Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Go Live April 24: What You Need to Know About Price Hikes

If you’re eagerly waiting to get your hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, we’ve got some good news—and a little bit of bad news. Nintendo has officially announced that Nintendo Switch 2 preorders will begin on April 24, but the gaming giant has also warned that price hikes might be on the horizon.

As the successor to the best-selling Switch console, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to bring exciting upgrades and next-gen performance. But with all the hype comes some real talk: due to ongoing supply chain issues and inflation, prices might not be as friendly as fans hoped. Let’s break it all down so you’re ready when preorders drop.

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What We Know About Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders

Mark your calendars: April 24 is the date. Nintendo is opening preorders for the Switch 2, and retailers are expected to follow suit. While Nintendo hasn’t revealed the full price just yet, early signs suggest it’ll be more expensive than the original Switch, which launched at $299.

Insiders believe the price may land anywhere between $399 and $499, depending on the model and any bundled accessories or games. That’s a notable bump, but it aligns with recent trends across the gaming industry. Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X both saw significant increases in price tags compared to their predecessors.

If you’re serious about snagging one, you might want to act fast. Preorder stock is likely to sell out quickly, as it did with the original Switch.

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Why the Price Hike?

So, what’s behind the potential price hike? Nintendo cites several reasons:

• Supply chain challenges: Semiconductor shortages and manufacturing delays have driven up costs for tech companies worldwide.
• Inflation: Rising global inflation has affected everything—from raw materials to shipping.
• Improved hardware: The Switch 2 is rumored to feature an upgraded NVIDIA chipset, better battery life, improved Joy-Con controllers, and a larger OLED screen.

In short, you’re paying more for more. It’s the classic trade-off between affordability and innovation.

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What to Expect from the Nintendo Switch 2

Although Nintendo has kept official details under wraps, leaks and reports suggest the Switch 2 will be a powerhouse handheld-console hybrid.

Here’s what’s rumored to be on board:

• 8-inch OLED screen for richer visuals
• DLSS support (Deep Learning Super Sampling) for sharper performance
• Backward compatibility with existing Switch games
• Docked 4K output for high-res gaming on big screens
• Enhanced storage and battery life

If this excites you, check out our deep dive comparison: Nintendo Switch 2 vs ROG Ally X: Which Handheld Gaming King Will Reign Supreme?.

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Preorder Tips: Be Prepared

Getting in on the first wave of Nintendo Switch 2 preorders could be tricky. Here’s how to give yourself the best shot:

• Create or update retailer accounts now so you’re ready to check out fast.
• Sign up for restock alerts on major sites like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop.
• Bookmark Nintendo’s official store page for direct preorders.
• Follow reputable tracker accounts on X (formerly Twitter) for live updates.

And if you miss out initially, don’t panic. Nintendo is expected to release more units over time, though they may arrive in limited waves.

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Is the Switch 2 Worth the Price?

That’s the big question, right? Based on early reports and leaks, the answer looks like a solid yes—especially if you’ve been holding out for an upgrade. The performance bump, graphical improvements, and improved ergonomics could make it the ultimate portable console.

However, if you’re just jumping into handheld gaming, the original Switch or even the Switch Lite may still offer great value at a lower price point.

Also worth watching: how the Switch 2 compares to other handheld titans like the ROG Ally X or Steam Deck. For now, Switch 2’s major advantage is its massive existing game library and exclusive titles.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Preorder?

If you’re a Nintendo fan or you’ve been eagerly waiting for an upgrade, preordering the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 24 makes total sense—just be ready to pay a bit more. Supply chain issues are real, and with demand expected to be sky-high, getting in early could save you both time and stress.

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Summary: The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally opening for pre-orders on April 24. With possible price hikes due to inflation and upgraded features, buyers should prepare for higher costs and limited stock. Get your alerts set and accounts ready—this is going to be a hot drop.