Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order begins: How and where you can pre-order the Switch 2 console before anyone else
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally available for pre-order ahead of its June 5 launch, and if you’re hoping to get your hands on one, you’ll need to act fast. After a brief delay due to tariff concerns, Nintendo has kept the base console at $450 and the Mario Kart World bundle at $500, though several accessories have seen modest price increases. With high demand expected and limited initial stock, securing a pre-order now is your best chance to enjoy the new console on day one. Whether you’re eyeing the enhanced graphics, larger screen, or exciting new features like GameChat, this guide will help you navigate the pre-order process across multiple retailers.
Where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2
Multiple retailers are offering pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, but each has its own approach:
- GameStop: Pre-orders began in-store when doors opened on April 24, while online pre-orders started at 11 AM Eastern/8 AM Pacific. As a bonus, GameStop is offering trade-in values of up to $175 for a Switch OLED, $125 for a standard Switch, or $100 for a Switch Lite. All GameStop stores will open at midnight Eastern on June 5 (9 PM Pacific on June 4) for launch night pickup.
- Target: Pre-orders went live at midnight Eastern on April 24 (9 PM Pacific on April 23). The website experienced significant slowdowns and errors during the initial rollout, so persistence may be necessary when checking out.
- Best Buy: Pre-orders also began at midnight Eastern. Customers are placed in a virtual queue based on available inventory. Best Buy has confirmed that most stores will be open at midnight on June 5 for pre-order pickup.
- Walmart: Pre-orders are available online with perhaps the smoothest checkout process among major retailers. Uniquely, Walmart is promising delivery before 9 AM Eastern on June 5 for orders placed by 8 AM Eastern on June 4 (while supplies last).
- Nintendo Direct: Nintendo has its own pre-order system requiring registration through your Nintendo Account. If eligible, you’ll receive an invitation email starting May 8, with a 72-hour window to complete your purchase. Priority is given to
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers with at least 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 gameplay hours.
Interestingly, Amazon appears to be missing from the pre-order lineup, though this could change in the future.
Tips to improve your Switch 2 pre-order chances
With high demand expected, you’ll want to maximize your chances of securing a Switch 2:
- Prepare multiple devices: Have each retailer’s pre-order page open simultaneously, ideally on different browsers or devices.
- Set up accounts in advance: Ensure you’re already logged into your store accounts with payment and shipping information saved.
- Be ready at midnight: For Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, prepare to refresh pages starting at 12 AM Eastern on April 24.
- Try multiple retailers: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—attempt to secure pre-orders from different stores in case one oversells their allocation.
- Have backup payment methods: Some credit card transactions may be flagged as suspicious due to the high-value purchase.
- Register with Nintendo: Even if you’re trying retailer pre-orders, also register your interest with Nintendo as a backup option.
What’s new with the Switch 2
The Switch 2 maintains the hybrid functionality of its predecessor but comes with significant upgrades:
- Larger 7.9-inch LCD screen (up from 6.2 inches) with 1080p resolution, HDR support, and 120Hz variable refresh rate
- 4K output when docked, with support for ray tracing and AI-powered upscaling
- Larger Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse functionality and improved durability
- Enhanced speakers with 3D audio support and built-in microphone with noise filtering
- New social features via the C button, including GameChat for voice communication
- 256GB of internal storage (up from 32GB)
- Two USB-C ports for charging and peripherals
Nintendo Switch 2 launch games
Several games will be available on June 5, including:
- Mario Kart World ($80)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour ($10)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition ($80)
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition ($70)
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Switch 2 Edition
- Street Fighter 6 ($60)
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition ($70)
Nintendo Switch 2 accessories
- Joy-Con 2 Pair: $95
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $85
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $55
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $40
- Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $85
- microSD Express Card (256 GB): $56-60
With high demand expected and global supply chain complexities still at play, securing a pre-order might be your best bet to enjoy the Switch 2 on launch day. Whether you choose to pre-order through a retailer or wait for Nintendo’s invitation system, acting quickly and being prepared will give you the best chance of success.
