When will the Nintendo Switch 2 go on sale? Complete pricing timeline

• The Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5, 2025 at $449.99 – a $150 increase over the original Switch's $299.99 launch price

• Historical data shows Nintendo rarely discounts hardware directly – expect value bundles rather than price cuts through 2025

• The first meaningful discount opportunity will likely come during Black Friday 2026, with potential savings of 10-11% ($399.99)

• Budget-conscious shoppers should wait until 2027 for the best value, when prices may drop to $349.99 (22% savings)

• For immediate savings, consider the launch bundle with Mario Kart World ($499.99), which saves $30 compared to buying separately

• Retailer gift card promotions and trade-in offers will likely precede any official price drops

Looking to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 but hoping for a discount? Based on Nintendo's historical pricing patterns, don't expect any direct price cuts until at least 2026. The console will likely maintain its $449.99 launch price throughout 2025, with the first "deals" appearing as value bundles during Black Friday 2025. The first modest discounts ($20-30 off) may emerge during summer 2026, with more substantial savings of 10-11% by Holiday 2026. For maximum savings of $50-75 off, you'll likely need to wait until 2027 – roughly 18 months after launch.

Excited about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 but hesitant about the $449.99 price tag? You're not alone. With the June 5, 2025 release date approaching, many gamers are wondering when they might find their first discount opportunity. As savings experts, we've analyzed Nintendo's historical pricing patterns and retail trends to help you make a smart purchasing decision.

Nintendo Switch 2 launch price and initial bundles

Courtesy of Nintendo

Nintendo has officially announced the Switch 2 at $449.99 in the United States with a release date of June 5, 2025. This price point represents a significant jump from the original Switch's $299.99 launch in 2017.

For value-conscious shoppers, Nintendo is offering a limited-time bundle that includes the console and a digital copy of Mario Kart World for $499.99. Since Mario Kart World retails for $79.99 on its own, this bundle effectively saves you $30 compared to purchasing separately. According to Nintendo, this special offer will only be available through fall 2025.

Where to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2

Courtesy of GameStop

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, at $449.99, but securing one may prove challenging. Based on the latest information, here's what you need to know about preordering:

Official Nintendo Store preorders

Nintendo has implemented a reservation system for their official store:

• Sign in with your Nintendo Account at My Nintendo Store

• Register your interest for a chance to receive an invitation email

• Priority is given to Nintendo Switch Online members with at least 12 months of paid membership and minimum 50 gameplay hours (as of April 2, 2025)

• Once invited, you'll have 72 hours to complete your purchase

• Important: Due to high demand, Nintendo warns that some shoppers may receive their invitation email after the June 5 launch

Retailer preorders

Retail preorders began April 24, 2025, but initial stock sold out quickly at most major retailers. Here's where to check for restocks:

• Best Buy: Opening stores at midnight ET on launch day (June 5) for preorder pickups; My Best Buy members can earn $20 certificates for every $150 spent on Nintendo products.

• GameStop: Offering store-exclusive accessories like Joy-Con 2 wheels and controller grips.

• Walmart: Periodically restocking online.

• Target: Offering both standalone and bundle options.

Historical context: How long did the original Switch take to see discounts?

To predict future discount patterns for the Switch 2, we examined what happened with the original Nintendo Switch:

• Launch (March 2017): $299.99 MSRP

• Black Friday 2017: No discounts whatsoever – finding the console in stock at full price was considered a "deal"

• Black Friday 2018: First value bundle appeared – Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for $299.99 (effectively a free $60 game)

• Black Fridays 2019-2022: Same Mario Kart bundle returned for four straight years, eventually adding 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online

• May 2022: First meaningful price reduction – $259.99 at major retailers (a modest $40 off, five years after launch)

• Black Friday 2024: All-time low price of $224.99 for the console bundle (nearly 8 years post-launch)

The pattern is clear: Nintendo avoided direct price cuts for years, instead offering value through game bundles during holiday shopping seasons.

When to expect Nintendo Switch 2 sales and discounts

Based on Nintendo's historical approach and our retail insights, here's our prediction timeline for potential Switch 2 savings:

2025 (launch year)

June-October 2025: Don't expect any discounts during these first months. The console will likely remain at $449.99 across all retailers, with high demand supporting the premium price.

