Nintendo
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With the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 comes a slew of new and improved tech.
Capitalizing on the new gaming tech drop, Belkin released a gaming charger case, and it’s available now on Amazon. Retailing for $69.99, the charging case currently comes in three colors including black, khaki and olive green.
Great for on-the-go gaming, this case elongates the life of the Switch 2 thanks to a fast-charging Nintendo Switch charger built into the case along with a removable 10,000mAh power bank that delivers up to 30W, charging your Switch up to 1.5x for extended hours of playtime. Said removable charger comes equipped with a nifty LCD screen that tells you the current battery life of your console, perfect for hassle-free marathon gaming sessions.
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Belkin Gaming Charger Case for Nintendo Switch 2
A charging case for the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Perfect for storage or long travel days, the genius of this case is that it offers a custom fit that shields your console with features like anti-scratch lining and shock-absorbing materials that protect your precious console from wear and tear. Looking for extra storage for your collection of games? This case allows storage for up to 10 game cards that can be situated in a dedicated slot system. You can also keep tabs on your Nintendo Switch case by utilizing a hidden AirTag compartment embedded into the case so you’ll never lose it.
Compact and sleek, this carrying case is great for traveling. It’s small enough to store easily in a backpack, purse or carry-on. The case itself is also easy to carry thanks to a short strap fixed to the top.
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Nintendo Switch 2
$499.99
$499.00
The second iteration of the Switch.
According to Nintendo’s IR information, the original Switch sold over 152 million units worldwide. The Switch launched back in 2017, receiving widespread acclaim from everyone including video game-obsessed celebrities like Chance The Rapper, Meghan Trainor, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Chrissy Teigen. With the success of the OG Switch, it’s no wonder Nintendo launched this new console.
What’s so different about the Switch 2 you ask? Well, the new console is vastly improved, coming equipped with a larger screen and upgraded graphics, something that fans of the console have taken umbrage with about the original. The updated console also includes redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that include mouse functionality and a C button for voice chat.
Mario Kart World -Nintendo Switch 2
A new Mario Kart game exclusive for the Switch 2.
Some Switch 2-exclusive games will include Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, along with upcoming titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and The Duskbloods. If you’re looking to grab the new Switch 2, prospective buyers can snag the console at Walmart and Target now for $499.00.
Joe Raedle / Nintendo Switch 2
So far, Nintendo is meeting the demand and has moved a record number of Switch 2 consoles.
The company proudly announced that it was able to get a record 3.5 million Nintendo Switch 2 consoles into the hands of gamers.
If Nintendo can maintain this torrid pace, it can reach its goal of selling 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026, but that also depends on whether Nintendo can continue to produce the consoles to meet the demand that will undoubtedly continue to grow.
The Switch 2 is currently outpacing the sales of the first Switch console, and it’s not even close. The original Switch needed a month to reach 2.7 million units sold.
Additionally, it appears that the Switch 2’s higher $450 price tag compared to its predecessor’s $300 isn’t deterring gamers at all.
“Fans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go,” said Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser. “We are thankful for their response and happy to see the fun they are already having with Nintendo Switch 2 as they explore new features and games that bring friends and family together in new ways.”
The Threat of Donald Trump’s Tariffs Still Looms Over Nintendo’s Business
The company that Mario built isn’t letting the current success get to its head. The threat of Trump’s tariffs still looms and could prompt the company to raise the console’s price, potentially slowing sales.
The Japanese-based company has already taken several provisions, such as stockpiling the Switch 2 in the United States, while shifting non-Chinese output.
The Switch 2 launch didn’t go off without a hitch; some customers missed out when demand exceeded the company’s expectations. President Shuntaro Furukawa ordered Nintendo to boost production in response.
We shall see if Nintendo can continue to push out Switch 2 units throughout the year.
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Raise your hand if you miss the classic Wii. We sure do.
