Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders: Live Dates at Major Retailers

Nintendo has announced that preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will open on April 24. Major retailers have provided detailed information on when and how you can secure your preorder before the next-gen console launches on June 5. Below, you'll find all the essential details to ensure you're ready to lock in your Switch 2 preorder. Let’s dive in and explore your options.

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 above list provides links and times for when Switch 2 preorders go live online at major retailers. For a more detailed breakdown of 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 begin accepting Switch 2 preorders at midnight Eastern Time, transitioning from Wednesday to Thursday, April 24. There's no information on in-store preorders at Walmart locations. However, Walmart is the only retailer offering free delivery of your Switch 2 console by 9 a.m. on launch day, June 5, making it an attractive option.

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 also start taking online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with games and accessories, at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. For those who prefer in-person pickup, most Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5 for customers to collect their preorders.

Target: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Target

• $449.99 at Target
• Preorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET, April 24

Target will begin accepting 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 start preorders later than other major retailers, with online preorders beginning at 11 a.m. ET on April 24. In-person preorders will be available when GameStop stores open on April 24. For those eager to get their hands on the console as soon as possible, all GameStop stores will 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. You'll need to visit their designated page, log into your Nintendo account, and register your interest by choosing either the console alone or bundled with Mario Kart World. Once registered, Nintendo will send you an email invitation to complete your purchase, with the first batch of invitations going out on May 8. You'll have 72 hours to finalize your purchase after receiving your invitation.

However, there are specific eligibility requirements for this method: you must have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid membership and accumulated a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours by April 2, 2025. If you don't meet these criteria, you'll need to explore other purchasing options.

For more tips on how to increase your chances of securing a Switch 2 preorder, be sure to check out additional resources.