Nintendo Switch 2 expected to cost over US$400, launch in June: report

A new Bloomberg report has given us a better idea of what to expect from the pricing and release timing of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Citing multiple analysts who “regularly communicate with [Nintendo] and its software and hardware partners,” the publication reports that the Switch 2 will cost at least US$400 (roughly C$575). One analyst even expects the system to be priced at US$500 (about C$720). However, Bloomberg notes that the U.S. tariffs, which have hit everywhere from China to Canada, “may further complicate the picture and pressure Nintendo’s margins.”

Still, the analysts expect a particularly strong launch — said to be targeting June — for the Switch 2 regardless of its final price. According to Tokyo-based analyst Serkan Toto, Nintendo will sell “boatloads” of Switch 2 units, which he attributes to software like the new Mario Kart, which Nintendo has teased, as well as the confirmed Pokémon Legends Z-A and a rumoured Call of Duty port. But perhaps most interesting of all is that Toto reiterates common speculation that the next mainline 3D Mario game, which would be a successor to 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey, will come out this year on Switch 2.

Finally, the analysts that Bloomberg spoke to believe that the Switch 2 will likely be the biggest console launch of all time. Robin Zhu of Sanford C. Bernstein estimates that Nintendo will have first-day inventory of six to eight million. For context, Nintendo sold 2.7 million Switch units in the first month, while the PS4 and PS5 each sold about 4.5 million units in their first quarter.

The massive demand for the Switch 2 isn’t exactly surprising, given that the original Switch is the third best-selling gaming system of all time with over 150 million units sold. Rumours have also suggested that Nintendo delayed the Switch 2 out of 2024 in part to prepare more stock for launch.

Ultimately, we’ll have to wait until April 2 to learn more. On that date, the company will hold a highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation where it’s expected to reveal games, pricing and release information for the system.

Image credit: Nintendo

Source: Bloomberg