When I was a kid, the console was a staple in my household. From Animal Crossing to Wii Sports, I distinctly remember playing on the Wii until my eyes burned. The console was and is one of the greats, in my humble opinion. With the introduction of the Wii U and Switch, however, the console became practically obsolete, and was eventually discontinued in 2013. For those of us chasing the magic and nostalgia factor of the Wii, we’ve got a deal you’re sure to love.
Wii Bundle
$112.94
$118.59
5% off
A Wii bundle equipped with controllers, charging ports, a sensor bar and more.
Right now, Amazon has a refurbished white Nintendo Wii Console available for $112.94. It comes with all the bells and whistles needed to play, including the Wii console, 2 Wii remotes, 2 nunchucks, 2 Wii remote jackets, sensor bar, Wii AC adaptor, Wii AV cable and a controller charging dock. Two rechargeable batteries for your controller are also included.
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This bundle deal is great for those looking to play on a system for cheap, especially considering some newer consoles retail for more than $500 without any inclusions.
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This console is family-friendly, amounting to endless hours of fun. The console’s age also means that finding compatible games should be pretty easy and cost-effective, too. You can play some pretty impressive titles on the Wii, from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess to Mario Kart. The playable options are endless.
Hyperkin Hyper Strummer Wii Guitar Controller
$72.99
$76.99
5% off
A guitar-shaped Wii-compatible controller.
This deal comes at a perfect time, especially considering a new Wii-compatible Guitar Hero controller was just announced in January. The Hyperkin-made ultra-nostalgic guitar-shaped controller can also be purchased on Amazon and currently retails for $72.99. This controller is compatible with both Guitar Hero and Rock Band games on Wii consoles.
In other Nintendo video game console news, you can preorder the new Nintendo Switch 2 now via Walmart. The innovative setup is set for release on June 5, and currently retails for $449. The Switch 2 boasts three play modes: TV, tabletop and handheld. The console also features a larger and more vivid 7.9” LCD touchscreen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps. Plus, you can get the gaming console shipped to you for free if you’re a Walmart+ member, with delivery by 9 a.m. local time on launch day.
Nintendo Switch 2
A new Switch model with updated features.
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Source: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / Getty / / Microsoft / Xbox
Welp, it’s going to cost you more if you’re still in the market for an actual Xbox Series X or Series S console.
Xbox announced today that it is raising the prices of the Xbox Series S and Series X consoles globally, except for accessories, which will see their prices increase in the US and Canada. First-party titles are expected to reach the $80 threshold by the holiday season.
The price hike will take effect beginning May 1. You can peep them below:
Xbox Series S 512 – $379.99 (up from $299.99)
Xbox Series S 1TB – $429.99 (up from $349.99)
Xbox Series X Digital – $549.99 (up from $449.99)
Xbox Series X – $599.99 (up from $499.99)
Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition $729.99 (up from $599.99)
Xbox Wireless Controller (Core) – $64.99
Xbox Wireless Controller (Color) – $69.99
Xbox Wireless Controller – Special Edition – $79.99
Xbox Wireless Controller – Limited Edition – $89.99 (up from $79.99)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core) – $149.99 (up from $139.99)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full) – $199.99 (up from $179.99)
Xbox Stereo Headset -$64.99
Xbox Wireless Headset – $119.99 (up from $109.99)
Here’s what Xbox had to say about the price hikes in an official statement:
We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.
A History of Price Hikes
This marks the first time the Series S has seen a price hike since its 2020 release. Xbox committed to the console’s current prices in 2022, following PlayStation’s price increase for the PS5 due to inflation.
The Xbox Series X experienced a price increase in 2023 in most countries, except the US, and Xbox Game Pass underwent multiple price hikes globally.
These new Xbox price increases should not come as a surprise, as PlayStation announced price hikes for the PS5 in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand three weeks ago.
Nintendo recently faced criticism after revealing that the Nintendo Switch 2 would cost $450, one $80 game (Mario Kart World), and price hikes for Switch 2 accessories following Donald Trump’s misuse of tariffs.
