A former Nintendo employee has predicted the Nintendo Switch 2 will release in June 2025 with a pricetag of between $400 and $450. This estimate comes as anticipation builds for Nintendo’s next-generation console, with the original Switch having sold over 132 million units worldwide since its 2017 release.
The Japanese gaming juggernaut unveiled its upcoming console last month and will be giving fans more details about the device in April at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, though an ex-staffer – who is only going by Sean – has now theorized the console will launch in early summer. Industry analysts note that a June release would position the console perfectly for the summer gaming season, traditionally a strong period for hardware sales.
“They’re going to want the system to be out before the end of the summer. I would say at the start of the summer – end of school year, so you’ve got the kids in school talking about what they’re excited for,” he said during an appearance on the ‘Kit and Krysta’ podcast. Consumer research shows that word-of-mouth marketing among school-aged children can significantly boost gaming hardware sales.
“I think we’ll see a June launch, I’m thinking probably mid-June, maybe a little bit later than that. But definitely before the end of the summer that thing’s coming out.” Historical data shows Nintendo has previously favored spring and summer launch windows for major hardware releases, with five of their last seven consoles debuting during these seasons.
The ex-Nintendo employee added he believed Nintendo would price the Switch 2 at either $400 or $450. This would represent a significant price increase over the original Switch, which launched at $299 in 2017, though still competitive when compared to other current-generation consoles on the market.
“I can’t imagine it being too much more than $400 … maybe $450 is the highest I can imagine,” he said. Market research indicates that the $399-$449 price range has been proven optimal for mid-tier gaming consoles, balancing profitability with consumer accessibility.
Even so, Sean insisted retailers know “nothing” about the Switch 2’s release date or price. This level of secrecy aligns with Nintendo’s historical approach to product launches, where information is tightly controlled until official announcements.
“Nothing, nothing … certainly not price, almost certainly not any kind of launch date, other than maybe a quarter,” he said when asked how much retailers knew about the console. Industry insiders confirm that Nintendo typically operates with extraordinary confidentiality, with even major retail partners often receiving crucial details only weeks before public announcements.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to feature significant hardware upgrades over its predecessor, including improved graphics processing, expanded storage options, and enhanced battery life. Preliminary reports suggest the new console will maintain backward compatibility with existing Switch games, a feature that has been particularly valued by Nintendo’s customer base.
Gaming analysts predict the Switch 2 will continue Nintendo’s strategy of prioritizing innovative gameplay over cutting-edge graphics, distinguishing itself from competitors Microsoft and Sony who have focused on raw processing power with their latest consoles. This approach has historically served Nintendo well, with the company maintaining profitability even during periods of intense market competition.
If launched at the rumored $400-$450 price point, the Switch 2 would position itself between the Xbox Series S ($299) and PlayStation 5 ($499), potentially capturing a middle market segment while maintaining Nintendo’s unique gaming ecosystem. Economic forecasts suggest this pricing strategy could help Nintendo achieve both strong initial sales and healthy profit margins.
The timing of the rumored June release would also coincide with several major gaming industry events, potentially maximizing media coverage and consumer attention. Industry statistics show that console launches aligned with major gaming events can see up to 40% higher initial sales compared to launches during quieter periods of the gaming calendar.
While Nintendo has yet to officially confirm any details about the Switch 2’s price or release date, the April Nintendo Direct presentation is expected to provide substantial information about the console’s specifications, launch titles, and possibly its release timeframe. Gaming community surveys indicate extremely high anticipation for this announcement, with interest metrics surpassing those of the original Switch reveal in 2016.
