Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders: Live Dates at Retailers

Excitement is in the air as Nintendo has officially announced that preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will open on April 24. This next-gen console, set to launch on June 5, has caught the attention of gamers worldwide, and major retailers are ready to facilitate your preorders. Below, you'll find all the crucial information you need to ensure you secure your Nintendo Switch 2 without missing a beat. Let's dive into the details.

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 a quick reference, the list above includes direct links and specific times when Switch 2 preorders will go live online at major retailers. For a more in-depth look at what to expect from 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 open Switch 2 preorders at midnight Eastern Time, marking the transition from Wednesday to Thursday, April 24. While Walmart has not provided details about in-store preorders, they stand out by offering free delivery of your Switch 2 console by 9 a.m. on launch day, June 5. That's a major plus for those eager to start gaming as soon as possible.

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 kick off online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with games and accessories, at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. Additionally, for those who choose in-store pickup, most Best Buy locations will open at midnight on June 5, allowing you to get your hands on the console as soon as it's available.

Target: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Target

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

Preorders for the console, games, and accessories at Target will go live at midnight on April 24. While online preorders are confirmed, the company hasn't disclosed if in-store preorders will be available.

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. You can also secure your Switch 2 in person at GameStop stores when they open on April 24. For those looking to pick up their console on launch day, all GameStop stores will open at midnight on June 5.

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 in a bundle 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 from receiving your invitation to finalize your order.

However, this option is only available to customers who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid membership 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 to secure your Switch 2.

Make sure to explore additional strategies to enhance your chances of successfully preordering a Nintendo Switch 2.