Nintendo finally unveiled more details about the Switch 2 this week, including its sticker price. The forthcoming console will cost $449.99 on its own, or $499.99 as part of a Mario Kart World bundle when it launches on June 5. Say it with me now: Ouch.
According to Mashable’s Alex Perry, who played Switch 2 for a few hours at a press demo, the system is still a “must-buy” for its performance bump, larger 1080p display, and the ethernet port in its revamped dock. “[Behind] all the price discourse and hardware gimmicks is a device that feels like a huge step up from its predecessor in almost every way,” Perry writes. Still, one can be forgiven for not want to drop $450+ on what is ultimate a luxury item in this economy.
Fortunately, there’s a relatively easy way for consumers to take a respectable chunk out of the Switch 2’s price, and that’s by trading in an older Switch system. (No need to hang onto it if you still want to play Switch 1 games: Backwards compatibility is a go.) GameStop had the best trade-in deal at the time of writing, offering up to $175 off a Switch 2 preorder when you relinquish a previous-gen console now through April 30.
Nintendo Switch 2
(save up to $175 with a trade-in)
Nintendo Switch 2 ‘Mario Kart World’ Bundle
(save up to $175 with a trade-in)
More specifically, GameStop will give you $175 in store credit for an OLED Switch, $120 for a standard Switch (V1 or V2), and $100 for a Switch Lite. GameStop Pro members get 10% more credit. Bear in mind that those numbers hinge on the older system being in good condition and including all of its components — i.e., the dock, AC adapter, HDMI cable, and both Joy-Con.
GameStop’s offers easily beat other Switch trade-in deals at competing retailers. For comparison’s sake, Best Buy will give you $90 for an OLED Switch and only $20 for a Switch or Switch Lite. At Target, you can get $25 for a Switch Lite and $20 for a regular Switch.
Switch 2 preorders begin April 9 at participating retailers and May 8 through the My Nintendo Store, which will send out staggered batches of preorder invites via email (with priority given to active Nintendo Switch Online members).