Somehow This Is Nintendo’s Fault
Speaking of Nintendo, gamers, of course, are BIG MAD about the price hikes and already pointing fingers at someone. Gamers should blame Donald Trump and his misguided trade policies, as well as his misuse of tariffs. Still, somehow, Nintendo is being blamed for what Xbox’s decision, with “Thanks, Nintendo” immediately trending after the news broke.
While we understand that Nintendo is not at fault for Microsoft’s or even a potential decision from PlayStation, we acknowledge gamers’ frustration with having to spend more money at a time when prices are increasing. There doesn’t seem to be enough money to cover these expenses.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
5. Lol, this is crazy
7. A thread
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Source: Nintendo / Nintendo Switch 2
After a delay, primarily due to Donald Trump’s blatant abuse of tariffs, Nintendo was forced to postpone pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 for fans in the US. After some waiting, the day has arrived for gamers stateside to secure Nintendo’s new console, and as expected, things did not go smoothly.
Although people have been complaining about the Switch 2’s price, demand is still strong. Gamers had a frustrating time trying to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 due to several sites offering pre-orders crashing under the high volume of traffic.
Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all experienced issues with their websites on Thursday morning once pre-orders for the Switch 2 went live, according to Downdetector.
For about 45 minutes, starting around midnight, following the announcement that pre-orders for the Switch 2 went live, more than 2,000 customers reported experiencing issues while trying to connect to Target’s website.
Best Buy wasn’t any better. Even though they required customers to have an account on the website, a tactic to combat scalping, customers began encountering issues around 9 PM on Wednesday, which persisted until 2 AM on Thursday.
GameStop, remember them? Kicked off their Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders on Thursday at 11 AM; spoiler alert, it was also a hot mess.
Still, some were able to secure their Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, even though it required some searching. To those people, congratulations on your major accomplishment.
The Buzz & Discourse Around The Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, a date Nintendo says will hold firm. Since its announcement, there has been considerable excitement, as well as considerable discourse, particularly regarding the costs of its games.
Mario Kart World, one of the console’s launch titles, will cost $80, and that is not sitting well with some gamers.
Many were worried that Nintendo would raise the price of the console in response to Trump’s tariffs, but the company has recently announced that the console’s price will remain unchanged. However, they did raise the price on accessories.
Welp.
You can see more reactions to the Switch 2 pre-order situation in the gallery below.
1. Felt this
3. Gotta kill time somehow
8. Nature is healing
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
After a brief postponement, Nintendo announced a new preorder release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 — the newest gaming console from Nintendo since in eight years.
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Available for preorder starting on Thursday, April 24, at Walmart, the Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449. However, if you’d like to with the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World game (priced at $79) bundle, then it starts at $499 from the retailer. The console drops on Thursday, June 5.
And since you can shop the Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart, you’ll get the gaming console shipped to you for free if you’re a Walmart+ member with delivery by 9 a.m. local time on launch day. Just pre-order before 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 4. Otherwise, your cart has to be more than $35 to get free shipping.
If you’re not a member, then you’re in luck: You can sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of everything the retailer’s rewards program has to offer with perks such as free, fast delivery; fuel discounts’ streaming access to Paramount+ to watch hit originals; additional savings with early access deals and much more.
In addition, Walmart+ comes with access to SiriusXM for all sorts of talk radio and music — including popular channels such as “The Coffee House” for stripped-down songs from Noah Kahan, Kacey Musgraves, The Lumineers, Phoebe Bridgers and others. Learn more about what Walmart+ can offer you here.
Aside from Walmart, the new gaming console is also ready for preorder on Target and Amazon. Scroll down and preorder the Nintendo Switch 2:
Nintendo
PreOrder
Nintendo Switch 2 + ‘Mario Kart World’
Release date: June 5
Armed with a vivid and brilliant 7.9-inch LCD display with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a larger display and higher video resolution at 1080p Full HD with a smoother frame rates up to 120Hz compared to the Nintendo Switch 1. However, when docked to a 4K TV, the gaming console supports up to 4K Ultra HD resolutions.
