Nintendo Switch 2 updates: Pre-order date, price, games and everything else you need to know

Engadget - Apr 18th, 2025
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Nintendo has announced the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2, set for June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $450. The new console boasts significant upgrades, including a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons, and backward compatibility with existing Switch games. However, the launch faces potential challenges due to newly imposed tariffs in the United States, which have affected pre-order plans and pricing strategies. Despite these hurdles, Nintendo has maintained the release date and pricing for the console and its accessories, though some accessory prices have seen increases.

The Switch 2 is expected to make a significant impact in the gaming industry, offering enhanced graphics and performance, thanks to a new processor and GPU. This will allow for more third-party game ports, including titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at launch. The console's backwards compatibility and support for GameCube games via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack further enhance its appeal. With heavy tariffs affecting production costs, analysts speculate on Nintendo's pricing strategies, as the company navigates these economic challenges to maintain its market position.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and largely accurate overview of the Nintendo Switch 2, covering its release date, pricing, hardware improvements, and new features. It is well-organized and written in clear language, making it accessible to a broad audience. The inclusion of speculative elements, such as the impact of tariffs, adds an interesting dimension but could benefit from further verification and analysis. While the article effectively informs readers about the Switch 2, it could achieve greater balance and impact by incorporating additional perspectives and critical analysis. Overall, the article succeeds in engaging readers and providing timely information, though there is room for improvement in source diversity and depth of analysis.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed overview of the Nintendo Switch 2, including its release date, pricing, hardware specifications, and features. Most of the claims align well with official announcements and press releases from Nintendo. For example, the release date of June 5, 2025, and the pricing of $450 for the standalone console are consistent with the details provided by Nintendo. However, there are some speculative elements, such as the impact of US tariffs on pricing and profitability, which while plausible, are not directly supported by official sources.

The article accurately describes the hardware improvements, such as the 7.9-inch 1080p display and the 4K output when docked, which are corroborated by official specifications. Additionally, the mention of new features like the C button for chat functions and HD Rumble 2 in the Joy-Con 2 controllers is consistent with Nintendo's announcements.

However, the story could benefit from more precise sourcing, especially in areas discussing potential game enhancements and the taste of cartridges. While these points are interesting, they rely on less concrete evidence and could be seen as speculative without direct confirmation from Nintendo.

Overall, the story is largely accurate, with most claims supported by reliable sources. It effectively conveys the key details about the Nintendo Switch 2, though some areas could use further verification to enhance credibility.

7
Balance

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing on various aspects such as hardware improvements, new features, and pricing. It primarily presents the perspective of Nintendo as the manufacturer and includes some analysis of market conditions, such as the impact of tariffs.

However, the story could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, particularly from industry analysts or consumer advocacy groups. This would provide a more balanced view of the potential impact of the Switch 2's pricing and features on different segments of the market.

The article does not exhibit overt bias toward Nintendo, but it lacks critical analysis of potential drawbacks or challenges the Switch 2 might face in the market. Including such perspectives would offer a more rounded view of the product's launch and reception.

Overall, while the article is informative and covers a wide range of topics, it could achieve better balance by incorporating additional viewpoints and addressing potential criticisms or concerns related to the new console.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly organized, making it easy for readers to follow the information presented about the Nintendo Switch 2. The use of headings and subheadings helps to break down the content into manageable sections, improving readability and comprehension.

The language used is straightforward and accessible, suitable for a general audience interested in gaming news. Technical details about the console's specifications and features are explained in a way that is easy to understand, even for readers who may not be familiar with gaming terminology.

However, the article could benefit from more concise writing in some areas, particularly where speculative elements are discussed. Streamlining these sections would enhance clarity and prevent potential confusion among readers.

Overall, the article's clarity is strong, with effective use of structure and language to convey information about the Nintendo Switch 2. Minor improvements in conciseness and focus could further enhance its readability.

6
Source quality

The article relies heavily on official announcements and press releases from Nintendo, which are credible and authoritative sources for information about the Switch 2. This lends a high degree of reliability to the factual claims about the console's specifications, features, and release details.

However, the story could improve its source quality by incorporating insights from independent analysts or experts in the gaming industry. This would provide additional context and depth, particularly regarding the potential market impact and consumer reception of the Switch 2.

The lack of diverse sources means that some speculative claims, such as the effects of tariffs on pricing, are not as well-supported as they could be. Including more varied perspectives would enhance the article's credibility and provide a fuller picture of the situation.

In summary, while the article's reliance on official sources ensures accuracy in reporting Nintendo's announcements, a broader range of sources would strengthen its overall quality and provide a more comprehensive view.

7
Transparency

The article is fairly transparent in its presentation of facts and claims, often referencing Nintendo's official announcements and press releases as the basis for its information. This helps readers understand the origin of the information and assess its reliability.

However, the article could improve transparency by explicitly noting when it is speculating or interpreting information, particularly in sections discussing the potential impact of tariffs or the taste of the cartridges. Clear delineation between confirmed facts and speculation would help readers better evaluate the content.

The inclusion of updates and revisions to the article, with timestamps and brief explanations, is a positive aspect that enhances transparency. It shows an effort to keep the information current and accurate, which is crucial for maintaining reader trust.

Overall, while the article does a good job of citing its sources and updating information, it could further improve transparency by clearly distinguishing between verified facts and speculative commentary.

Sources

  1. https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/nintendo-switch-2-launches-june-5-bringing-new-forms-of-game-communication-to-life/
  2. https://www.nintendo.com/successor/en-us/nintendo-direct/index.html
  3. https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/
  4. https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/nintendo-switch-2-to-be-released-in-2025/
  5. https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/pre-order-the-nintendo-switch-2-for-450-starting-april-9-140931997.html