Ex-Nintendo employee leaks Switch 2 release date

An ex-Nintendo employee has provided insight into the potential release timing of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. While Nintendo plans to release the console this year, the specific date remains unclear, leading fans to await information from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct scheduled for April 2, 2025.

The former employee indicated that Nintendo is likely aiming for a summer release, suggesting June as the most probable month, with mid-June being ideal to coincide with the start of summer vacation for students.

Gamers should be cautious regarding speculative online listings from retailers about the Nintendo Switch 2’s pricing and release date. A former Nintendo sales lead, speaking on the Kit & Krysta Podcast, stated that retailers currently have no insight into the console’s pricing or launch schedule beyond potentially knowing the release quarter. According to him, “There’s no way that even like Target in the US would know anything,” emphasizing that retailers will likely learn the release date only shortly before it is made public.

Speculation around the Switch 2’s price has generated a number of predictions, with estimates hovering around $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$699.95. This price point is anticipated to be slightly above the original Switch OLED’s launch price of $349.99 / £309.99 / AU$539.95, reflecting the console’s upgraded specifications while remaining accessible to its broader casual audience. Nintendo has indicated that the Switch 2’s pricing will align with “affordable prices customers expect,” supporting these predictions. Confirmation of the price is expected during the April 2 event.

The former employee asserted that Nintendo is committed to a summer launch and will officially announce the Switch 2’s release date during the April Direct presentation.

While Nintendo has not disclosed details about what will be showcased during the upcoming presentation, rumors suggest new titles could be introduced, including an unnamed Mario Kart game featured in the Switch 2 trailer. Additionally, there are indications of strong third-party support for the console, as evidenced by comments from Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, who confirmed Xbox’s interest in developing games for the Switch 2 as part of their strategy to prioritize game sales over console exclusivity.

In financial updates, only one analyst has issued coverage on Nintendo in the past three months. Jefferies analyst Atul Goyal has assigned a Buy rating and set a price target of $17.20 for NTDOY shares, indicating a potential downside of 9.71% for the stock.

Featured image credit: Nintendo