Meanwhile, the console also has new magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers are more secure with larger triggers and action buttons with mouse-like controls, while its built-in speakers feature crisper and more detailed audio for music and in-game sounds. There’s even noise-canceling settings with a new microphone system for easier and clearer voice chat with friends and family online. Learn more about the Nintendo Switch 2 here.
Starting at $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console is available for preorder starting on Thursday, April 24, on Walmart, Target and Amazon. The Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World bundle starts at $499 for release on Thursday, June 5.
Learn more about Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World and accessories here. In the meantime, watch the overview trailer below:
Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.
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Nintendo / Nintendo Switch 2
Mark your calendars, U.S. Nintendo fans, you can now officially preorder your Switch 2 on April 24.
Nintendo announced the new preorder date for U.S. customers and revealed that the price for the Switch will also remain at $449.99 for the base console and $499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle.
Prices for both physical and digital versions of Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) will remain unchanged.
However, there is some bad news: the price of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories is going up. The Switch 2 Joy-Con, Switch 2 Pro Controller, and Switch 2 Camera are seeing price bumps.
The Joy-Con 2, originally priced at $89.99, will now be priced at $94.99. The Pro Controller increased from $79.99 to $84.99, and the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera rose from $49.99 to $54.99.
Gamers who usually use video games as an escape from politics are now seeing how politics can invade their space.
All of these moves by Nintendo are a direct result of Donald Trump’s abuse of tariffs. Originally, preorders for the Switch 2 were supposed to begin on April 9, but were delayed after Orange Mussolini announced his tariffs, which would affect everyone, including an island inhabited by penguins and seals.
In response to his boneheaded actions, Nintendo said it was delaying Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” but also stated that the June 5 release date remains unchanged.
How We Got Here
On April 8, Nintendo also delayed preorders for the Switch 2 in Canada “in order to align with the timing of preorders to be determined in the US.”
After watching the global economy tank and the U.S. stock market nosedive for a few days, Trump issued a 90-day pause on some of the tariffs, but kept the 145 percent tariff on China in place.
Then, news broke that the Trump administration had announced exemptions for smartphones, computers, and chips. Unfortunately, gaming consoles were not on the list, but then Trump said that “no one is getting off the hook.”
In anticipation of Trump’s tariffs, Nintendo began stockpiling the Switch 2 in the United States and shifted most of its non-Chinese production there.
The Switch 2’s announcement has been a clusterf***, with some issues being on Nintendo’s part, but mainly due to the company trying to navigate Trump’s erratic behavior with the tariffs.
Let’s hope this date stands firm, and people won’t have to choose between putting food on the table or getting a Switch 2 at this point.
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Nintendo / Nintendo Switch 2 / Getty Images / Donald Trump
Donald Trump’s stupid trade war and his blatant abuse of tariffs continue, showing no clear indication this madness will end.
Orange Mussolini said aht aht aht after numerous reports claiming he was gonna exempt smartphones, PCs, and chips from his sweeping tariffs.
Spotted on Eurogamer, Donald Trump has backtracked on those exemptions, saying “no one is getting off the hook” and “there was no Tariff ‘exception” on his Truth social account. This kills all hope of anyone avoiding the absurd 145 percent tariff he slapped on China.
There is also a separate tariff specifically for semiconductors coming as well.
Per Eurogamer:
Chinese electrical goods would simply now be placed in “a different tariff bucket”, Trump continued, concluding that National Security Tarriff Investigations would be reviewing “the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN”.
US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has told ABC News that a separate “semiconductor tariff” was now planned – exact details of which are yet to be determined.
“We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels, we need to have these things made in America,” Lutnick said. “We can’t be reliant on Southeast Asia for all of the things that operate for us.”
Speaking to CBS News, US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed this semiconductor tariff meant Chinese electrical goods had therefore been given something that was “not really an exception. That’s not even the right word for it.”
