Nintendo has officially announced that preorders for the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will commence on April 24. All major retailers have shared detailed information on when and how you can secure your preorder ahead of the console's launch on June 5. Here's everything you need to know to be fully prepared to lock in your Nintendo Switch 2 preorder. Let's dive right in.
Switch 2 Preorder Times at a Glance
- Walmart - 12 a.m. ET April 24
- Best Buy - 12 a.m. ET April 24
- Target - 12 a.m. ET April 24
- GameStop - 11 a.m. ET April 24
If you're short on time and need the essentials, the list above provides links and times for when Switch 2 preorders will go live at major retailers. For those interested in more detailed insights into each retailer's process, keep reading.
Walmart: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Walmart
$449.00 at Walmart
Preorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET April 24
Walmart will start accepting Switch 2 preorders at midnight Eastern Time, as Wednesday turns into Thursday, April 24. While there's no information on in-store preorders at Walmart locations, they are the only retailer offering free delivery of your Switch 2 console by 9 a.m. on launch day, June 5. That's definitely a perk worth considering.
Best Buy: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Best Buy
$449.99 at Best Buy
Preorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET April 24
Best Buy will begin taking online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, games, and accessories at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. Additionally, most Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5, allowing customers to pick up their preorders if that's the chosen option during the preorder process.
Target: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Target
$449.99 at Target
Preorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET April 24
Preorders at Target for the console, games, and accessories will go live at midnight on April 24. Online preorders will be available, but Target hasn't mentioned if in-store preorders will be an option.
GameStop: Switch 2 Preorders
See at GameStop
$449.99 at GameStop
Preorder here starting at 11 a.m. ET April 24
GameStop will start preorders later than other major retailers, with online preorders beginning at 11 a.m. ET on April 24. In-person preorders can be made at brick-and-mortar GameStop locations when stores open on April 24. All GameStop stores will be open at midnight on June 5 for preorder pickups, ensuring you're among the first to get your new console.
Nintendo Store: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Nintendo Store
$449.99 at Nintendo Store
Preorders from the official Nintendo Store have a unique process. You'll need to visit the dedicated page, log into your Nintendo account, and express interest by choosing either the console alone or a bundle with Mario Kart World. Once registered, Nintendo will send you an email when it's your turn to complete the purchase, with the first batch of invitations going out on May 8. You'll have 72 hours to finalize your purchase once you receive your invitation.
However, there are specific requirements to purchase through the Nintendo Store: you must have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid membership and logged a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours by April 2, 2025. If you don't meet these criteria, you'll need to preorder elsewhere.
Be sure to also check out tips on how to increase your chances of preordering a Switch 2 successfully.
