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3d ago

Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Open in U.S. as Japan Faces Lottery for Overwhelming Demand

Preorders for the $449.99 console begin at midnight ET in the U.S., while Japan grapples with 2.2 million applications for limited launch units.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 will go on sale April 24.
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Overview

  • Nintendo has received 2.2 million preorder applications for the Switch 2 in Japan, far exceeding initial supply and prompting a two-round lottery system to allocate units.
  • U.S. preorders begin at 12 a.m. ET on April 24 at major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, with the console priced at $449.99 and a Mario Kart World bundle available for $499.99.
  • The Switch 2 introduces significant hardware upgrades, including a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, 4K output, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and improved magnetic Joy-Cons with built-in microphones.
  • Nintendo has maintained the U.S. price despite earlier delays caused by Trump-era tariffs, with production shifts to Vietnam and Cambodia helping mitigate costs.
  • Analysts project up to 15 million units sold in the first year, but ongoing supply constraints and high demand suggest potential shortages at launch.