Nintendo unveils Switch 2, set for June launch at $449.99

Nintendo has officially announced that its highly anticipated Switch 2 gaming console will hit the market on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99 in the U.S. The Japanese gaming giant shared more details about the device following its initial reveal in January.

What’s New with the Switch 2?

The Switch 2 stays true to its predecessor’s hybrid design but introduces a larger screen, mouse functionality, and a dedicated chat button on the controller. The console will be available in two pricing tiers in Japan:

49,980 yen ($334) for the Japanese-language version

69,980 yen ($467) for the multi-language edition

While the price point is slightly higher than expected, analysts suggest that Nintendo factored in global inflation and the $699.99 price tag of Sony’s PlayStation Pro.

New Games & Backward Compatibility

Nintendo also revealed a lineup of upcoming titles, including “Mario Kart World”, enhanced versions of Switch-era Zelda games, and classic GameCube titles for Nintendo Online subscribers.

The original Switch, launched in March 2017 at $299.99, has sold over 150 million units, making it one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles. Analysts believe the Switch 2 will offer a more premium and feature-rich experience than initially anticipated.

Market Impact & Investor Concerns

Nintendo’s stock, which had been performing well, dropped 3% following the announcement, reflecting some investor skepticism. The decline coincided with a 3.5% drop in the broader Tokyo stock market index.

Goldman Sachs analyst Minami Munakata estimated that Nintendo is preparing for over 10 million units in the first year, judging by work-in-progress figures on its balance sheet. However, some experts believe the new console may not be a big enough leap to justify the current stock valuation.

Global Trade & Pricing Strategy

One key factor affecting pricing is the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, with tariffs potentially influencing the higher U.S. price tag compared to Japan.

Despite these concerns, industry experts note that subscription-based gaming services and backward compatibility are helping ease the transition to new consoles, much like the shift from Sony’s PS4 to PS5.

With an upgraded feature set and a strong game lineup, the Switch 2 is poised to be another major player in the gaming industry—but whether it will replicate the Switch’s success remains to be seen.