Snag the New Nintendo Switch 2 Early: Get in Line for Preorders and Check Out Our Thoughts!

This story has been updated with information about Staples’ launch day plans for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date came and went in the U.S. in late April. You probably didn’t get one, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
After a brief delay due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Nintendo Switch 2 preorders went live online at several major retailers on April 24, predictably crashing their websites. Within hours, preorder listings for the $449.99 console at Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart were all marked as “coming soon,” “not available,” or “out of stock.” The same applied to listings for its $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle.
Those lucky enough to snag a Switch 2 preorder will be able to pick up their new console in person at Best Buy and GameStop as soon as it launches on June 5: Both retailers are planning on opening their stores at midnight ET that day. Meanwhile, Walmart is promising to deliver preorders made before June 4 at 8 a.m. ET for free by 9 a.m. local time on June 5 (while supplies last).
So far, we’ve only heard of one restock. According to several price trackers and Reddit threads, Walmart briefly restocked its Switch 2 inventory on Saturday, April 26. Since then? Nada.
If you want to smash that refresh button at the major retailers, you’re welcome to try your luck, but there are better ways. Keep reading to find out how to preorder the Switch 2 through the My Nintendo Store, track restocks online, and (if you strike out on preorders) buy the console first thing on launch day.
### How to preorder the Switch 2 at the My Nintendo Store
You can also try nabbing a preorder directly through the My Nintendo Store in May. Nintendo’s online storefront will send out preorder invites to interested shoppers in waves starting Thursday, May 8; those with a Nintendo Account can register for access ahead of time on Nintendo’s website.
Here’s how it works: You go to Nintendo’s website, log into an active Nintendo Switch Online account, and register your interest in a Switch 2 console or bundle. Starting on May 8 (and with other waves to follow later), eligible account holders will get email links to preorder a Switch 2 straight from Nintendo on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are, of course, a couple of weird catches to this. To be eligible, your Nintendo Switch Online account must meet the following requirements:
– An active, paid Nintendo Switch Online account that’s existed for at least 12 months
– Your account must have 50 gameplay hours registered to it
This way, Nintendo knows you’re not a filthy scalper bot. So, if you keep trying and failing with the major retailers, this is something to have in your back pocket just in case.
Shoppers will be notified via email when it’s their turn to place a Switch 2 preorder, and they’ll have 72 hours to do so. Preorders will be limited to one system per account.
Nintendo recently updated its preorder page to note that it’s not guaranteeing release day deliveries “[due] to the very high demand,” and that some invites may arrive after the official launch on June 5. (You’ll receive a shipping date once you place your preorder.) The company encouraged shoppers to buy a Switch 2 from one of its retailer partners “[if] you wish to increase your opportunity of obtaining a Nintendo System 2 system at launch.”
### How to track Switch 2 restocks online
We recommend checking out Mashable reporter Alex Perry’s in-depth guide to tracking Switch 2 restocks online. But to give you a tl;dr version, Perry says you can sign up for alerts to notify you of restocks via retailers like Walmart. However, that means you’ll find out at the same time as everyone else, and these features are hit or miss.

If you want to boost your chances of snagging a Nintendo Switch 2, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on inventory trackers on social media. Jake Randall and Matt Swider on X are highly recommended, boasting massive followings and great reputations. Don’t forget to follow Wario64 on X and BlueSky too. This mysterious figure tracks all sorts of stock alerts in the gaming world. Wario64 covers much more than just Switch 2 restocks, but it comes personally recommended by Perry, who credits the account for helping him score a PS5 and Xbox Series X in 2020. Perry even goes so far as to say, “This account is how I got both a PS5 and Xbox Series X when those two consoles were hard to come by in 2020. It is not an exaggeration to say that this is one of the most important social media accounts in my life right now.”

