Nintendo Switch 2: Price, Release Date in France, and Everything You Need to Know

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in France on June 5, 2025, priced at €469.99 for the console alone and €509.99 for the bundle with *Mario Kart World*. As of March 31, 2026, Nintendo had sold 19.86 million units, making it the fastest-selling console in its history. Note: A price increase to €499.99 is confirmed for September 1, 2026, primarily due to soaring DRAM chip prices.

Key points to remember

• Release date in France: June 5, 2025
• Current price (May 2026): €469.99 for the console alone, €509.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle
• Price increase confirmed at €499.99 as of September 1, 2026 (+€30)
• 7.9-inch Full HD LCD display, 120 Hz, HDR10 (not OLED)
• 5,220 mAh battery, battery life ranging from 2 to 6.5 hours depending on the game
• 19.86 million units sold as of March 31, 2026—a Nintendo all-time record
• Backward compatibility with most of the Switch 1 library

What will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost in France in 2026?

In May 2026, the Nintendo Switch 2 costs €469.99 for the console alone. The bundle with Mario Kart World is priced at €509.99. These prices are those listed on the official Nintendo Store and at most retailers (Fnac, Micromania, Amazon, Carrefour).

Nintendo has confirmed a price increase of €30 effective September 1, 2026. The console alone will therefore cost €499.99. The official reason: soaring prices for the DRAM chips used in the console. In Japan, the price will rise from 49,980 to 59,980 yen starting May 25, 2026. In the United States, the price increase has already been set at $499.99.

• Console only — €469.99 through August 31, 2026, then €499.99
• Mario Kart World Bundle — €509.99, the best-selling bundle
• "Choose Your Game" Bundle — launching in May 2026, lets you choose between Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia
• Donkey Kong Bananza Bundle Edition — availability varies by retailer

If you're still on the fence, keep in mind that now is the perfect time to buy, before the price goes up in September. After that, the console will cost €30 more at retail stores.

What are the technical specifications of the Switch 2?

The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the hybrid design of its predecessor but offers a significant boost in performance. The screen is a 7.9-inch Full HD LCD (not OLED, which has disappointed some fans). The refresh rate has been increased to 120 Hz, and HDR10 is supported. The 5,220 mAh battery lasts between 2 hours (for the most power-hungry games) and 6 hours and 30 minutes (for lighter titles).

• Feature|Switch 2|Switch OLED
• Display|7.9" Full HD LCD, 120 Hz, HDR10|7" OLED, 720p, 60 Hz
• Battery|5,220 mAh, 2–6.5 hours|4,310 mAh, 4.5–9 hours
• Joy-Con|Magnetic Joy-Con 2, mouse function|Classic Joy-Con, strap
• Dock output|4K supported|1080p maximum
• Backward compatibility|Yes (Switch 1 games)|Native

Joy-Con 2: New Mounting System and Mouse Function

The Joy-Con 2 models have replaced the mechanical slide mechanism with a magnetic attachment. Simpler, more reliable, and best of all: they include a "mouse" function that lets you use them as a pointer on a flat surface. Handy for Mario Kart World or strategy games. Their battery life is around 20 hours.

Storage and Accessories

• 256 GB of internal storage — expandable via microSD Express card
• Dedicated USB-C camera — sold separately for built-in video chat
• New TV dock — supports 4K, improved cooling
• GameChat — a built-in social feature for chatting during games

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What exclusive games are available on the Switch 2?

In the spring of 2026, the Switch 2’s exclusive lineup expanded. Three titles are driving the market forward, with *Mario Kart World* leading the way.

• Mario Kart World — 14.7 million units sold as of March 31, 2026, the console's killer app
• Donkey Kong Bananza — Playable as Pauline, level-destruction mechanics à la Red Faction
• Pokémon Pokopia — a cozy Stardew Valley-style spin-off, included in the "Choose Your Game" bundle
• Cross-gen catalog — most Switch 1 games are available in an enhanced version

Nintendo has also re-released some Switch 1 classics with paid upgrade packs (for example, *Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom* in a Switch 2 edition). These updates improve resolution, frame rate, and sometimes textures. If you already own these games, you’ll have to pay extra for the optimized version.

On the third-party front, Western publishers have followed suit. EA, Ubisoft, Capcom, and Bandai Namco are offering native ports, whereas the original Switch often received only limited cloud-based versions.

Is the Switch 2 backward compatible with Switch 1 games?

Yes, the vast majority of the Switch 1 library works on Switch 2, both as physical cartridges and as digital downloads. Nintendo has released patches for most first-party games, sometimes in the form of paid upgrade packs (€1.99 to €9.99 depending on the title).

Some Switch 1 games are not fully supported, particularly those that make heavy use of the infrared sensors on the older Joy-Con controllers. Nintendo maintains an official list on its support website. If in doubt, check for the "Switch 2 Compatible" label on the game's eShop page.

• Switch Digital Games 1 — Transfer via Nintendo Account, no redemption required
• Physical cartridges — can be inserted directly, native playback
• Switch 2 Upgrade Bundles — Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Zelda: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Party
• Backups — migration available via Nintendo Switch Online cloud

Which Nintendo Switch Online membership plan is best for the Switch 2?

