Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2: Preorder stock updates- blue shelled by bots again?

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Looking to buy a Nintendo Switch 2? Well, you might have to settle in for a long wait as stock evaporated like oh so many potential Mario Kart wins after getting smashed by a blue shell from behind at the finish line, and we wouldn't be surprised to see bots taking a bow once again as the imminent reseller units start to pop online.

Switch 2 stock of preorder units was always bound to sell out, but some stores were a little slower than expected getting stock online at midnight. Some will probably go live again over the course of the day, as many sites seemed to be having technical difficulties, so not everyone would have been able to fully complete transactions of allocated units.

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:

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Updates: So far, I've spotted in-stock listings at Target and was briefly allowed to add one to my basket before the site crashed. I've also seen multiple reports of buyers getting them into their baskets but receiving multiple - very unspecific - error messages when trying to finish the checkout process before finally being told their baskets are empty.

That said, around 1:45 a.m. I was able to start adding the Switch 2 to my basket again after it was originally dumped out an hour ago. The error message persists, although the address entry form is working better than before, as the auto-complete feature wasn't showing at all earlier.

Best Buy's listings were at least 35 minutes late to the party, but an online queue system has come online. Look out though, as I've seen my default store seriously go wrong as it tried to put me in line for Culver City instead of New York. Thanks, Best Buy, I don't want it that much. You might see a screen like this one below. Time for another coffee?

As for Walmart, they have put an online queue in place if you opt in from one of the console product pages. But there's no indication of your progress as pictured below.

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 keep checking for the next few hours and days for potential restocks since the Nintendo Switch 2 preorders went live at midnight ET April 24.

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 didn't go 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 had preorders available on its site, although it's crashing a lot. 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 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.

• Browse: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Target | Nintendo | GameStop

How much is a Nintendo Switch 2 preorder?

The cheapest Nintendo Switch 2 preorder is $449, which includes the console and a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers. For $499, you can get the Switch 2, two controllers, and a digital copy of the new Mario Kart World game.

Given that Mario Kart World costs a staggering $80 when purchased separately, the bundle is a no-brainer, as it's a $30 saving on a game that might not get a decent discount for years. The Triple-A games released on the original Switch attest to this, as they held their value incredibly well in a manner simply not seen with PlayStation or Xbox titles.

Nintendo has also hinted that the Mario Kart World bundle might be a temporary offer, but has not provided a timeframe.

All in all, though, we don't see a better deal coming along anytime soon, including Black Friday, as the console is going to be tough to find for the rest of the year unless the hardware turns out to be awful - early previews don't indicate anything of the sort, though. We just hope we won't be talking about Joy-Con drift in a few months, though this time.

Switch 2 accessories and controller preorders

Games, controllers, and other accessories are all up for preorder at the same time as the Switch 2 controller at the same retailers listed above.

Remember, you'll get two Joy-Con 2 controllers with the console, so you're all set for two-player Mario Kart from the start. Extra controllers can be purchased in pairs though if you want to beef things up to four players - just brace yourself… a pair costs $95. Original Switch Joy-Cons will not work with the Switch 2 either.

While everything could sell out, I think the Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84) will be snapped up first. Many gamers will want the more traditional-feeling controller for larger games or extra precision during Mario Kart. That said, the analogs are bigger on the new Joy-Cons, so you could see how you go and pick up the Pro at a later date.

The new Switch 2 camera costs $54, or $59 for the Hori Piranha Plant version. I've spotted these items and more already at Walmart.

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.