How to snag a Nintendo Switch 2 in person on launch day

If you missed out on preordering a Switch 2, you can try your luck by camping out at a local chain retailer. Best Buy has announced that most of its stores will have a limited number of consoles available for in-person purchase when they open at midnight ET on June 5. Additionally, Best Buy stores will be handing out a limited-edition collectible coin. Visit Best Buy’s Switch 2 landing page to find out which stores near you will be participating.

Target stores will be opening at their regular time on launch day (usually 8 a.m.). According to a press release, hopeful Switch 2 buyers can start lining up “in the designated queuing location” near the entrance well before opening. Target employees will be giving out a limited number of reservation tickets to those waiting in line, so be sure to get there early. Ticket holders will be taken to the electronics department once the store opens, where they can purchase a Switch 2 or a Switch 2 bundle.

Target has also announced that they will start selling the Switch 2 online “beginning early morning” on Friday, June 6.

All the juicy details about the new Nintendo Switch 2 console

The next-gen hybrid console is priced at $449.99, making it $150 more expensive than the original Switch from 2017 and $100 pricier than the 2021 OLED model. Nintendo is also offering a limited-time bundle for $499.99, which includes a download code for Mario Kart World, one of two exclusive launch titles.

• Nintendo Switch 2 specs unveiled: Bigger screen, better performance, and more
• Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on: First impressions of ‘Mario Kart World’ and ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’
• Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: All the differences I found while playing the new console

The Switch 2 console comes with a set of accessories, including:

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

Our personal take on the Switch 2

Mashable’s Alex Perry had the chance to test out the Switch 2 at a recent Nintendo event and had nothing but positive things to say. He mentioned, “I can confirm that Switch 2 is noticeably more powerful than the original Switch.” Perry was impressed by the premium feel and top-notch performance of the console.

He added, “From the moment I laid hands on a Switch 2 unit, I fell in love with the feel of it. The 7.9-inch 1080p display (with HDR and 120Hz refresh rate) is a significant upgrade from the 6.2-inch 720p display on the older model. The Joy-Cons also pack a punch… Racing across the stunning open world of Mario Kart World without any loading times between tracks is fantastic. Witnessing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom run at a silky smooth 60 frames per second is truly convincing in person.”

How we got here

Following the reveal of the new console in an April 2 Direct, Nintendo initially announced that Switch 2 preorders would open at select retailers on April 9. However, just two days later, the company stated in a press release that preorders were put on hold indefinitely due to the Trump administration’s new tariff policies and “evolving market conditions.”

Nintendo recently announced the new preorder date for the Switch 2 in a mid-April press release, reassuring fans that there won’t be a price increase due to tariffs. The standalone games, including “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza,” will still be priced at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively.

Switch 2 accessories, on the other hand, will see price adjustments due to market conditions. This includes the Switch 2 Pro Controller, Joy-Con controllers, Joy-Con 2 Wheels, and the Switch 2 Camera. Nintendo also hinted at possible price changes for any of their products in the future.

All the Switch 2 launch titles and games you can preorder

There’s a long list of exciting games to look forward to alongside the Switch 2 launch. From “Mario Kart World” to “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and many more, there’s no shortage of options to keep you entertained.

All the Switch 2 accessories you can preorder

If you’re thinking about accessorizing your Switch 2, here are the updated prices for some of the must-have accessories. From the Pro Controller to the Joy-Con pair and more, these accessories are now available for preorder at major retailers.
Hey gamers, check out these awesome deals on Nintendo Switch accessories! Get your hands on the Joy-Con 2 Pair for just $94.99 (was $89.99) and level up your gaming experience. And don’t forget to grab the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip for only $39.99 (was $34.99) to keep your controllers juiced up.

Upgrade your setup with the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for $54.99 (was $49.99) and capture all your epic gaming moments. And for on-the-go protection, the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector is now available for $39.99 (was $34.99).

Don’t miss out on these sweet deals, gamers! Nintendo Switch accessories at unbeatable prices. Get yours today and take your gaming to the next level. #Nintendo #NintendoSwitch.