Nintendo Switch 2: sales launch and Russian realities
June 5, 2025 is the official launch day of the Nintendo Switch 2, a new console from Nintendo that promises to be more powerful, faster, and more convenient than its predecessor. However, for Russian gamers, the process of buying and using the new product is associated with a number of difficulties.
Accessibility and functionality issues
The main problem is that Nintendo does not officially operate in Russia. This means that the local eShop, technical support, warranties and online services of the company are not available to Russian users. Because of this, the Switch 2 will not work to its full potential:
- The Nintendo eShop is region locked, making it impossible to purchase and download games without workarounds.
- Nintendo Online services, including multiplayer, cloud saves and Retro Libraries, are unavailable.
- Warranty: There is no official center to contact in case of breakdown.
Price and offers from Russian retailers
The base price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is $450, which at the current Central Bank exchange rate is about 36,000 rubles. However, Russian retailers cannot offer such a price due to parallel imports and markups. Here are some offers:
- DNS — 59,999 ₽, sales start June 29, prepayment required.
- Yandex.Market — 50,000 ₽ with delivery from abroad (June 16–22) + 6,000 ₽ duty.
- Videoigr.net — delivery from June 10: Bundle with Mario Kart — 66,990 ₽; regular version — 61,990 ₽.
- Gamepark — 54,999 ₽, delivery date not specified.
- Ozon — the set-top box is in stock, delivery is June 1, but the price is 84,000 ₽.
Why is it so expensive?
There are several reasons:
- Logistics: deliveries bypass official channels.
- The dollar exchange rate for purchases is far from the bank rate.
- Customs and duties.
- The desire of retailers to make money in conditions of shortages.
Summary and Prospects
In Russia, the Nintendo Switch 2 costs between 55 and 85 thousand rubles. The prices are steep, there is no access to digital games, some functions are cut, and the official eShop remains unavailable. The gamer will again have to choose: wait, look for workarounds, or pay now and put up with the restrictions.
Despite the difficulties, there is demand for the console, and the market is finding ways to offer it to Russian fans of the brand. However, it now costs more than anywhere else in the world.
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