You Can Still Preorder a Switch 2
It's a tough market for the Nintendo Switch 2.
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Switch 2 preorders went live starting April 24, following a brief delay while Nintendo evaluated the ongoing tariff situation. Since then, you've had the potential to preorder the upcoming console from a number of stores, but not necessarily the opportunity. It's a rough market out there. (Expect a lot of "out of stock" signs.)
Still, if you're interested in picking up the latest Nintendo handheld-console hybrid, you can keep an eye on a number of stores to increase your chances. Here are the major retailers offering Switch 2 preorders, and what they're offering:
Walmart
Like most retailers, Walmart's Switch 2 preorders have been live since April 24 at 12 a.m. ET. The store will happy sell you any number of Switch 2 games and accessories, but if you're just looking for the console or the Mario Kart World bundle, you can simplify your preorder that way.
The company was advertising free delivery by 9 a.m. on June 5 if you preorder right away—the only store on this list guaranteeing such a time frame—but as of today, the site says "Coming soon! Release date: 06/05/2025."
Target
Target also opened up preorders at midnight on the 24th. It won't guarantee a time frame, but as with Walmart, you can preorder the standalone console, the Mario Kart World bundle, or Switch 2 games and accessories, like Donkey Kong Bananza or the Switch 2 Pro controller. You'll have plenty of luck ordering the games and accessories—not so much the consoles.
GameStop
GameStop is excited about the fact that it is holding midnight releases for Switch 2 in June. However, it didn't do the same for Switch 2 preorders. In fact, GameStop offered in-person preorders when the brick and mortar stores opened at 11 a.m.—11 hours after other retailers open their online preorders.
Like other stores, GameStop offers the console by itself, or the bundle with Mario Kart World—though both currently say "Coming Soon."
Best Buy
Best Buy also launched preorders at midnight on April 24. There isn't too much to say here, as it's the same deal as other stores: You can pick up the console, the bundle, or any number of accessories and games—though the consoles also say "Coming Soon."
Nintendo
You can, in fact, preorder a Switch 2 from Nintendo directly—but it's a bit weird. First of all, you aren't really "preordering" a console through Nintendo so much as registering your interest to buy one. From there, Nintendo will contact you with an "invitation" to buy the console if you are selected.
In order to be eligible for selection, however, you need to meet some odd criteria. In an effort to minimize scalpers, Nintendo is requiring preorder customers to connect their Nintendo accounts to the registration. Each account needs to have at least 50 hours of play time associated with it, as of April 2. That means you cannot create multiple accounts to try to game the system, nor can you apply if you just started your Nintendo journey after the second of the month.
If you meet these specifications, go for it. It won't be necessary if you secure a preorder through any of the other retailers, but it could be another good backup option—if you qualify, anyway.
Increasing your odds of preordering a Switch 2
The Switch 2 launches on June 5, which doesn't give you a ton of time to secure a unit. Still, hope isn't lost. There are still things you can do today to increase your odds of preordering a Switch 2. Check out my guide here to learn more.
