The Nintendo Switch 2 is here: all of the launch news

Some people reported an unwelcome surprise after picking up their Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at GameStop: staples used to attach receipts to Switch 2 boxes ended up damaging the screens on the console, as reported by IGN. However, GameStop says this was an issue that was “isolated” to a single store and that it has already offered replacements.

When you open the box for the Switch 2, the tablet / screen part of the device is just under the top flap of the packaging. The tablet’s proximity to the top of the box possibly explains how staples could get through and poke holes in the screen — especially if the person using the stapler gave it a solid push.

Ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch, Nintendo said that the eShop would be improved and run more smoothly on the new console. Based on our initial testing at The Verge, it’s immediately apparent that the Switch 2’s eShop is much better.

On the original Switch, the eShop can be extremely sluggish. Even just moving from one section to another can have a lag, and clicking into a game sometimes takes a bit to load before you can even go through the process of buying it. The delays and slow navigation make using the shop a huge pain; I personally often defaulted to buying digital games on Nintendo’s website because it was a better experience.

The Switch 2 has finally landed, but it isn’t the only hardware Nintendo is launching this week. The company also introduced a range of new accessories for its new gaming console, the bulk of which are now available online at Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, and Target. From a redesigned Pro Controller to a camera that lets you video chat with your friends, each is designed to level up your gaming experience.

Sadly, President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff policy has resulted in slight price bumps on several Switch 2 accessories — including the aforementioned Pro 2 Controller. There’s no telling whether we can expect more price hikes down the line, either, meaning if you have secured a Switch 2 and want to pick up a second controller or another accessory to go with it, now might be the time to act.

So, you got (or are soon getting) a Nintendo Switch 2. You’re probably ready to throw your original Switch into storage, but before that, you should transfer all of your data to the new console.

Good news: it’s easy for those who have a Switch 2. Not only that, it’s easy even if you don’t yet have the new console. Nintendo developed a clever solution for those who haven’t upgrade yet, letting original Switch owners back up their entire account to a remote server, where it will be stored for one year.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and so you might be in the market for a microSD card to store more games. While all microSD cards look pretty much the same, only microSD Express cards will work on the Switch 2 for storing and playing games. The microSD card you used in your original Switch or Switch Lite will only offer limited functionality with Nintendo’s new handheld, as it will only let you view screenshots or video clips you captured previously — that’s it.

That’s because Nintendo opted for a significantly faster spec in its new handheld console, which boasts an advertised 4.4x improvement in terms of transfer speeds over the microSD cards you might already have lying around. That improvement is signified by a small, easy-to-miss “EX” emblem etched onto the front of the card.

Depending on where you are in the US, it hasn’t been easy to grab a Nintendo Switch 2 (though, our own David Pierce would disagree). In-store and online stock has sold out at most participating retailers, but Target is offering another opportunity, specifically for online shoppers, starting in the “early morning” hours of June 6th. I realize the ambiguity isn’t helpful to those trying to plan their day, but it’s all that Target has shared so far. We’ve reached out to a Target representative to ask for a specific time, and we’ll update this post if we receive any helpful information.

According to Target’s product pages, the retailer will have stock of the standalone Switch 2 console for $449.99 and the Mario Kart World bundle for $499.99, along with various games and accessories.

If you missed your chance the first time around, you now have another opportunity to pick up Nintendo’s GameCube Controller for the Switch 2. It’s available once again from the My Nintendo Store for $64.99, giving fans another shot at securing the wireless gamepad.

To place an order, you’ll need to be logged into your Nintendo Switch Online account, as the controller is currently only available to those with a premium membership (which starts at $19.99 a year). Once you have access to the product landing page, you can complete your purchase, which is limited to one controller per account.

Belkin has announced a new collection of accessories for the recently launched Switch 2, including a case that does more than protect the console and keep cartridges organized. There’s also a 10,000mAh battery inside the case that Belkin says has enough capacity to fully charge the console 1.5 times. We haven’t reviewed the Switch 2 yet and can’t confirm Nintendo’s claims, but Belkin’s case could more than double the Switch 2’s battery life which is estimated to be between 2 and 6.5 hours.

Available now for $69.99 in three color options that include charcoal, sand, and pistachio green, Belkin’s Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2 also features extra compartments and a zippered pouch for storing charging cables and other accessories. There’s even a small hidden pocket designed to hold an AirTag and increase the chances of finding the case should it go missing.

I’m standing outside the GameStop at Union Square in New York City on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, with plenty of cars rolling by and people basking in the late spring sun. On the corner of E 14th Street and University Place, a line has formed around the block.

Tonight is the official launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, a console people have been waiting for years to arrive. Some publications and influencers received theirs one day early, but for the rest of the world, tonight is the first opportunity to play it. And for a lot of the people in this line, that means they’re willing to wait a little longer.

Update, June 5th: Walmart, GameStop, and BJ’s Wholesale Club have seemingly sold out of their available Switch 2 inventory, at least online. Target is set to open online preorders on June 6th; however, it’s also possible that some retailers still have units available in-store. Costco members may be able to order a bundle with a 12-month Switch Online card now.

The Switch 2 is here. Nintendo’s latest console launches in the US on June 5th, bringing with it more processing power, a larger 7.9-inch LCD display, and an all-new racing title in the form of Mario Kart World. Preorders for the $449 hybrid console sold out ahead of launch; however, if you’re looking to grab one now, rest assured that a handful of retailers have announced availability, both in-store and online.