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Considering the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was over an hour long, it is amazing how crammed full of information it was. From the technical enhancements over the original Switch console to a bunch of new hardware features – not to mention the new open-world Mario Kart game – there was a lot that Nintendo needed to tell us. However, there were two important details left out of the Nintendo Direct: when the Switch 2 pre-orders would go up and how much the console would cost.

It wasn’t until the console’s official website went live after the Nintendo Direct that we finally found out how much we’d have to pay for a Switch 2 when it launches on June 5, 2025. The console will cost $449.99 for the base console or $499.99 for the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle. So many people were visiting the Nintendo shop to find out this information that they had to implement a queuing system the website.

As for pre-orders, that is where things get a bit tricky. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will open on April 9, 2025, but it will only be available for Nintendo Switch Online members who have had memberships continuously for at least two years by March 31, 2025. They also need to have played at least 50 hours of gameplay on the Nintendo Switch, with those with the most playtime being prioritized.

These are unusual restrictions for a pre-order system, considering that Nintendo will want to have as many Switch 2s ready to ship as possible, but it is probably to discourage scalpers. This is something that Nintendo has said is a priority for them with the Switch 2, after its predecessor had big issues with people selling the console for a profit at launch.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for pre-order on April 9, 2025 for Switch Online members before launching worldwide on June 5, 2025.

The gaming industry has come a long way since Pong blew all our minds in the 70s. We've got everything you need to know about the next big thing in games. Of course, Grand Theft Auto VI is going to be the big game of 2026, but there are plenty of other games coming out between now and then. Here is our starter guide for every gamer:

• All upcoming games in 2025 and beyond
• Gamify My Life, our weekly gaming column designed
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• How to play every GTA game in order
• Why the GTA 6 budget isn't as crazy as you think
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And be sure to check Popverse regularly for the latest gaming news.