Nintendo has confirmed that preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24. Major retailers have shared official details on how and when you can secure your preorder ahead of the next-generation console's launch on June 5. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for the Switch 2 preorder rush. Let's take a closer look.
Switch 2 Preorder Times at a Glance
Walmart- 12 a.m. ET April 24Best Buy - 12 a.m. ET April 24Target - 12 a.m. ET April 24GameStop - 11 a.m. ET April 24
If you're short on time, the list above includes direct links and launch times for Switch 2 preorders at major online retailers. For a more in-depth look at how each store will handle preorders, continue reading.
Walmart: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Walmart
6$449.00 at WalmartPreorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET April 24
Walmart will open Switch 2 preorders at midnight Eastern Time as April 24 begins. The retailer hasn't specified whether in-person preorders will be available at physical stores.
However, Walmart stands out as the only retailer offering free launch-day delivery, with consoles arriving by 9 a.m. on June 5, which is a major perk.
Best Buy: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Best Buy
2$449.99 at Best BuyPreorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET April 24
Best Buy will also begin accepting online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, games, and accessories at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. Most Best Buy locations will open at midnight on June 5 for customers to collect their preordered consoles, provided you choose in-store pickup during checkout.
Target: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Target
3$449.99 at TargetPreorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET April 24
Target will launch preorders for the console, games, and accessories at midnight ET on April 24. Preorders are available online, but the retailer hasn't confirmed if in-store preordering will be an option.
GameStop: Switch 2 Preorders
See at GameStop
1$449.99 at GameStopPreorder here starting at 11 a.m. ET April 24
GameStop is starting preorders later than other major retailers. Online preorders begin at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, which is 11 hours after the others.
You can also preorder in person at GameStop stores when they open on April 24. For pickup, all GameStop locations will open at midnight on June 5, letting you be among the first to get your new device.
Nintendo Store: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Nintendo Store
5$449.99 at Nintendo Store
Preordering through the official Nintendo Store is a bit different. First, visit the store page, log into your Nintendo account, and indicate your interest by selecting either the standalone console or a bundle with Mario Kart World.
After registration, Nintendo will email you when it's your turn to buy. The first round of invitations will be sent on May 8. Once invited, you'll have 72 hours to finalize your purchase.
There are several conditions for buying a Switch 2 this way. It’s restricted to customers “with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership of at least 12 months and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours recorded as of April 2, 2025.” If you don’t meet these criteria, you'll need to buy from another retailer.
Also, check out our tips on how to improve your chances of securing a Switch 2 preorder.
