"Switch 2 to Sell Out at Launch, Analysts Say; June Release Rumored"

The Nintendo Switch 2's price is a major topic of interest within the gaming community. Analysts speaking to IGN have projected a launch price of around $400, a figure that Bloomberg's report on Japan-focused analyst predictions has echoed. This price would mark a notable increase over the original Nintendo Switch. However, another analyst suggested to Bloomberg that the price could potentially climb to $499. Despite these higher price points, the consensus among experts is that the Switch 2 is poised for a monumental launch, possibly the largest in console history, "regardless of the price."

Tokyo-based analyst Serkan Toto confidently told Bloomberg, "They will sell boatloads of Switch 2 in the first months in particular, almost regardless of the price." The anticipated success of the Switch 2 is attributed to its robust launch lineup. Toto predicts the introduction of a new Mario Kart, as hinted by Nintendo during the Switch 2's reveal, along with a new 3D Mario game, and confirmed titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4, all slated for release within the console's first year. Furthermore, third-party support is expected to be strong, with Activision rumored to bring Call of Duty to the platform.

The list of third-party titles rumored for the Switch 2 is extensive. In an interview with IGN, Civilization 7 developer Firaxis found the Switch 2's apparent Joy-Con mouse mode "definitely intriguing." French game and accessory maker Nacon, known for titles like Greedfall 2, Test Drive Unlimited, and RoboCop: Rogue City, has confirmed readiness with games for the Switch 2. Additionally, Hollow Knight: Silksong is rumored to be on the horizon for the console, and EA has expressed interest in bringing Madden, FC, and The Sims to the platform. However, Activision has yet to make an official announcement regarding their Switch 2 plans, and Nintendo has remained silent on the Bloomberg report.

Rumors suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 will hit the market in June 2025. Robin Zhu of Sanford C. Bernstein, a Japan-based analyst, told Bloomberg that the console is expected to launch with an initial inventory of 6-8 million units. With such a stock level, the Switch 2 is on track to outsell its predecessor as well as the PlayStation 4 and 5, setting new sales records.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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Concerns have been raised about the impact of former U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies on the Nintendo Switch 2's price. Tariffs imposed on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico were noted to potentially affect the cost and availability of gaming products. However, Bloomberg pointed out that the Switch 2 will be assembled in both Vietnam, a significant U.S. trading partner, and China. This diversified manufacturing approach, according to an analyst, reduces risk for Nintendo.

Despite the wealth of speculation, many details about the Switch 2 remain undisclosed. Nintendo has scheduled a Direct for April 2, where more information about the console will be revealed.

In January, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 with a brief trailer that confirmed backward compatibility and the addition of a second USB-C port. However, many details, including the function of the mysterious new Joy-Con button and its game lineup, were not disclosed. The Joy-Con mouse mode theory, however, has gained considerable attention.

A Nintendo patent from last month hinted that the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers might be attachable in an upside-down orientation. Unlike the original Switch's rail system, the new controllers would use magnets, allowing for versatile attachment options. This feature, if included in the final product, could offer players greater customization in button placement and potentially inspire new gameplay mechanics.