Nintendo has officially announced the launch of its highly anticipated Switch 2 gaming console, slated for release on June 5.
Priced at $449.99 in the U.S., the device promises enhanced features including a larger screen, mouse controls, and an integrated chat function. The Japanese market will see the console retail for 49,980 yen ($334) for a Japanese language system and 69,980 yen for a multi-language version.
While priced above expectations, the new console’s cost reflects global inflation dynamics and parallels with Sony’s $699.99 PlayStation Pro pricing, according to Serkan Toto of Kantan Games.
With over 150 million units of the original Switch sold and a thriving library of popular franchises like “Super Mario” and “The Legend of Zelda,” Nintendo aims to capitalize on this momentum.
Industry analysts like Atul Goyal of Jefferies perceive the Switch 2 as a “premium, ambitious platform” offering deeper software integration. New titles, including “Mario Kart World” and revamped versions of classic hits, will accompany its launch, available through Nintendo Online.
The Switch 2’s debut comes amidst U.S. trade tensions, influenced by tariffs impacting pricing strategies. Goldman Sachs analyst Minami Munakata anticipates Nintendo aims for an initial shipment exceeding 10 million units, based on work-in-progress evaluations.
The announcement of trade tariffs prompted a 3% dip in Nintendo’s shares, mirroring broader market trends where the benchmark index fell by 3.5%.
Despite Nintendo’s past market outperformance, Amir Anvarzadeh of Asymmetric Advisors noted skepticism regarding the new hardware’s capacity to sustain the current share value.
