GameStop pretty much locks you into buying it there, which means you'll have to hope you can get one when pre-orders begin if you hope to have it at launch.
GameStop will host midnight releases at all stores the day the Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. EST / June 4, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. EST. The retailer will also offer a Transfer and Trade Program "to seamlessly upgrade to Switch 2 without losing data," although details have not yet been revealed.