After a challenging debut, all verified Switch 2 sellers—such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target—have depleted their initial stock. The next chance to preorder online will be at GameStop, which is set to launch reservations at 11 AM ET on April 24th.
Despite a short postponement due to tariff policies under the Trump administration, Nintendo has now commenced preorders for the Switch 2. Best Buy continues to take bookings, giving enthusiasts an opportunity to claim Nintendo’s upcoming device before its June 5th launch. Nintendo is also offering sign-ups for those eager to reserve a Switch 2, though be mindful of the stringent conditions if you choose this path.
Nintendo seems optimistic about having enough stock of its next-gen handheld gaming console to satisfy U.S. demand—a point emphasized by Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser in a recent CNBC interview. However, there’s no certainty, especially since Nintendo has acknowledged it “cannot meet” all preorders placed through its Japanese store.
To improve your chances of securing a Switch 2, we recommend starting with the retailers listed below. We’ve also provided some helpful strategies further down to simplify the checkout process, should you need them.
Available Switch 2 Configurations
At its debut, the Nintendo Switch 2 will come in two variants: a standard model priced at $449.99 and a $499.99 package that includes the newest Mario Kart game, Mario Kart World. Nintendo has stated that this bundle will only be available through fall 2025 (or until stocks run out), which is unfortunate since the console-and-game combo saves you $30 on what’s expected to be the Switch 2’s most significant launch title. If you miss out on the bundle, Mario Kart World can be purchased separately for a steep $79.99.
It’s also worth mentioning that prices may fluctuate later. Nintendo recently increased the cost of the Switch 2 Joy-Con and Pro Controller due to U.S. tariffs, and has noted that “future price adjustments for any Nintendo product may occur based on market conditions.” While the base price of the Switch 2 remains steady, securing one at $449.99 might only be guaranteed by purchasing at launch.
Key Tips to Understand
Drawing from the PlayStation 5 launch, retailers often struggle to manage the overwhelming demand during console preorders. The Switch 2’s stock is likely to be limited too, but if you’re facing difficulties at checkout, here are some tips:
- Opt for mobile apps: If you have a smartphone, consider reserving your Switch 2 through the apps for Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and similar retailers. Historically, these apps have proven faster than web browsers and offer an extra avenue to secure a console, boosting your odds of getting a Switch 2 at launch.
- Avoid accessories at first: A variety of new Switch 2 accessories will be available at launch, and while it might be tempting to add them to your cart, preordering Nintendo’s first-party extras takes time better spent locking in a console. Accessories typically don’t sell out as quickly as consoles, so you can return for them later.
- Save this page: We’ll be refreshing this page for several hours, letting you quickly check which retailers are still accepting preorders for either the standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle. Other social media accounts like Wario64 and The Shortcut are also expected to monitor preorder availability, providing additional sources to follow.
- Persist (for a while): A “sold out” label on a website doesn’t always mean the item is completely gone. Stock often fluctuates during major preorder events, so it’s wise to periodically refresh the page—unless you’re in an active queue—and check the mobile app for updates on availability.
Where Can I Preorder the Switch 2?
Currently, the only confirmed sellers for the Nintendo Switch 2 are Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. We expect Amazon—and possibly Newegg or Sam’s Club—to start preorders eventually, but based on past console launches, Amazon’s rollout may be inconsistent. We’ll update this post if Amazon or other retailers begin offering preorders.
Best Buy
Best Buy has halted online preorders for the standalone console and the bundle, but it will start in-store reservations at the “opening of regular store hours” on April 24th. Additionally, if you secure a console through Best Buy, the retailer has shared that most U.S. stores will open at 12 AM ET, 11 PM CT, 10 PM MT, and 9 PM PT on June 5th for preorder pickups.
For My Best Buy Plus or Total members, you can currently earn $20 in credit for every $150 spent (up to $100) on Nintendo games and accessories (excluding all Switch and Switch 2 hardware). This benefit requires a membership costing at least $49.99 annually, but both tiers offer perks like exclusive discounts and free two-day shipping.
Target
Target has run out of preorders for both the standalone Switch 2 and the bundle, as well as accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84). However, some games, such as the Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ($69.99), remain available.
GameStop
GameStop stands out among the retailers listed. The company announced 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 at 11 AM ET on the same day. GameStop has already set up dedicated pages for the standalone console and the bundle, and it has confirmed that “all stores” will open on June 5th at 12 AM ET / June 4th at 9 PM PT for the console’s launch.
To reduce costs, GameStop is offering up to $175 off a Switch 2 when you trade in a Switch OLED, or up to $125 off for a standard Switch. In both cases, you’ll need to include all original components—namely the Switch, its dock, two functioning Joy-Con controllers (with wrist straps), an HDMI cable, and a power cord. GameStop also told Gizmodo that the exact trade-in value will depend on your console’s condition, including whether your Joy-Cons suffer from the infamous stick drift.
