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Nintendo Switch 2 release: where to pre-order the new console
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be launched on 5 June 2025. We'll be seeing a much-needed hardware update, a redesign, and a new – albeit pricey – Mario Kart.
It's baffling to think that Nintendo's latest console launched nearly seven years ago in March 2017. Even the 2021 Switch OLED still uses a lot of the same, somewhat outdated, hardware.
Luckily, there's a successor to the wildly popular Switch, the (not-so-creatively-named) Nintendo Switch 2. It's got a flashy redesign with a larger screen, 4K output support, and a new NVIDIA processor.
Pre-orders are live now, and the console will cost £395.99. As we get closer to the release date, retailers are opening up pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 accessories too, including on Joy-Cons and games.
Looking to get a Switch now? Save money on consoles and games with our best Nintendo Switch deals.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 be released?
Last year, the rumour mill speculated we'd see the Switch 2 hit shelves in September 2024.
This (sadly) wasn't true, but since then we've had Nintendo confirm both the console and release date: 5 June 2025.
How much will the Switch 2 cost?
The Switch 2 will cost £395.99, or you can get it bundled with Mario Kart World for £429.99.
This is a bit more than our predicted price of £335. The Switch OLED launched with an RRP of £309, so we're seeing a pretty steep price increase of £87 compared to the last console.
Thinking about getting a PS5 instead? You can pick one up for the price of a Switch 2, especially if you keep up with our guide on the best PS5 deals.
Where can I get a new Switch?
Pre-orders for the new Switch opened on 8 April 2025 in the UK.
You can pre-order a Switch 2 directly from My Nintendo Store, but it's invite-only to select Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) members for now.
There are a few prerequisites that Nintendo is using to determine initial pre-order invitees:
- You need to have been an active NSO member for at least the last two consecutive years.
- You need to have a certain amount of play time in paid Nintendo Switch games – Nintendo says those with more gameplay hours will be getting priority for Switch 2 pre-orders.
- You'll need to have opted in to share usage information with Nintendo, and opted in for promotional emails.
If you can't get a pre-order from Nintendo, we've outlined where you can pre-order a Switch 2 below (last checked: 08/04/2025).
Retailers with Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order stock
- Argos – pre-orders out of stock temporarily
- Currys – pre-orders available on the console and accessories
- The Game Collection – some pre-order bundles available
- Smyth's Toys – pre-orders out of stock temporarily
Retailers to keep an eye on
- Amazon – no pre-orders yet, but stock 'coming soon'
- EE Store – no pre-orders yet, but you can register interest for one
- GAME – no pre-orders yet, but accessories and games available
- HMV – pre-orders 'coming soon'
- John Lewis – pre-orders sold out, accessories and games available
- ShopTo – pre-orders sold out, games and accessories available
- Very – pre-orders out of stock, games and accessories available
What games will be released on the Switch 2?
Expect to see the usual suspects: Mario games, the Legend of Zelda, Pokémon and releases for many Nintendo franchises. This hardware refresh likely means there will be more graphically demanding games available on the Switch 2.
Right now, the hot topic is Mario Kart World, which will have larger, 'more open' courses and 24-players able to race at the same time. We were very excited to hear all this – until we saw the price tag. It will set you back an eye-watering £75, which is quite pricey for a new game.
Other than that, we're seeing new versions of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and a new Donkey Kong game.
Looking for more gaming performance? A PlayStation 5 might be a better choice for you. Read our guide on how to buy a PlayStation to find out what to know before buying.
Will I be able to play my current Switch games on the Switch 2?
Backwards compatibility — when a game console can play previous-generation games on the most recent console — is a staple of most modern games consoles.
Luckily, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will be able to play your games from the Switch 1. You won't need to keep your extra console lying around for when you finally wrap up Tears of the Kingdom.
While we were initially worried about the backwards compatibility of games like Ring Fit Adventure or Nintendo's Labo line of accessories, it appears you can still play these on the Switch 2. There are, of course, some caveats, but since you can connect old Switch 1 Joy-Cons to the Switch 2, you'll be able to still play these games. That said, not all Nintendo Labo accessories will work in the same way as with the old Switch.
Right now, the only Nintendo-exclusive that won't work on the Switch 2 is the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit – this is because the larger screen of the Switch 2 won't fit in the accessory. There are a quite a few third-party games with compatibility issues though, and we'd recommend looking at the full list from Nintendo's website.
What kind of specs will the Nintendo Switch 2 have?
We're not sure how it will perform yet, but it will have upgraded specs and features compared to the Switch 1.
The biggest upgrades promised are an increased screen size of 7.9 inches, a step-up in resolution from 720p to 1080p full HD, increased storage of 256GB, an additional USB-C port, and there will be 4K 60Hz support for monitors and TVs – which was something on our feature wish list.
It will weigh a bit more than the Switch 1 (401g vs. 320g of the Switch OLED), but that's to be expected with a larger handheld.
One noticeable feature missing from the Switch 2 is an OLED screen. For the launch, Nintendo is sticking with an LCD screen with HDR support. Whether or not Nintendo will launch an OLED version of the Switch 2 is still yet to be determined.
Take a look at our picks for the best 4K gaming TVs to get the most out of your console.
Will the old Switch get a price drop?
As of right now, yes! Depending on how this Switch-uation develops, it might be worth just sticking with the old Switch 1 while Nintendo fills out the catalogue of games for the new console.
In the meantime, there are some savings to be had right now. Check out our breakdown of the best Nintendo Switch deals to save money on games and consoles.
Our favourite deal is currently on a Switch OLED which is at some of the cheapest prices we've seen. Compare prices below:
Read our best Lego deals to find discounts on popular sets.
