🕹️ Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders: Essential Information

Updated: May 5, 2025, 4:00 p.m. EDT — This article has been refreshed with the latest details regarding the availability of Nintendo Switch 2 preorders, restock news, and tips to secure your console.

The first round of Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. kicked off on April 24, and — as anticipated — they sold out nearly immediately. If you didn’t manage to snag one, don’t fret: there are still opportunities to get Nintendo’s next-gen console before or shortly after launch day.

🎮 What Took Place on Preorder Day?

Following a short delay due to tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, preorders for the $449.99 Nintendo Switch 2 and the $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle went live at prominent retailers such as Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart. The demand was overwhelming, causing many retailers’ websites to crash, and product listings quickly transitioned to “out of stock” or “coming soon.”

Retailers are gearing up for a major launch on June 5:

– Best Buy and GameStop will commence in-store pickups at midnight ET.
– Walmart guarantees free delivery by 9 a.m. local time on June 5 for preorders placed before 8 a.m. ET on June 4.
– Target has yet to announce its launch day strategy.

Thus far, only one restock has been noted — a brief Walmart restock on April 26 — but additional ones may be forthcoming.

🛒 Where to Preorder the Nintendo Switch 2

Although most listings are currently out of stock, you can continue checking the following retailers for restock opportunities:

– Walmart – $449.99 | Preorder here
– Target – $449.99 | Preorder here
– GameStop – $449.99 | Preorder here
– Best Buy – $449.99 | Preorder here

🧾 Preordering at the My Nintendo Store

Nintendo is also providing preorders through its official My Nintendo Store. Beginning May 8, Nintendo will distribute preorder invitations in waves. To qualify, you need to:

– Maintain a paid Nintendo Switch Online account active for a minimum of 12 months
– Log in at least 50 hours of gameplay on your account

You can express your interest now on Nintendo’s website. If selected, you’ll receive an email with a 72-hour window to finalize your preorder. Note: Nintendo cautions that due to high demand, not all preorders may be delivered on launch day.

🔔 How to Monitor Restocks

To boost your chances of securing a Switch 2, consider:

– Signing up for restock notifications at major retailers
– Following reliable inventory trackers on social media:
– Jake Randall (@Jake_Randall_YT)
– Matt Swider (@mattswider)
– Wario64 (@Wario64 on X and BlueSky)

These accounts have a proven history of notifying followers about restocks in real-time.

🆕 What’s New with the Nintendo Switch 2?

The Switch 2 is available at a price of $449.99 — $150 more than the original model released in 2017, and $100 more than the OLED variant. A $499.99 bundle includes a download code for Mario Kart World, one of the console’s launch games.

Included in the box:

– Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
– Joy-Con 2 Grip and Straps
– Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
– Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
– AC Adapter and USB-C Charging Cable

🖐️ Initial Impressions

Mashable’s Alex Perry had the opportunity to test the Switch 2 and reported a notable enhancement in performance and feel:

“The 7.9-inch 1080p HDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade from the original’s 6.2-inch 720p screen. The Joy-Cons feel more robust, and games like Mario Kart World and Zelda operate smoothly at 60 FPS — with no loading screens between tracks.”

📅 Timeline Overview

– April 2: Nintendo announces the Switch 2 during a Direct event.
– April 9: Original preorder date, later postponed due to tariffs.
– April 24: Preorders become available and sell out rapidly.
– June 5: Official launch date.

Nintendo has confirmed that despite tariff issues, the prices for the console and games will remain unchanged. However, accessory prices have experienced a slight increase.

🎮 Switch 2 Launch Titles & Games Available for Preorder

The standout launch title is Mario Kart World (launching July 5, 2025), but there’s a range of other games on the horizon:

– Donkey Kong Bonanza
– The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition)