UPDATE: May. 5, 2025, 4:00 p.m. EDT This article has been revised to include the most recent information on Nintendo Switch 2 preorder availability at major retailers. We have also provided additional details to assist readers in tracking Switch 2 restocks.
In the U.S., the Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date passed in late April without you being able to secure one. However, all hope is not lost.
Following a brief delay caused by President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Nintendo Switch 2 preorders became available online at various major retailers on April 24, leading to the expected crashing of their websites. Within hours, preorder listings for the $449.99 console at Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart were all listed as “coming soon,” “not available,” or “out of stock.” The same was true for listings of its $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle.
Those who managed to secure a Switch 2 preorder can retrieve their new console in person at Best Buy and GameStop as soon as it launches on June 5: Both retailers intend to open their stores at midnight ET that day. Additionally, Walmart promises to deliver preorders placed before June 4 at 8 a.m. ET for free by 9 a.m. local time on June 5 (while supplies last). We have contacted a Target representative to inquire about any launch day plans and will update this article accordingly.
So far, only one restock has been reported. According to various price tracking tools and Reddit discussions, Walmart briefly restocked its Switch 2 inventory on Saturday, April 26. Since then, there have been no further restocks.
If you wish to continuously refresh the major retailers’ pages in hopes of securing a console, you are free to do so, but there are more efficient methods available. Learn how to preorder the Switch 2 at the My Nintendo Store and track restocks online.
To preorder the Switch 2 at the My Nintendo Store, you can try getting a preorder directly through the store in May. Preorder invites will be sent out in waves starting on May 8 to interested shoppers with a Nintendo Account. You can register for access ahead of time on Nintendo’s website to secure your spot.
To be eligible for preordering, your Nintendo Switch Online account must be active and paid for at at least 12 months, with 50 gameplay hours registered to it. This ensures that you are not a scalper bot. If you are having trouble with major retailers, this could be a good alternative option for you. Shoppers will receive an email notification when it’s their turn to preorder a Switch 2 system, with 72 hours to complete the purchase. Only one system per account is allowed for preorders. Nintendo has updated its preorder page to inform customers that due to high demand, release day deliveries are not guaranteed, and some invites may arrive after the official launch on June 5. The company recommends purchasing a Switch 2 from a retailer partner to increase the chances of obtaining one at launch.
To track Switch 2 restocks online, it is suggested to follow inventory trackers on social media such as Jake Randall, Matt Swider, and Wario64. The new Nintendo Switch 2 console retails for $449.99 and comes with accessories such as Joy-Con 2 controllers, Joy-Con 2 Grip, Joy-Con 2 Straps, Nintendo Switch 2 Dock, Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable, Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter, and USB-C Charging Cable.
Mashable reporter Alex Perry had positive impressions of the Switch 2 after briefly playing it at a Nintendo event, noting its improved performance and premium feel. After the initial announcement, Nintendo delayed the preorders due to tariff policies and market conditions but later confirmed a new preorder date without a tariff-related price increase.