Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders: Live Dates at Retailers

Nintendo has exciting news for gamers: preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24. Leading retailers have provided detailed information on how and when you can secure your next-gen console ahead of its launch on June 5. Below, you'll find everything you need to know to successfully preorder your Switch 2. Let's delve into the specifics.

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 in a rush and need just the essentials, the list above provides links and times for when Switch 2 preorders will go live at major retailers. For a more in-depth look at what to expect at each retailer, continue reading.

Walmart: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Walmart

• $449.00 at Walmart
• Preorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET, April 24

Walmart will kick off Switch 2 preorders at midnight Eastern Time, as Wednesday transitions into Thursday, April 24. While no information has been provided about in-store preorders, Walmart stands out by offering free delivery of your Switch 2 console by 9 a.m. on launch day, June 5. This is a unique perk you won't want to miss.

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 start accepting online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with games and accessories, at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. Additionally, many Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5, allowing customers to pick up their preorders if they choose that 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

Target will launch preorders for the console, games, and accessories online at midnight on April 24. There's no mention of in-store preorders at this time.

GameStop: Switch 2 Preorders

See at GameStop

• $449.99 at GameStop
• Preorder here starting at 11 a.m. ET, April 24

GameStop will begin accepting preorders later than other major retailers, with online preorders starting at 11 a.m. ET on April 24. You can also preorder in person at GameStop stores when they open on April 24. For those eager to get their hands on the console early, all GameStop stores will be open at midnight on June 5 for preorder pickup.

Nintendo Store: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Nintendo Store

• $449.99 at Nintendo Store

Preordering from the official Nintendo Store involves a few more steps than at other retailers. First, visit the designated page, log into your Nintendo account, and express your interest by choosing either the console alone or bundled with Mario Kart World. Once you've done that, Nintendo will email you when it's your turn to complete the purchase. The first wave of invitations will be sent out on May 8, and you'll have 72 hours to finalize your purchase upon receiving the invitation.

However, there are some eligibility requirements: only customers "who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025," can participate. If you don't meet these criteria, you'll need to look elsewhere to secure your Switch 2.

Don't forget to check out strategies to increase your chances of successfully preordering a Nintendo Switch 2.