"Switch 2 Launch Expected to Break Sales Records, Analysts Say"

The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 has become a focal point of discussion within the gaming community. Industry analysts have shared with IGN their expectations that Nintendo's next-generation console will launch at around $400. This expectation is echoed in a recent Bloomberg report, which cites predictions from Japan-focused analysts. This $400 price point marks a significant increase from the original Switch, with one analyst suggesting to Bloomberg that Nintendo might even set the price as high as $499. However, the consensus among analysts is that the Switch 2 is poised for a blockbuster launch, potentially becoming the biggest console launch in history, regardless of its price.

Tokyo analyst Serkan Toto emphasized to Bloomberg that the initial months of the Switch 2's release will see massive sales, stating, "They will sell boatloads of Switch 2 in the first months in particular, almost regardless of the price." This enthusiasm is largely driven by the anticipated launch lineup of games. Toto predicts that the Switch 2 will launch with a new Mario Kart, a new 3D Mario game, along with the already announced Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4, all set to release within the first year. Additionally, Toto expects strong third-party support, including titles like Call of Duty from Activision.

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The excitement for the Switch 2's launch is further fueled by a long list of rumored third-party titles. In an interview with IGN, Civilization 7 developer Firaxis expressed intrigue about the Switch 2’s apparent Joy-Con mouse mode. French video game and accessories maker Nacon, known for titles like Greedfall 2, Test Drive Unlimited, and RoboCop: Rogue City, has confirmed that they have Switch 2 games ready to go. Rumors also suggest that the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available on the Switch 2. Last month, EA indicated that Madden, FC, and The Sims would be well-suited for the new console.

It's important to note that Activision has not yet announced any specific plans for the Switch 2, and Nintendo has remained silent on the Bloomberg report.

As for the release date, June 2025 is increasingly mentioned in both online discussions and games media. Analyst Robin Zhu of Sanford C. Bernstein told Bloomberg that the Switch 2 is expected to launch in June, with an initial inventory of 6-8 million units. If this stock sells out quickly, the Switch 2 could surpass the sales records of its predecessor and the PlayStation 4 and 5.

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There has been some concern about the potential impact of the U.S. tariff war on the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2. The Trump administration's tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico have raised concerns among analysts about increased prices and potential availability issues for video games and consoles. However, Bloomberg reports that the Switch 2 will be assembled in both Vietnam and China, with one analyst suggesting that this diversified manufacturing strategy mitigates risk for Nintendo.

While 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.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled earlier in January with a teaser trailer that confirmed backwards compatibility features and the addition of a second USB-C port. While most specifics, including details about its game lineup and the function of the mysterious new Joy-Con button, remain under wraps, the Joy-Con mouse theory has garnered significant interest.

Last month, a Nintendo patent suggested that the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers could be attached upside down. This innovation implies that the Switch 2 will utilize gyro mechanics similar to those found in smartphones without screen locks. Unlike the original Switch, which used rails to secure the Joy-Cons, the new controllers will use magnets, allowing them to be attached on either side. This feature might not significantly impact hardware but could offer players flexibility in choosing the positioning of buttons and ports. If incorporated into the final product, this flipping capability could also introduce new gameplay mechanics.