Black Friday/Holiday 2025 (November-December): While a direct price cut is highly unlikely, we may see the first value-added offerings:

• The $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle continuing as the primary "deal"

• Retailers adding gift cards ($20-30) with purchase as doorbusters

• Limited bundle deals with popular accessories

• Trade-in promotions (especially at GameStop) offering credit toward the Switch 2

Nintendo historically maintains base pricing while adding value through bundled content rather than reducing the price outright.

2026 (second year)

Prime Day/Summer 2026: We might see the first modest sales, such as:

• Flash sales dropping the price temporarily by $20-30 (to around $420-430)

• Limited-quantity promotions at select retailers

• Enhanced trade-in values at specialty gaming stores

Black Friday/Holiday 2026: This could mark the first significant discount opportunity:

• Potential limited-time sales dropping to around $399.99 (approximately 10-11% off)

• Premium bundle options with multiple games or accessories

• If Switch 2 sales meet targets, Nintendo might still resist direct price cuts and continue with the bundle strategy

2027 and beyond

By the third year (2027), we might finally see:

• An official MSRP reduction to $399.99

• Holiday sales potentially bringing the price to $349.99 or lower

• The introduction of a "Switch 2 Lite" or similar budget model

• Retailer-specific bundle deals with deeper effective discounts

Where to look for the first Nintendo Switch 2 deals

When sales eventually do appear, these retailers typically offer the best Nintendo deals:

Major retailers to watch:

• Amazon: Prime Day and Black Friday typically feature limited-time Nintendo deals.

• Best Buy: Often includes gift cards or accessory bundles.

• Walmart: Has historically offered some of the earliest modest discounts on Nintendo hardware.

• GameStop: Typically offers the most aggressive trade-in values for upgraders.

• Target: Known for gift card promotions with console purchases.

Shopping events to mark on your calendar:

• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Historically Nintendo's biggest promotion period

• Amazon Prime Day: Potential for flash sales

• Retailer-specific sales: Like Best Buy's anniversary sales or GameStop Pro Day events

• Nintendo's own promotional events: Such as "Mario Day" (March 10) or anniversary celebrations

The wait-or-buy decision: Is patience worth it?

Given Nintendo's conservative pricing strategy, gamers face a clear choice:

Buy at launch ($449.99) if:

• You want to play the newest Nintendo games immediately

• You value being part of the initial wave of players

• You're upgrading from an original Switch that you can trade in

• You don't mind paying a premium for early access

Wait for Black Friday 2025 if:

• You're content with a value bundle rather than a price cut

• You're happy with your current gaming setup for a few more months

• You prefer getting a game or accessories included

Wait until 2026 or later if:

• Your primary concern is getting the best possible price

• You have a substantial gaming backlog already

• You're willing to miss the first wave of Switch 2 games

• You anticipate buying multiple games and can save on those as well

Money-saving strategies for Nintendo Switch 2 shoppers

While direct discounts on the console may be limited, there are other ways to maximize value:

1. Look for retailer-specific rewards: Store credit, loyalty points, or cash back options can offset the initial cost.

2. Consider trade-in options: If you own the original Switch, trading it in could significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense for the Switch 2.

3. Bundle strategically: Purchasing the Switch 2 with games you plan to buy anyway often represents better value than waiting for a modest console discount.

4. Use credit card rewards: Many credit cards offer cashback on electronics purchases or special financing that can make the investment more manageable.

5. Track price protection policies: Some credit cards and retailers offer price protection, refunding the difference if the price drops shortly after purchase.

Planning your Nintendo Switch 2 purchase

If Nintendo follows its established patterns, the Switch 2 will maintain its $449.99 price point throughout 2025, with the first real value coming through holiday bundles rather than outright discounts. Meaningful price drops likely won't appear until mid-to-late 2026 at the earliest, with the most substantial savings reserved for patient gamers willing to wait until 2027.

For budget-conscious gamers, the data suggests that waiting approximately 18 months (until Holiday 2026) represents the sweet spot between getting a decent discount and not waiting too long. By then, you'll likely find the Switch 2 for $50-75 less than launch price, plus benefit from a larger library of games—many of which will themselves see modest discounts.

Whether the wait is worth it depends entirely on how much you value playing the latest Nintendo games right away versus saving money by exercising patience. Either way, understanding Nintendo's pricing history can help you make an informed decision about when to jump into the next generation of Switch gaming.

Looking for more ways to save on gaming? Check out video game console promo codes