Here’s When Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Go Live And How To Get One At Every Major Retailer

It’s almost that time again. When Nintendo launched the original Switch, it was almost impossible to get one. Pre-orders sold out instantly, thanks both to high demand for the new system and the rise of high-tech scalpers. Get ready for history to repeat itself with Nintendo Switch 2.

Pre-orders go live at different retailers at different times. You can also sign up as a Nintendo Insider and register your interest in a Nintendo Switch 2 right here. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get one, either. While it’s exciting that the Switch 2 is almost available, there’s plenty of bad news. Nintendo just announced that demand for the Switch in Japan far exceeds supply, a foreboding piece of news for excited gamers.

The Nintendo Switch 2 releases on June 5th, 2025. You can purchase just the console or a Mario Kart World bundle.

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What does the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?

Thankfully, the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 has not been impacted by Trump’s tariffs. The console will still cost $450, with the Mario Kart bundle at $500. Accessories, however, have been adjusted due to tariffs. Prices for consoles, games and accessories are as follows:

• Nintendo Switch 2 – $449.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle – $499.99
• Mario Kart World – $79.99
• Donkey Kong Bananza – $69.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – $84.99
• Joy-Con 2 Pair – $94.99
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip – $39.99
• Joy-Con 2 Strap – $13.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set – $24.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – $54.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set – $119.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector – $39.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case – $84.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter – $34.99
• Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB for Nintendo Switch™ 2 – $59.99

When Do Pre-Orders Go Live?

Different retailers are going live with pre-orders on Thursday, April 24th at different times.

Walmart – April 24th at 12am ET

Walmart is offering free delivery with a guaranteed delivery of June 5th, the day the Nintendo Switch 2 releases. You can check out the pre-order page right here.

Best Buy – April 24th at 12am ET

You can sign up at Best Buy’s website to get notified when pre-orders are available, but as with all these sites, I’d recommend logging in ahead of time, ensuring you have all your correct shipping and payment info entered, all before adding the system to your cart. Any error here could prevent you from getting a Nintendo Switch 2. Visit the Best Buy pre-order page right here. You’ll be able to head to the Best Buy store of your choice at midnight on June 5th to pick up your console if you select that as your delivery option.

Target – April 24th at 12am ET

As with other brick-and-mortar retailers, Target has not announced whether pre-orders will be available to place in-store. Your best bet is doing it online. You can visit Target’s pre-order page right here.

GameStop – April 24th at 11am ET

As with these other retailers, you can register your interest in a pre-order at GameStop’s website, but be sure to head to the page when pre-orders go live. This will be the ‘second chance’ for many gamers, as GameStop isn’t opening pre-orders until 11am ET on Thursday. You can also pre-order in-store if you prefer. Like Best Buy, GameStop locations will be open at midnight on June 5th for pickups. Visit the pre-order page right here.

Nintendo Store

If you go this route, you’ll need to have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months paid membership time under your belt and a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay as of April 2nd, 2025. This qualifies you to get into the Nintendo Insider pre-order queue, though it’s unclear when you’ll be invited to make a purchase. The first wave of pre-order emails will go out on May 8th, so you will not be an early bird. It’s also unclear how long you’ll have to wait if you don’t get the email that day. Still, if you aren’t able to pre-order tomorrow, this could be a great backup plan. Visit this page to register.

Beyond this, my only advice is to avoid resellers like the plague. Please don’t reward scalpers by purchasing marked up Nintendo Switch 2 consoles on eBay or other sites. And keep your eyes peeled for less-known retailers like AntOnline, which often had pop-up Switch deals back in the day. It appears Amazon won’t be part of the Switch 2 pre-order process, so be wary of any Amazon sellers offering the console, as they’re likely marked-up resellers. Outright scams will also be everywhere, so be a smart shopper. Patience is never a bad thing.