Nintendo has announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released worldwide on Thursday, June 5th. The release date was revealed during an hour-long Switch 2 direct, which showcased features and upcoming games for the console.

At launch, the console will be available in two versions: a standalone version with just the console, or as a bundle with a download code for Mario Kart World.

Shortly after the Nintendo Direct, prices for both versions of the system were revealed. The standalone console will cost $449.99 / €469.99 / £395.99, while the Mario Kart World bundle will be priced at $449.99 / €509.99 / £429.99. It’s worth pointing out that the Mario Kart bundle will be cheaper than purchasing the game and console separately.

In Japan, an additional, and significantly cheaper version of the Switch 2 will be available for purchase for ¥49,980 ($334), but with two major caveats. The cheaper, Japan-exclusive version will only offer Japanese as a language option, and will only allow users to link Japanese Nintendo accounts to the system. In short, this version is essentially region-locked.

A region-free, multilingual Switch 2 will be available in Japan via the My Nintendo Store, but for the considerably higher price of ¥69,980 ($467).

Pre-orders for the Switch 2 will begin on My Nintendo Store from April 8th, with Nintendo having set specific requirements to ensure dedicated fans are given the best chance at pre-ordering.

The full list of criteria for those in the UK and Europe can be found below:

• Nintendo Switch Online membership status
  • Has been a Nintendo Switch Online member for at least two years continuously by 31/03/2025, with an active membership on the day that the pre-order is placed. For family memberships, the person who purchased the membership will be eligible. Other people in the family membership are not eligible.
• Play time
  • Has spent a certain amount of time playing purchased/paid Nintendo Switch games, prioritising those with more playtime.
  • Sharing usage information with Nintendo.
  • Has opted in to share usage information with Nintendo to customise offers and recommendations.
• Receive email messages from Nintendo
  • Has opted in to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo, and be opted in on the day the invitation email is sent.