“It’s not that they won’t be subject to tariffs geared at reshoring,” Greer continued. “They’ll just be under a different regime. It’s shifting from one bucket of tariffs to a different bucket of potential tariffs.”
There is no clear plan for anything this Trump administration does; there is no exact date on when the Trump administration will introduce the semiconductor tariff or how much it will be.
The Gaming Industry Has Begun Prepping For Trump’s Tariffs
The video game world has been prepping and making moves ahead and after Trump’s “Liberation Day.”
Nintendo has already delayed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the US indefinitely, begun stockpiling the console in the country, and shifted most of its non-Chinese output there.
Nintendo is not alone. Sony just recently announced it was raising the price of the PlayStation 5’s digital edition in the UK, mainland Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
The company said the “tough decision” was a result of “the backdrop of a challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates.”
This nightmare has no end in sight.
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Nintendo / Nintendo Switch 2
Unfortunately, Nintendo is sticking to its no-achievement formula for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Switch 2 will not join PlayStation and Xbox because Nintendo is sticking to its guns by not adding its own version of achievements. Nintendo confirmed the sad news in a recent interview with Polygon.
Nintendo’s vice president of player and product experience simply said “Nope” when Polygon asked if potential Switch 2 owners can expect to see trophies or achievements on the console.
With the Switch 2 passing on an achievement system, the console stays in line with its predecessor by leaving the ball in the developer’s courts to implement their own in-game trophies.
Ubisoft already does that with Ubisoft Connect, which rewards players for completing tasks in their games and gives them points they can redeem and use towards in-game purchases. Those achievements do pop up while playing games on the Switch.
But there is some sliver of an achievement system when you play the Switch 2 versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild and Tears of The Kingdom.
The company revealed that players will earn medals for completing in-game tasks like traveling long distances or collecting large amounts of rupees via Zelda Notes inside the Nintendo app.
You can also compare your progress to that of other players globally.
We guess it’s a start, but honestly, Nintendo needs to stop being stubborn about achievements. Players do enjoy them, and they keep playing games for a longer period of time.
Who wouldn’t want to see a trophy pop for collecting all 900 Korok Seeds in Breath of The Wild?
We’re just saying.
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Source: Getty Images / Nintendo / Nintendo Switch 2
Donald Trump and his stupid tariffs are already having an unfortunate impact on regular American lives. If you were one of the excited gamers hoping to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2, we have some bad news.
Orange Mussolini continues to show his financial incompetence, especially regarding tariffs and how they work. After Trump’s masterclass in tanking the global economy following his bonehead announcement of “reciprocal tariffs aimed at countries, mainly our allies, he feels have treated us “unfairly.”
Anyway, it’s no secret the tech space, mainly the gaming community, was apprehensive about the effect of Trump’s looming tariffs, and low and behold, we are seeing just how impactful they will be.
Nintendo is gearing up to launch the Switch 2, with preorders in the US set to go live on April 9. However, the Japanese-based company has taken the unprecedented step of delaying preorders because of the tariffs imposed on Japan and Vietnam.
Nintendo spoke on its decision sent to Gamespot:
“Preorders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
Bruh.
Gamers Are Not Happy
As you can imagine, gamers who were excited to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 are unhappy with their decision. The Nintendo Switch 2 is already expensive, but the 46% tariff on Vietnam, where the company has shifted the manufacturing of the console, could raise the price even more.
The 24% tariff on Japan is also significant because that’s where the physical cartridges are made.
“Once again if you are a gamer who voted for Trump you are stupid as shit. Get ready video game fans. You think these shits are expensive NOW?!? BWAHAHAHAHA we’re f****d,” one user on X, formerly Twitter wrote.
Another post on X read, “Not only is the Switch 2 preorder delayed, it is also possible Nintendo will increase the price for the US market. This is a HUGE mess.”
Bruh.
It hasn’t been a year with this man, and he is already ruining our lives.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.