"Switch 2 to Sell Out at Launch, Analysts Say; June Release Eyed"

The buzz around the Nintendo Switch 2's price has the gaming community abuzz, with industry analysts predicting a launch price around $400. A recent Bloomberg report, echoing sentiments from Japan-focused analysts, supports this pricing expectation. However, there's a twist: some analysts suggest that Nintendo might push the envelope further, possibly up to $499. Yet, despite the potential sticker shock, the consensus among experts is that the Switch 2 is poised for a monumental launch, potentially becoming the biggest console launch ever, regardless of its cost.

"They will sell boatloads of Switch 2 in the first months in particular, almost regardless of the price," Tokyo analyst Serkan Toto told Bloomberg, highlighting the anticipated fervor around the console's debut.

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A key driver behind this expected success is the strong lineup of launch titles. Toto anticipates a new Mario Kart, hinted at by Nintendo during the Switch 2 reveal, alongside a new 3D Mario game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4, all set to hit the market within the Switch 2’s first year. Furthermore, third-party support is expected to be robust, with titles like Call of Duty from Activision in the mix.

The rumor mill is also churning with news of other third-party games on the horizon. Civilization 7 developer Firaxis expressed intrigue over the Switch 2's Joy-Con mouse mode, while French game maker Nacon has games ready for the console. The highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong is rumored to be coming to Switch 2, and EA has voiced enthusiasm about bringing Madden, FC, and The Sims to the platform.

Despite the excitement, Activision has yet to confirm its plans for Switch 2, and Nintendo has remained silent on the Bloomberg report.

Speculation around the Switch 2's release date points to June 2025, as mentioned by Japan-based analyst Robin Zhu of Sanford C. Bernstein in Bloomberg. With an expected first-day inventory of 6-8 million units, the Switch 2 is on track to outsell its predecessor and even the PlayStation 4 and 5, potentially breaking sales records.

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Concerns have emerged about the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies on the Switch 2's pricing. Tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico could affect the cost and availability of tech products. However, Bloomberg noted that the Switch 2 will be assembled in both Vietnam and China, with analysts suggesting that this diversified manufacturing strategy could mitigate risks for Nintendo.

While much remains under wraps, Nintendo is set to unveil more details during a Direct presentation on April 2.

In January, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 with a brief trailer that confirmed its backwards compatibility and added a second USB-C port. However, many details, including the function of a mysterious new Joy-Con button, were left undisclosed, though the Joy-Con mouse mode theory has gained traction.

A recent Nintendo patent suggests that the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers might be attachable upside down, utilizing gyro mechanics akin to those in smartphones without screen locks. Unlike the original Switch, these new controllers would use magnets for attachment, allowing flexibility in button placement and headphone port location. This feature, if implemented, could introduce novel gameplay mechanics, enhancing the gaming experience on the Switch 2.