Editor’s note: Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are off to a rocky start at numerous retailers, including Walmart and Best Buy. Meanwhile, Target appears to have sold out of its existing preorder inventory.
Following a brief delay stemming from the Trump’s administration’s tariff policy, Nintendo has finally opened up preorders for the Switch 2. A few retailers — including Walmart and Best Buy — are still accepting reservations, offering gamers a chance to secure Nintendo’s forthcoming console ahead of its release on June 5th. Nintendo is also accepting sign-ups for those looking to secure a Switch 2, though, if you do go that route, be aware that there are strict requirements.
Overall, Nintendo appears to be hopeful that it has built up sufficient inventory of its next-generation portable gaming system to meet US demand — something Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser reiterated during a recent CNBC appearance. Still, there’s no guarantee, especially given that Nintendo has admitted it “cannot fulfill” all the preorders it has already received through its own Japanese store.
Either way, if you’re trying to secure a Switch 2, we suggest beginning with the retailers below. We’ve also included a few tips and tricks further down for streamlining the checkout process, if needed.
Landing pages and online start times
What Switch 2 configurations are available?
At launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in two distinct configurations: a $449.99 standard version and a $499.99 bundle that includes the latest Mario Kart title, Mario Kart World. Nintendo is on record saying the bundle will only be available through fall 2025 (or while supplies last), which is a shame, considering picking up the console / game combo saves you $30 on what is likely to be the Switch 2’s biggest launch title. If you don’t manage to secure the bundle, you can pick up Mario Kart World separately for a whopping $79.99.
It’s also worth noting that prices could change down the line. Nintendo recently raised the price of the Switch 2 Joy-Con and Pro Controller in response to US tariffs, and has said that “other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions.” The starting price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains unchanged, but at this point, it feels like the only way to guarantee a console at $449.99 is to purchase one at launch.
A few essentials tips to keep in mind
If the the rollout of Sony’s PlayStation 5 is any indication, retailers aren’t always well-equipped to handle the massive influx of interest when it comes to console preorders. Inventory for the Switch 2 is likely to be limited as well, but if you’re struggling to get through the checkout process with a console, we have a few pointers:
- Use mobile apps: If you own a smartphone, try preordering your Switch 2 via the respective app for Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, etc. In the past, we’ve found that the dedicated mobile apps for various retailers tend to be faster than using a traditional browser; they also provide an additional means of procuring a console, thus increasing your chances of securing a Switch 2 at launch.
- Skip the accessories: There will be a raft of new accessories for the Switch 2 at launch, and while it might be tempting to stack your cart with add-ons, preordering Nintendo’s first-party peripherals takes time that’s better spent on securing a console. Accessory preorders don’t typically sell out nearly as fast as consoles, either, meaning you can always circle back for the extras.
- Bookmark this page: We’ll be updating this page for the next several hours, allowing you to see at a glance which retailers are still accepting preorders on either the standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle. A number of other social media accounts — including Wario64 and Matt Swider of The Shortcut — are likely going to be tracking preorder inventory as well, if you’re looking for additional publications / users to follow.
Image: Nintendo
Where can I preorder the Switch 2?
Right now, the only confirmed retailers for the Nintendo Switch 2 are Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. We anticipate Amazon — and Newegg / Sam’s Club? — opening preorders at some point, but based on previous console launches, the rollout at Amazon is likely to be sporadic and unpredictable. Either way, we’ll update this post accordingly if Amazon and other retailers begin offering preorders.
Walmart is now accepting preorders for the standalone Switch 2 ($449) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499) via a queue system, along with games like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69) and accessories like the Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84). Walmart’s website also indicates that, if you preorder the console before 8AM ET on June 4th, you should receive it before 9AM ET on June 5th — the console’s launch date.
Best Buy is currently accepting online preorders via a queue system for the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle, and will being accepting in-store preorders at the “start of regular store hours” on April 24th. What’s more, if you do manage to reserve a console through Best Buy, the retailer has announced that most stores in the US will open at 12AM ET, 11PM CT, 10PM MT, and 9PM PT on June 5th for preorder pickup.
Additionally, if you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you can currently score $20 in credit for every $150 you spend (up to $100) on Nintendo games and gear (excluding all Switch and Switch 2 hardware). That privilege will run you at least $49.99 a year, though both membership tiers also grant you access to a number of exclusive perks, including limited-time discounts and free two-day shipping.
Target appears to have sold out of preorders for both the standalone Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle, along with accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84). Some games, including the Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ($69.99), are still available.
GameStop is the lone outlier on our list. The retailer confirmed on X that in-store preorders for the Switch 2 will begin when “doors open” on April 24th — not at midnight — with online preorders starting the same day at 11AM ET. The retailer has already published dedicated landing pages for the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle, and the company has announced that “all stores” will open on June 5th at 12AM ET / June 4th at 9PM PT for the console’s launch.
If you’re looking to bring the cost down, GameStop will be offering up to $175 off a Switch 2 when you trade in a Switch OLED, or up to $125 off when you trade in a regular Switch. In both instances, you’ll need everything that came with your console — specifically the Switch, its dock, two working Joy-Con controllers (with wrist straps), an HDMI cable, and a power cord. GameStop also confirmed to Gizmodo that exact valuation will depend on the condition of your console, including whether your Joy-Cons are experiencing the dreaded stick drift.
Update, April 24th: Updated to reflect the fact that Switch 2 preorders have opened.