A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is still required to play online and access cloud services. Prices have not changed in France for the time being, but a price increase has been confirmed in Japan: the annual subscription will rise from 2,400 to 3,000 yen. It remains to be seen whether this price increase will be implemented in Europe.

On Switch 2, the subscription also unlocks the updated Nintendo Switch Online app (launched on July 1, 2026, in Japan). As a reminder, the Family Plan covers up to 8 accounts and remains far more cost-effective than individual accounts once at least two people are playing. This is exactly the kind of service where legal account sharing really makes sense. To learn more, check out our Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan comparison and the guide to sharing a Switch Online subscription.

• Individual — €19.99/year, 1 account
• Family — €34.99/year, up to 8 Nintendo accounts
• Family + Additional Pack — €69.99/year, unlocks Nintendo 64 / Mega Drive / Game Boy Advance
• Cloud save — included in all levels

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Should I buy the Switch 2 now or wait?

Three factors make the decision clear: price, game library, and availability. As for price, the answer is clear: buy before September 1, 2026, to save €30. As for the game library, Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokémon Pokopia already provide a solid foundation. As for availability, the initial shortage has been resolved: the console is widely in stock as of May 2026.

Benefits

• Significant performance boost: 4K in docked mode, 120 Hz on the go
• More reliable Joy-Con 2 controllers, well-integrated mouse functionality
• Native backward compatibility, easy transfer from Switch 1
• Exclusive catalog already provided, native third-party ports
• "Choose Your Game" Bundle to customize your purchase

Disadvantages

• An LCD screen instead of an OLED—a disappointment for purists
• Increase confirmed as of September 1, 2026
• Paid Switch 2 upgrade packs for select classics
• Camera sold separately; not included in the basic package

Who is the Switch 2 designed for?

Not all profiles are the same. Here’s a breakdown by use case to help you decide.

• For Switch 1 owners: if you play regularly, the upgrade is worth it, especially for *Mario Kart World* and 4K resolution when docked
• For families: Switch 2 bundle + Nintendo Switch Online Family, perfect for up to 8 accounts
• For gamers on the go: 7.9-inch display and 120 Hz refresh rate, but battery life varies—be sure to bring a portable charger for long trips
• For newcomers: The Choose Your Game bundle lets you start with a top-tier title at no extra cost
• For retro fans: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains the best legal option for playing Mega Drive and Nintendo 64 classics

If you're torn between the Switch 2 and cloud gaming, check out our guide to gaming and cloud gaming, as well as our review of Blacknut, to compare the two options. For Netflix nights on your console, our Netflix guide for the Switch covers all the possible methods. You can also check out our top 10 best Switch games to build your game library.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exact price of the Nintendo Switch 2 in May 2026?

The console alone costs €469.99 in France, and €509.99 with Mario Kart World included. According to Nintendo’s official announcement, these prices will rise to €499.99 (console only) on September 1, 2026, due to the global increase in DRAM chip prices.

Does the Switch 2 have an OLED screen?

No, the Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch Full HD LCD screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support. Nintendo opted for an LCD screen to keep the price down and improve battery life. An OLED model has not been announced at this time.

How many Switch 2 games have been sold since its release?

As of March 31, 2026, *Mario Kart World* had sold 14.70 million units, making it the best-selling launch title in Nintendo’s history. The console itself sold 19.86 million units over the same period, surpassing previous top-selling launches.

Will my Switch 1 games work on Switch 2?

Yes, backward compatibility covers nearly the entire Switch 1 library, both physical cartridges and digital downloads. A few first-party games (Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey) offer a paid upgrade pack to access an optimized Switch 2 version.

Do you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for the Switch 2?

Yes, to play online and access cloud saves. The Family Plan (€34.99/year, up to 8 accounts) remains the best value once two people are playing. Co-subscription via spliiit you split the cost by legally sharing the subscription with other verified users.

When are the next big Switch 2 games coming out?

Following Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokémon Pokopia, Nintendo has announced a busy 2026 lineup with several major first-party titles in the works. The "Choose Your Game" bundle, launching in May 2026, already allows players to customize their purchase based on the releases that interest them.

Is the Switch 2 worth the price compared to a PS5 or an Xbox Series?

They're not in the same league. The Switch 2 remains a hybrid: portable, docked, and capable of local multiplayer. The PS5 and Xbox Series X are designed for pure performance and stable 4K at 60 fps. For Nintendo exclusives (Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Donkey Kong), there's no alternative. For third-party blockbusters, the PS5 or Xbox are often more powerful. The right choice depends on your preferences more than on a simple technical comparison.

Will I have to repurchase my original Switch games?

No, in most cases. Switch 1 cartridges work right out of the box, digital games are transferred via your Nintendo Account, and your save data is migrated via the Nintendo Switch Online cloud. Only certain first-party titles offer a paid upgrade pack (often around €9.99) for an optimized Switch 2 version.

Should you buy the Switch 2 before the price hike in September 2026?

Yes, if you're on a tight budget: the console alone will go from €469.99 to €499.99 on September 1, 2026, representing a potential savings of €30. This price increase has been confirmed by Nintendo and will also affect Japan and the United States. It is therefore more cost-effective to buy before the start of the 2026 school year.