In a significant update for gaming enthusiasts, Nintendo has officially announced the preorder details for its highly anticipated Switch 2 console. The announcement comes two weeks after the company had to postpone preorder dates in the United States due to new tariffs implemented by the Trump administration. On Friday, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will remain priced at $450, with the Mario Kart World Bundle available for $500. Gamers will be able to place their preorders starting April 24.

While the console's base price remains unchanged, there are alterations in the pricing of accessories that will accompany the launch. Several popular items will see a $5 increase, prompting some concern among potential buyers. Specifically, the pricing changes are as follows:

• Switch 2 Pro Controller: Previously $80, now $85
• Joy-Con 2 Pair: Previously $90, now $95
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: Previously $35, now $40
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set: Previously $20, now $25
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Previously $50, now $55
• Joy-Con 2 Strap: Previously $13, now $14
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: Previously $110, now $120
• Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector: Previously $35, now $40
• Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case: Previously $80, now $85
• Switch 2 AC Adapter: Previously $30, now $35

Among these accessories, the Switch 2 Pro Controller and the Switch 2 Camera are expected to be particularly sought after. The Pro Controller, while not a requirement for playing on a television, offers a more ergonomic design reminiscent of the PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox controllers. Meanwhile, the innovative Switch 2 Camera will enhance gameplay by enabling video communication through the new GameChat feature, marking a significant first for Nintendo.

Nintendo faced some challenges during the initial reveal of the Switch 2 on April 2, which coincided with President Trumps announcement of new tariffs. Although the console showcases a substantial boost in graphical capabilitiesestimated to be between that of a PS4 Pro and a PS5gamers have expressed concerns regarding its pricing structure. Notably, the price of Mario Kart World, set at $80, positions it as the most expensive title at launch, without any additional content or expansion packs. This has raised questions among analysts, especially since most new games across platforms typically retail for $70. Nintendo has yet to clarify the rationale behind the increased price for Mario Kart World, although it is speculated that rising costs of the storage technology used in Switch 2 cartridges are contributing factors.

To counterbalance expenses for game publishers, Nintendo has introduced a new concept referred to as Game-key cards. These cartridges are designed to contain minimal storage space, allowing players to download entire games directly to their Switch 2 consoles. Consequently, it is likely that not all content will be included on the physical cartridges themselves.

Another point of contention among gamers involves the cost associated with upgrading games from the original Switch to the new Switch 2. While this practice has become commonplace with previous generations of consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox, Nintendo's approach to upgrades will see some titles charging $10, others $20, and a select few offered free of charge. This inconsistency in pricing and the lack of transparency surrounding the expected improvements for Switch 2 versions of existing games have left many gamers feeling dissatisfied.

Concerns linger over whether the pricing adjustments for the Switch 2 were made in anticipation of the tariffs that were recently implemented, although Nintendo has not explicitly stated this as a reason. After the tariffs were announced on the same day as the Switch 2 reveal, there was a period of confusion, leading to a rollback of many tariffs and exemptions for certain product categories. Nonetheless, consumers remain wary as they look to purchase various tech products, including TVs and gadgets.

The tariffs have also disrupted Nintendo's preorder timeline. Despite third-party retailers, such as Best Buy, initially planning to launch preorders on April 9, Nintendo had to delay these plans in the U.S., citing tariffs and the broader economic climate as the driving force behind this decision. Although the preorder schedule for other countries was initially unaffected, Canada eventually faced similar delays, as reported by Mobile Syrup. As it stands, the console's official launch date is still set for June 5.

In contrast to Nintendo's approach, Sony has announced a 25% price increase for the PS5s most affordable digital version in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, although prices for the more expensive PS5 models remain steady.

As the gaming landscape has evolved since the original Nintendo Switch's launch in 2017, Nintendo seems to have shifted its strategy for the Switch 2. Instead of experimenting with unconventional control methods, the developers have concentrated on boosting processing power, establishing a robust foundation for game development. Takuhiro Dohta, Nintendo's senior director of entertainment planning and development, stated, "Since Switch launched, there's been a shift in how software developers create games. Now, rather than leveraging hardware features, developers can select which software technologies they wish to integrate to make their games distinctive."