Nintendo just dropped the first-look reveal trailer for the brand new Nintendo Switch 2. With this one announcement, a tsunami of hype has been unleashed upon the world! Released in January, the trailer showcased several enhancements, including a larger display compared to the original Nintendo Switch model and new capabilities designed to enrich the gaming experience.
As that June 5, 2025, full launch date approaches, excitement is reaching a fever pitch among gamers. Nintendo has already launched official preorders for the console starting at midnight ET through major U.S. retailers. Unanticipated by the historic demand for the new system, this proved to be a significant hurdle during the preorder process. Websites were crashing, and inventory was gone in just a few minutes!
As Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, pointed out there were about 2.2 million folks in Japan—much smaller market—who wanted to get a preorder of the console. He added, “This number far exceeds our expectations, and far exceeds the number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that can be delivered from the My Nintendo Store on June 5th.”
High Demand and Limited Availability
The preorder frenzy has led to fears about shortages, especially in Japan. Nintendo announced that a “significant number” of Japanese customers would likely be unable to secure a preorder due to the overwhelming demand. Retailers and e-commerce platforms couldn’t move fast enough to accommodate all the new, eager-to-spend customers.
Invitations by email to eligible registrants to take part in the preorder will start rolling out on May 8. These emails will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis, further intensifying competition among gamers eager to secure their consoles before they sell out.
In light of this historic demand, Nintendo cautioned consumers that My Nintendo Store preorders might be delayed. “Due to the very high demand, we will be working diligently to fulfill orders as product becomes available, but delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed,” stated a Nintendo representative.
Features and Innovations
Beyond the expected graphics improvements, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a few new features that will help with keeping gameplay more fun and social. Among these innovations is a capability allowing players to “play games and talk like everyone is in the same room, even if they are miles apart.” This new technology allows you to easily talk to up to 12 players on the other end at once. That’s a huge win for new multiplayer gaming enthusiasts!
Aside from all this, better online communication, the new console uses microSD Express cards for expanded memory. Nintendo’s Japanese website notes that these cards will allow for faster data reading speeds than previous microSD models. This upgrade is a godsend for gamers looking for smooth, lag-free performance.
The controller design has seen improvements. The Joy-Con 2 controllers can now magnetically attach to the Nintendo Switch 2 console, providing convenience and ease of use. Each controller can function as a mouse by waving it across level surfaces, improving the connection within immersive gameplay.
Pricing and Retail Challenges
The featured standalone console sells for $449.99, while a console and game bundle retails for $499.99. All in all, notwithstanding these steep price points, based on statements from retailers, consumers rapidly bought up what inventory was available as preorders went live.
Walmart’s spokesperson stated, “The excitement around this online preorder was incredible, and it sold out quickly due to high demand.” This feeling was repeated everywhere you looked as fans scrambled to get their consoles locked in before they sold out.
As of publication, eager consumers can still preorder Nintendo Switch 2 via My Nintendo Store. Due to the soaring demand and prior announcements forewarning of future delays, it is unclear when they will be available again.
