Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Update: One Retailer Still Has Consoles Available

Preorder day for a new console is always wild, and unsurprisingly when the eagerly-awaited Switch 2 became available for purchase, it crashed retailer sites and sold out quickly. But we’ve got the inside scoop on everything Switch 2, including where you can still get one.

First, the hardware. Lead analyst Will Greenwald has the complete rundown of the system’s specs. If you want the Cliff’s Notes, it has a similar footprint to the original Switch, with an all-in-one unit that contains both the console hardware and a 7.9-inch LCD screen, coupled with removable Joy-Con 2 controllers. But even the things that look similar have been redesigned from the ground up. Go ahead and check out our comparison of the Nintendo Switch 2 versus Switch 1 for a deeper dive on how they stack up.

(Credit: Nintendo)

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers look similar to the first version, but now attach to the console and other accessories magnetically, for a secure fit. They also feature mouse controls, meaning you can slide them across a flat surface for cursor-moving input, as well as a new dedicated button that activates voice chat features. The system itself promises “significantly improved CPU and GPU performance” according to Nintendo, along with USB-C ports on both sides so that you can charge the console while you play, as well as video output up to 4K and 120FPS, video chatting, and a GameShare feature that lets you play online with people who don’t own the game you bought. We do still have a few questions, but overall the console looks great.

But the big question is: How do you get one? Preorders for the Switch 2 began today (4/24), with the console hitting retailers on Thursday, June 5 at a cost of $449.99. There will also be a bundle with Mario Kart World included for $499.99. Accessories will include a new Switch Camera at $54.99, a Switch 2 Pro controller for $84.99, and extra JoyCon 2 controllers for $94.99 apiece.

Nintendo reportedly has a stockpile of over a million Switch 2 consoles already stateside in preparation for purchase, so that’s good news for worried purchasers. That said, the original Switch blew through a million units sold shortly after it launched, so don’t sleep on the value of a preorder.

How To Preorder a Nintendo Switch 2

The most obvious place to get a Switch 2 is from Nintendo itself. If you have a Nintendo account and you’re 18 years of age or older, you can register your intent to purchase right now. This is not a binding commitment, but it will be rolling out exclusive purchase links starting May 8 in the order they were received. Well, sort of. There are two lists here: If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 paid months and 50+ gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025, you get put on the priority list. If not, you’re in the second set of invites after all the first group has gone. Read our rundown of why the Nintendo Switch 2 preorder system favors Switch Online members. It’s also important to note that Nintendo will only tell you if you’re on the list on May 8 or later.

Here’s the rundown on how Switch 2 preorders are going, and which retailers still have hardware available.

Walmart

Walmart has closed preorders on the base Switch 2 system, but still has the Mario Kart World bundle up for preorder, so snag it quick. Customers in the Pacific and Mountain time zone will be able to purchase a Switch 2 console in-store at 9 p.m. PDT / 10 p.m. MDT. Walmart also does curbside delivery, and if you preorder a Switch 2 before 8AM on June 4, they promise that they can get the system to you by 9 a.m. local time on June 5. Some restrictions apply.

Best Buy

Best Buy has a landing page for Switch 2 information, but they’re out of consoles to preorder. Best Buy Plus and Total members will get $20 bonus rewards for every $150 spent on select Nintendo games and hardware.

GameStop

GameStop is out of Switch 2 consoles for preorder, and their site is crashing under customer demand, but they may get more inventory in before the release date. If you join GameStop Pro, you can get $65 off on your purchase.

Target

Target is already out of preorder stock on both Switch 2 console offers. More may become available as the week continues. No discounts, rebates or bundle deals have been announced there.

Newegg

Even though they specialize in PC products, Newegg is an underrated spot to pick up consoles as well. Their Switch 2 preorder page is online, but they currently have no hardware available. You can sign up to be notified when they come back in stock.

Amazon

Amazon still has not launched their Switch 2 preorder page, which seems ridiculous. We’re sure that the mega-retailer has a bunch of consoles allocated to it, so keep refreshing that home page.

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How To Make Sure You Get a Nintendo Switch 2

No matter where you want to preorder, make sure you’re logged in to your retailer accounts, your billing information is up to date, and your shipping info is correct. Shoppers and scalpers will be snapping up consoles at lightning speed, so any wasted time harms your chances of getting a Switch 2.

If you do happen to miss out on a preorder at your retailer of choice, don’t panic. Different stores typically have slightly different release windows depending on their technical infrastructure. They’ll also be negotiating with Nintendo and other suppliers to get more inventory in. Bookmarking as many different retailers as possible will improve your odds on getting a purchase through.

One method we’d recommend avoiding in the heady preorder season is reseller sites like eBay. Scammers and scalpers gravitate to these sites to make a quick buck off of people desperate for the new hotness, and will often elevate prices, post deceptive listings and more to separate you from your money. We’re not saying all resellers are bad, but they don’t have the level of trust that major retailers do.

Recommended by Our Editors

Another way to get the inside scoop on preorders is with the newly-announced Nintendo Today! app. This iOS and Android app gives you a direct line to the legendary game company with updates every 24 hours, but we’re hearing rumors that the company might drop Switch 2 news there. It’s also a good idea to follow us on X for up-to-the-minute deals.

(Credit: Nintendo)

How To Get a Nintendo Switch Deal Right Now

If you didn’t snag a Switch 2 in the preorder crush, there are tremendous deals to be found on existing Switch hardware and games.

We gave an Editors’ Choice award to the OLED refresh of the original Switch in our review, saying that the console was an all-around improvement thanks to the brighter, bigger and more colorful screen, increased onboard storage and improved kickstand. Everything you loved about the original Switch is here, from the intuitive and responsive controls to Nintendo’s unbeatable first-party games. This is the best way to play original Switch titles until the Switch 2 comes out.

Mario Kart World is one of the Switch 2’s launch titles, so if you’re a little rusty behind the wheel it might be smart to practice with what we called “the most comprehensive Mario Kart game to date” in our review. The pioneer kart racing game got an Editors’ Choice award from us thanks to its massive selection of courses, intuitive and powerful controls and revamped Battle Mode. If you don’t know the drill, these games are about speeding and drifting through colorful tracks, picking up weapons and ruining other drivers’ days. Pick it up at a 17% discount right now.

The Pokemon franchise is one of Nintendo’s most reliable performers, and while it will be a bit before we see a new full-fledged adventure of monster collecting, the spin-off games are just as good. New Pokemon Snap takes you on a safari through the Lental region with your trusty camera, tasking you with photographing more than 200 of the creatures in their natural habitat, earning stars for good composition, focus and more and unlocking new areas to explore. We gave it an “Excellent” rating in our review, particularly enjoying the charming animations and unlockable customization options.

Need more savings 1-ups? Our deals page has the best prices on our favorite, top-rated products.

About K. Thor Jensen

Contributing Writer

K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.

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