Nintendo Switch 2 preorder stock updates: Where and when to buy the new console
It's the biggest gaming launch in years and we can help you play on day one with our guide to finding a Nintendo Switch 2 preorder.
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After years of waiting, Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are upon us at midnight (ET) tonight. Despite a steeper-than-expected price starting at $449, the first wave of stock is bound to sell out immediately, so I've rounded up everything you need to know about the latest Nintendo Switch 2 preorders before the June 5 release date.
I've covered console deals, bundles, and stock issues for over 15 years. I ran the hardware department at GamesRadar during the madness of the PS5 and Xbox Series X launch and the console drought during the pandemic, so you're in good hands for the latest on Switch 2 stock updates.
You'll want to avoid the inevitable resellers that appear over the next few days, so make sure you're only clicking links that have the base console for $449 and the Mario Kart World bundle at $499. I'll go into detail about individual stores further down the page, but if you just want some quick links to check the stock situation yourself, here's everywhere to shop for Switch 2 preorders so far:
What are the best stores for a Switch 2 preorder?
OK, so let's take a look at the main players for the new wave of Nintendo Switch 2 preorders. Given how well the new console will sell, don't expect any deals, discounts, or money-saving bundles. Nintendo has still never officially discounted the original Switch's MSRP after all these years.
Some stores will create their own bundles, but if the early days of the PS5 are anything to go by, such bundles won't actually discount anything; some retailers will just want to maximize your basket spend.
Of course, Amazon will be the first store most people think of when a new console launches, and I expect it to get involved at some point. But of all the big online retailers, it's the only one with zero signs of the Switch 2 SKUs for consoles or games right now. By all means, check, but we're not optimistic for launch day.
Walmart and Best Buy were arguably the best places to find consoles during the pandemic, and they're my top recommendation for places to look first when Nintendo Switch 2 preorders go live at midnight ET tonight (into April 24th).
Walmart is promising free delivery by 9 a.m. on launch day, so that's my pick of the bunch. Best Buy has a few extra listings incorporating other games into bundles, but without any sort of discount - expect to see a lot of this sort of thing as demand intensifies at launch and probably around the holidays, too.
GameStop isn't going live at midnight like the other online stores, instead opting for an 11 a.m. start on the 24th. So if you have no luck at midnight the night before, they'll be worth a shot. Be warned, though, at the time of writing, they only have a SKU for the base console, not the Mario Kart World bundle.
Alternatively, you can try heading to one of GameStop's physical stores, as they'll offer Switch 2 preorders when the doors open. Expect some lines outside, especially if people struggle to find stock at midnight. Reserving a Switch 2 in-store will mean you'll have to pick it up from there on June 5 (most stores will open at midnight for the occasion).
Target hasn't mentioned any in-store options so far, but the store has said to expect Switch 2 preorders to go live at midnight. Based on my experience highlighting PS5 and Series X stock alerts, I wouldn't expect them to get as many units as Walmart and Best Buy, but they'll be worth keeping a tab open for tonight.
Nintendo's online store has never handled a proper hardware launch, and they've made a meal of it before Switch 2 preorders have even started. Initially, you'll only be able to apply for the chance of preordering by meeting several criteria, like having been a Switch Online member for at least 12 months, and having racked up a minimum of 50 gameplay hours on the previous Switch. If you meet these requirements, you might get an invitation to preorder on May 8. Nintendo
Nintendo Switch 2 preorder tips
If you're reading this before the official start times, there's some basic prep work you can do to put yourself in the best position before all the other eager Nintendo fans (and the usual scalpers/bots) get there first. These steps will also apply to future stock drops, as you can expect to be playing these games for the next few months in all reality if you don't get one the first time around.
I'd advise getting yourself signed into all the retailers you plan on trying in advance, with all your payment and address details added to your account.
This is because these sites could get absolutely hammered with traffic and can start crashing, and the fewer steps and loading screens you have to go through during checkout, the better.
Some sites might put you in an online queuing system. If this happens, don't have multiple tabs open for the same store, as you might lose your place. And if you're in one of the digital waiting rooms, do not refresh your screen.
If there is no queuing system, I'd open a tab for each SKU you're interested in if you're happy to get either the solo console or the Mario Kart bundle. And generally, you'll want to start refreshing the page as we get to the start times mentioned earlier, as the grayed-out 'Buy/Add to basket' buttons usually don't go live without a page refresh.
Having a second device open and doing all the above might increase your chances, but I'd avoid that if you're in an online queue unless you're signed in with a different account.
I'll keep this page updated as fresh Nintendo Switch 2 preorders come online. Good luck, everyone!
In the meantime, check out our Switch 2 hands-on impressions, and there's our Switch 2 hub for even more details about the new console.
