The digital drawbridge has finally lowered. After a period that felt more like applying for a secret society than simply purchasing a gaming console, Amazon has officially lifted its invitation-only purchasing system for the Nintendo Switch 2. This pivotal change means that aspiring owners in the US can now add the console directly to their cart, click “buy,” and potentially have it delivered the very same day. For many, this marks the end of a frustrating waiting game and the beginning of actual next-gen Nintendo gaming.
Immediate Accessibility: Mario Kart and Standalone Options
The primary beneficiaries of this newfound accessibility are those eyeing the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle and the standalone Nintendo Switch 2 console. Both are now available for direct purchase, eligible for Amazon Prime shipping benefits, including the appealing prospect of same-day delivery in select regions. The Mario Kart World bundle, priced at $499, offers a notable saving, bundling the console with a digital copy of the $80 exclusive racing title. A subtle hint from Nintendo suggests this bundle might soon become a collector`s item as it`s slated for discontinuation this fall. So, if you`re a fan of distinctive box art and getting a deal, now might be an opportune moment. The standalone console, for those who prefer to pick their first game independently, is available for $449.
The Next Wave: Pokémon Awaits Its Debut
Not to be outdone by immediate gratification, a new challenger is also poised to enter the retail arena. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pokemon Legends: Z-A Bundle is on the horizon, currently available for preorder at $500, with a release date of October 16th. This bundle effectively steps in as the successor to the Mario Kart offering, strategically aligning its launch with the new Pokémon adventure. While Pokemon Legends: Z-A will be available on both Switch generations, the Switch 2 bundle provides a $20 saving on the new title, an appealing proposition for dedicated trainers looking to upgrade.
What`s Under the Hood? A Glimpse at the Switch 2
For the uninitiated, or those wondering what exactly they`ve been patiently waiting for, the Nintendo Switch 2 is more than just a slight iteration. It packs a vibrant 7.9-inch LCD display, capable of 1080p in handheld mode with HDR10 support, and an impressive 4K output in TV mode, also with HDR10. Gamers will undoubtedly appreciate the variable refresh rate up to 120Hz in handheld mode and up to 120Hz at 1440p when docked (or 60Hz in 4K). Audio is delivered via stereo sound with 5.1ch Linear PCM surround sound support. The console comes with 256GB of UFS storage – a significant upgrade from its predecessor – which, critically, is expandable via microSD Express cards.
The Essentials: What`s in Your Box?
Every Nintendo Switch 2 console, regardless of the chosen bundle, includes the following:
- The Switch 2 console itself, featuring the 7.9-inch LCD display.
- A pair of redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers (Left and Right), complete with straps and a grip for versatile play.
- The essential dock for connecting to your TV.
- An Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable.
- A USB-C Cable.
- And a 60W AC adapter to keep everything powered.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
- Screen: 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen
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Video:
- Handheld: 1080p with HDR10
- TV: 4K with HDR10
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Refresh rate:
- Handheld: Up to 120Hz with VRR
- TV: 120Hz up to 1440p / 60Hz in 4K
- Audio: Stereo, Linear PCM 5.1ch surround sound, built-in monaural microphone
- Storage: 256GB UFS, expandable with microSD Express Card
- Ports: HDMI, USB-C (x2), USB 2.0 (x2), 3.5mm audio
- Controls: Joy-Con 2 with magnetic connectors (Accelerometer / Gyroscope, Mouse Sensor, HD Rumble)
- Battery: 2-6.5 hours (approximate)
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55 inches
- Weight: 0.88 pounds
A Word to the Wise: Storage Expansion and Game-Key Cards
While 256GB of internal storage sounds generous, modern AAA titles can be quite demanding. Prudent players will likely find themselves eyeing a microSD Express card sooner rather than later. Options like a 256GB card for around $59 or a 512GB version for roughly $78 can double or quadruple your storage, a small investment to avoid the dreaded “storage full” message that inevitably pops up at the most inconvenient times. Furthermore, a crucial detail for physical game enthusiasts: while Nintendo`s exclusive titles typically come as full games on cartridges, many third-party “physical” releases for the Switch 2 now utilize “Game-Key Cards.” These are, in essence, just unlock keys, still requiring a full download of the game data. A curious evolution of physical media, indeed, that means a physical purchase doesn`t always translate to an immediate, offline play experience.
The era of patiently waiting for an Amazon invite to snag a Nintendo Switch 2 appears to be behind us. With direct purchasing now enabled for key bundles and the standalone console, coupled with the exciting upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A offering, the path to Nintendo`s latest hardware has never been clearer. Whether you`re chasing high scores in Mario Kart, embarking on a new Pokémon journey, or simply eager to experience the technical upgrades, the Switch 2 is finally, genuinely, within reach for instant gratification.
Gareth Fenton 
Ellis Thorne