Nintendo has officially announced that preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will go live on April 24. Major retailers have released detailed information regarding the timing and process for securing your preorder ahead of the console's launch on June 5. Below, you'll find everything you need to know to ensure you're prepared to lock in your Switch 2 preorder. Let’s dive in.
Switch 2 Preorder Times at a Glance
| Retailer | Preorder Start Time |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Nintendo Store | Varies |
For quick access to the exact times and links for Switch 2 preorders across all major retailers, refer to the table above.
Walmart: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Walmart
- Price: $449.00
- Preorder Starts: 12 a.m. ET April 24
Walmart will kick off Switch 2 preorders at midnight Eastern Time on April 24. Unfortunately, Walmart has not disclosed whether in-person preorders will be available at its physical locations. However, one perk worth noting is that Walmart offers free delivery of your Switch 2 console by 9 a.m. on launch day, June 5. That’s a pretty sweet deal!
Best Buy: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Best Buy
- Price: $449.99
- Preorder Starts: 12 a.m. ET April 24
Best Buy will also begin accepting online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with games and accessories, at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. Additionally, most Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5 for customers who opt for in-store pickup. This makes Best Buy a solid choice if you want to collect your console on release day.
Target: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Target
- Price: $449.99
- Preorder Starts: 12 a.m. ET April 24
Similar to Walmart and Best Buy, Target will open its preorders at midnight Eastern Time on April 24. Online preorders will be available, though Target has yet to confirm whether in-store preorders will be an option. Keep an eye on their website for updates.
GameStop: Switch 2 Preorders
See at GameStop
- Price: $449.99
- Preorder Starts: 11 a.m. ET April 24
Unlike the other major retailers, GameStop will begin accepting preorders later, starting at 11 a.m. ET on April 24—a full 11 hours after the others. If you prefer to preorder in person, GameStop stores will be open on April 24 for in-store preorders. Additionally, all GameStop locations will open at midnight on June 5 for those who choose to pick up their consoles on launch day.
Nintendo Store: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Nintendo Store
- Price: $449.99
- Preorder Starts: Varies
Preorders from the official Nintendo Store are slightly more complex. To secure your Switch 2, you’ll first need to visit this page, log into your Nintendo account, and register your interest by selecting either the console alone or in a bundle with Mario Kart World. Once registered, Nintendo will send you an email invitation when it’s your turn to complete the purchase. The initial batch of invitations will go out on May 8. When you receive your email, you’ll have 72 hours to finalize your order.
However, there are some important caveats. Preorders through the Nintendo Store are restricted to customers who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid service and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’ll need to look elsewhere for your preorder.
Ready to snag your Switch 2? Mark your calendars for April 24 and get those preorders in before they sell out!
