Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Guide

It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since we’ve counted down a Nintendo launch, but here we are in the final days before the Nintendo Switch 2’s release! A deluge of information has been scattered across the internet regarding Nintendo’s new console and we’re here to walk you through it. What are the games and accessories you can expect to dig into on June 5th? Read on to find out. 

 

What you need to know about Game-Key Cards

 

Firstly, it’s important to outline the distinction between the various types of game cartridge formats that can be purchased for Nintendo Switch 2. There will still be standard game cartridges as well as physical game boxes that include download codes, but with this new era Nintendo has expanded to include a new type of cartridge-download code hybrid: Game-Key Cards. 

Game-Key Cards are inserted into your Nintendo Switch 2 console just like a standard cartridge. The difference is that the actual game data will need to be downloaded via the internet as if it were a download code. However, the cartridge format allows Game-Key Cards to be lended out to friends and family as well as traded in to gaming retailers, just like a standard cartridge. 

 

 

Now it’s time to list all of Nintendo Switch 2’s launch titles. Keep in mind that not all Nintendo Switch 2 games will be released physically, but with the optional Game-Key Card format it’s possible we will see more developers opt for physical copies where they maybe wouldn’t have before. In the following guide, we will detail which launch titles are standard cartridges, which are download codes in a box, which are Game-Key Cards and which are digital-only. All launch titles are, of course, available digitally on the Nintendo eShop. Keep in mind that Nintendo has stated that all of their first-party titles this generation will be standard game cartridges and none of them will be Game-Key Cards. All game prices are listed in USD. 

 

All Pre-Orders Available at Walmart / Pre-Orders available at Amazon / Pre-Order Digitally via the eShop

 

• Mario Kart World: Available bundled with the Nintendo Switch 2 console as a downloadable game for $499.99 until Fall 2025, otherwise standard cartridge, digitally via the eShop; $79.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: Digitally via the eShop; $9.99
• FAST Fusion: Digitally via the eShop; $14.99
• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition: Standard cartridge: $69.99
• Street Fighter VI: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition: Game-Key Card: $59.99
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut: Game-Key Card: $59.99
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of The Goddess: Digitally via the eShop; $39.99
• Hitman: World of Assassination: Game-Key Card  $59.99
• Hogwarts Legacy: Game-Key Card – $59.99
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster: Game-Key Card: $39.99
• Split-Fiction: Code-In-Box: $49.99
• Sonic X Shadow Generations:$49.99
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S: Game-Key Card: $39.99
• Sid Meier’s Civilization VII: Code-In-Box:$69.99
• Survival Kids: Digitally via the eShop; $49.99
• Deltarune Chapters 1-4: Digitally via the eShop; $24.99

 

In addition to the aforementioned launch titles, the Switch 2 is also introducing Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of existing Switch titles. Switch 2 Editions will be available as digital upgrade packs on the eShop for $9.99 if you already own the Nintendo Switch game or $79.99 for the original Switch game cartridge with the upgrade pack included as a download code. Switch 2 additions add graphical enhancements, improve performance, and add in new content. The following titles will be available as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions/Upgrade Packs on launch day:

 

Pre-Orders available at Walmart

 

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ($79.99) 
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ($79.99) 
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ($69.99) 

 

 

So, now you’re set with your first Nintendo Switch 2 games. Now you’ll just need something to play them in style! No worries as Nintendo Switch 2 is launching with an extensive assortment of accessories. We’ll list them below. All accessories are officially produced by Nintendo. 

 

Pre-Orders available at Walmart

 

• Joy-Con 2 (Left, light blue): $54.99
• Joy-Con 2 (Right, light red): $54.99
• Joy-Con 2 Strap (Left and Right included): $13.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (Black): $84.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (Black): $54.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Carry Case & Screen Protector (Black): $39.99
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip (Black): $39.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case (Black) – $84.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel (Set of two, light blue and light red): $24.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter (Black): $34.99

 

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will exclusively include Nintendo GameCube classics for subscribers on Switch 2. The launch day library is listed below along with information regarding the My Nintendo Store-exclusive wireless Nintendo GameCube controller officially produced by Nintendo themselves.

 

Nintendo Switch Online Nintendo GameCube launch library:

 

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• F-Zero GX 
• Soul Calibur II

 

Nintendo GameCube Controller (Only compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, available exclusively on the My Nintendo Store): $64.99 

 

Amiibo

 

Nintendo is keeping the collectible amiibo figures alive and well with a brand-new wave for Switch 2. On launch, there will be seven new amiibo to collect: four for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom and three for Street Fighter VI: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition. Tears of The Kingdom’s amiibo are priced at $30 each, while Street Fighter VI’s are a steep $40 each. In addition to the three character amiibo, Street Fighter VI is also receiving a GameStop-exclusive amiibo card set priced at $40. You can find all of the launch day amiibo listed below:

 

Pre-Orders at Walmart / Pre-Orders at GameStop / Pre-Orders at Target

 

• Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Tulin ($30)
• Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Yunobo ($30)
• Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Sidon ($30)
• Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Riju ($30)
• Street Fighter 6: Jamie ($40)
• Street Fighter 6: Luke ($40)
• Street Fighter 6: Kimberly ($40)
• Street Fighter 6 Amiibo Cards (GameStop Exclusive) ($40)

 

 

 

So there you have it. Now you’re all set for the big day! Excited? We certainly are. Nintendo Switch 2 launches worldwide on June 5th, 2025. 

 

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