Nintendo has not released Switch 2 yet, but it is coming in 2025
Nintendo announced in May 2024 that a new console, officially called the Nintendo Switch 2, is in development. The company confirmed a release window of 2025 but has not set a specific launch date. As of now, you cannot buy Switch 2 anywhere — pre-orders have not opened, and no retailer has stock.
Nintendo typically reveals exact release dates and pricing closer to launch, usually a few months before the console ships. This means the actual release date and price could be announced anytime between now and early 2025. The company has shown the console's basic design but has not released full technical specifications or a complete list of launch games.
Key Takeaways
- Switch 2 is confirmed for 2025 but does not have a specific release date or price yet.
- You cannot pre-order Switch 2 anywhere right now, and any website claiming to take pre-orders is not legitimate.
- Nintendo typically announces the exact date and price a few months before launch, so watch Nintendo's official channels for updates.
- The original Switch will continue to work and receive games even after Switch 2 launches, so you do not need to rush to upgrade.
How to know when Switch 2 is actually available
Nintendo makes official announcements through its website (nintendo.com), its social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), and its YouTube channel. These are the only places Nintendo announces release dates and pricing. If you see a release date or price anywhere else first, it is either a rumor or a scam.
Major retailers like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and GameStop will carry Switch 2 when it launches, but they will not have it in stock until Nintendo ships it to them. You do not need to sign up for notifications on retailer websites yet — they will not have pre-order links until Nintendo officially announces the date.
Why scammers are already using Switch 2 to target people
Because Switch 2 does not exist in stores yet, scammers have created fake pre-order websites and social media accounts claiming to sell it early. These sites look like real Nintendo pages or real retailers, but they take your money and never send a console. They may also steal your payment card information or personal details.
Do not buy Switch 2 from any website that is not a major, established retailer you already know. Do not click links from social media posts or emails claiming to have exclusive pre-orders. If you are unsure whether a website is real, go directly to Nintendo.com or the retailer's main website by typing the address yourself, rather than clicking a link someone sent you.
What we know about Switch 2's hardware so far
Nintendo has shown that Switch 2 has a larger screen than the original Switch and larger controllers. The company has confirmed the console will play Switch games, though not every single game may work at launch. Nintendo has not released detailed technical specifications like processor speed, memory, or storage capacity.
The console will use a new dock and new controllers, so your current Switch accessories will not work with it. Nintendo has not announced pricing for the new controllers or dock separately, or whether they will be included with the console.
Whether you should buy the original Switch now or wait
If you want to play games right now, buying an original Switch makes sense. The Switch has thousands of games available, a large library of used games you can find cheaply, and Nintendo will continue supporting it for years. Waiting for Switch 2 means missing out on playing games you want to play today.
If you are not in a hurry to play games, waiting a few months to see Switch 2's price and game lineup is reasonable. Nintendo typically launches Switch 2 with a handful of new games and ports of popular older games, so the launch library will be smaller than what the original Switch has now. You will have more games to choose from if you wait until a few months after launch.
What happens to your original Switch after Switch 2 comes out
Your original Switch will continue to work. Nintendo will keep the online service running, and games will continue to receive updates. Some games may stop being developed for the original Switch as developers focus on Switch 2, but this usually happens gradually over several years, not when ready.
You will be able to transfer your user account and save data from your original Switch to Switch 2 when you get one, so you will not lose your progress in games. Nintendo has not announced the exact process for this yet, but the company has done account transfers between consoles before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to pre-order Switch 2 right now?
No. Nintendo has not opened pre-orders anywhere. Any website claiming to take Switch 2 pre-orders before Nintendo makes an official announcement is a scam. Wait until Nintendo announces the release date, then pre-order from a major retailer you know.
Will my Switch games work on Switch 2?
Nintendo says Switch 2 will play Switch games, but the company has not confirmed that every single game will work. Some games may have compatibility issues at launch, though Nintendo typically fixes these over time. You will know which games work once the console releases and people test them.
How much will Switch 2 cost?
Nintendo has not announced a price. The original Switch launched at $299 in 2017, but Switch 2 could cost more or less. Nintendo will announce the price when it announces the release date, likely a few months before launch.
Can I trade in my original Switch toward Switch 2?
Some retailers offer trade-in programs, but Nintendo has not announced a trade-in deal for Switch 2 yet. GameStop and other used game retailers typically offer trade-in credit for old consoles, but the amount varies. Check with your local retailer once Switch 2 launches to see what they offer.
What if I see Switch 2 for sale on eBay or Facebook Marketplace right now?
It is a scam. The console does not exist yet. Do not send money to anyone claiming to have it in stock. Report the listing to the platform so they can remove it.