For those eagerly awaiting an upgrade or their first dive into Nintendo`s next-generation portable gaming, the gates have officially swung wide open. The Nintendo Switch 2, a console that has been notoriously hard to snag due to Amazon`s restrictive invite-only system, is now readily available for direct purchase in the US. No more waiting, no more speculative emails – just pure, unadulterated gaming access.
The End of the Waiting Game: A Welcome Change for US Gamers
Until recently, securing a Nintendo Switch 2 from Amazon felt like winning a lottery. Prospective buyers had to request an invitation and then endure an often-lengthy, uncertain wait for an approval email – sometimes days, sometimes weeks, and occasionally, never. This bottleneck created palpable frustration among fans desperate to get their hands on Nintendo`s latest hardware. Happily, those days appear to be over.
Amazon has quietly but significantly removed the invitation requirement for both the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle ($499) and the standalone Switch 2 console ($449). This change means you can now add these coveted items to your cart and proceed to checkout just like any other product. What`s more, both options are eligible for Prime shipping, with some lucky regions even boasting same-day delivery. It`s almost as if Amazon realized gamers prefer to buy consoles, not audition for them.
Your Options: Bundles and Beyond
Whether you`re a kart racing enthusiast, a Pokémon trainer, or a purist who prefers to build their own game library from scratch, the Nintendo Switch 2 now offers straightforward purchasing paths:
The Mario Kart World Bundle – Get Your Race On (While You Still Can)
- Price: $499
- Availability: Immediately available
- Contents: Nintendo Switch 2 console + digital copy of the exclusive Mario Kart World.
- Value: This bundle offers a tangible saving of $30, considering Mario Kart World is one of the few Switch 2 titles with an $80 MSRP. Beyond the savings, it’s also the version with distinctive printed artwork on the box – a small but significant detail for collectors.
- Heads Up: This bundle is expected to be discontinued this fall. Once current stocks are depleted, it’s likely gone for good, making now an opportune moment for Mario Kart aficionados.
The Pokémon Legends: Z-A Bundle – Catch `Em All, Later This Year
- Price: $500
- Release Date: October 16
- Contents: Nintendo Switch 2 console + digital copy of Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
- Role: Expected to succeed the Mario Kart bundle as the primary holiday offering for 2025.
- Value: Saves you $20 compared to buying the console and game separately, with Pokemon Legends: Z-A priced at $70 for the Switch 2. Note that this game will also be available for the original Switch at $60. Like the Mario Kart bundle, it features unique printed artwork on its packaging.
The Standalone Nintendo Switch 2 Console – For the Discerning Gamer
- Price: $449
- Availability: Immediately available
- Ideal For: Players not keen on either bundled game, or those who already have a robust library of Switch 2 titles in mind.
Unpacking the Power: Nintendo Switch 2 Key Specifications
For those interested in the technical muscle beneath the sleek exterior, the Nintendo Switch 2 brings a noticeable upgrade:
- Screen: A vibrant 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen.
- Video Output: Handheld mode offers 1080p with HDR10; TV mode pushes to 4K with HDR10.
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz with VRR in handheld mode, and 120Hz up to 1440p / 60Hz in 4K when docked.
- Audio: Stereo sound with Linear PCM 5.1ch surround sound support and a built-in monaural microphone.
- Storage: A respectable 256GB UFS onboard storage, expandable via microSD Express Card.
- Ports: HDMI, two USB-C, two USB 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
- Controls: Upgraded Joy-Con 2 with magnetic connectors, accelerometer, gyroscope, mouse sensor, and HD Rumble.
- Battery: A variable 2-6.5 hours depending on usage.
- Dimensions & Weight: 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inches, weighing 0.88 pounds.
Each Switch 2 edition comes with the console, Joy-Con 2 (left and right), Joy-Con 2 straps and grip, a dock for TV mode, an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable, a USB-C cable, and a 60W AC adapter.
Storage Solutions: Don`t Get Caught Flat-Footed (and a Word on “Physical” Games)
While 256GB of internal storage sounds generous, modern AAA titles can quickly consume that space. To avoid constant juggling of game installations, expanding your console`s storage with a microSD Express card is highly recommended. For instance, a 256GB officially licensed Samsung microSD Express Card can be found for around $59, effectively doubling your console`s capacity.
A note of mild caution, or perhaps a moment of modern gaming irony: while Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives typically come as full games on physical cartridges, many third-party “physical” titles now utilize what Nintendo calls “Game-Key Cards.” These look like traditional cartridges but are, in essence, just unlock keys. You`ll still need to download the bulk of the game data, even if you bought a box. So, that feeling of owning a complete physical game might, in some cases, be more about owning a physical key to a digital download. Plan your storage accordingly!
The Verdict: Is Now the Time to Jump In?
With Amazon`s invite system finally consigned to the history books, the Nintendo Switch 2 is more accessible than ever for US consumers. Whether you`re a long-time Nintendo fan ready for the next evolution or a newcomer looking for a versatile gaming experience, the immediate availability, coupled with various bundle options and clear specifications, makes this an opportune moment. Go forth and game – without the bureaucratic hurdles.
Callum Darby