Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Begin - Where to Buy First
The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are now live, starting at midnight EST on April 24 (9 pm PST, April 23) at major US retailers like **Walmart**. Alongside the console, official games and accessories are also available for preorder today. Here's where you can secure your preorder now.
Live April 24, 12 AM EST
Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle
13$529.99 save 6%$499.00 at Walmart
Bookmark this page for live Switch 2 preorder updates throughout today and until the console's launch on June 5. For instant alerts as more retailers go live, follow @IGNDeals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
Switch 2: Where to Preorder
When you're ready to purchase, you have two main options: the Nintendo Switch 2 ($449.99), or the Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99). Let us know in the comments if you manage to secure your preorder.
Which should you buy? If you're picking up a Switch 2 at launch, the Mario Kart World Bundle offers the best value. You're getting Mario Kart World for just $50 more, instead of the full $79.99 MSRP, saving you $30 versus buying the game separately.
Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle
See at Walmart- $499.00
See at GameStop- $499.99
See at Amazon- $499.99
See at Best Buy- $499.99
See at Target- $499.99
Nintendo Switch 2
See at Walmart- $449.00
See at GameStop- $449.99
See at Amazon- $449.99
See at Best Buy- $449.99
See at Target- $449.99
The Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle is a limited-time release, making it the version most buyers will be eager to grab. This isn't just about getting a Switch 2; it's about securing the one that offers great value at launch.
PSA: Expect high demand. Be prepared for virtual queues, slow website performance, and potential checkout issues. To improve your chances, log in to your retailer account ahead of time, ideally before navigating to the Switch 2 listings, and ensure your shipping and payment information is saved or have a backup card ready.
Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Where to Preorder
Donkey Kong Bananza
17$69.99 at Target
Mario Kart World
23$79.99 at Target
Kirby and The Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World
12$79.99 at Target
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
14$79.99 at Target
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
13$69.99 at Target
Street Fighter 6 Year 1-2 Fighters Edition
10$59.99 at Target
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
8$39.99 at Target
Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
10$79.99 at Target
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2
0$69.99 at Target
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2
0$69.99 at Target
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar - Nintendo Switch 2
0$59.99 at Target
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion Limited Edition - Nintendo Switch 2
0$99.99 at Target
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Premium - Nintendo Switch 2
0$79.99 at Target
The Nintendo Switch 2 is building an impressive library, combining new exclusives with enhanced re-releases of beloved titles. Heavyweights like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) and Mario Kart World ($79.99) lead the pack, both available for preorder now, along with optimized versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, tailored for the new hardware.
Not all games will be available at launch. Some titles, like Donkey Kong Bananza, are set to release on July 17, while others like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A are still missing from preorder listings on both the Switch 2 and the current model.
Every confirmed Switch 2 game available for preorder is listed above, with all the necessary retailer links.
Where To Preorder Switch 2 Games
See at Target
See at Walmart
See at Amazon
See at GameStop
See at Best Buy
Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories: Where to Preorder
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
1$84.99 at Target
Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector
3$39.99 at Target
Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of 2)
1$24.99 at Target
Samsung microSD Express Card 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2
1$59.99 at Target
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 L/R - Light Blue/Light Red
1$94.99 at Target
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
1$54.99 at Target
Nintendo Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case
1$84.99 at Target
Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip
1$39.99 at Target
Joy-Con 2 Straps (set of 2) Light Blue / Light Red
1$13.99 at Target
Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
1$34.99 at Target
Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set
1$119.99 at Nintendo Store
Nintendo has not changed the price of the Switch 2 console itself, but nearly every accessory has seen a slight increase in cost. In a recent update, the company confirmed that several Switch 2 peripherals will "experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions." This means most items are now a bit pricier.
Expect to pay an extra $5 for main accessories like the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the camera add-on. The Dock Set has the biggest increase, now priced at $119.99, up by $10.
Despite the price hikes, if you're planning to purchase the full ecosystem at launch, the list above includes all accessories currently available for preorder, along with links to every retailer offering them.
Where To Preorder Switch 2 Accessories
See at Target
See at Walmart
See at Amazon
See at GameStop
See at Best Buy
Which Retailer Should You Preorder the Switch 2 From?
Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24 for most major US retailers, with slight variations by store. Here’s a breakdown of what each retailer offers, and what to expect for launch day delivery and in-store pickup.
TL;DR: Switch 2 Preorder - Retailer Guide
Walmart: Offers the fastest delivery (by 9 am on June 5) if ordered before launch day. Currently the cheapest at $499, rather than $499.99 elsewhere.
GameStop: Features midnight launch pickups at select stores. In-store preorders start during store hours on April 24; online preorders begin at 11 am EST, April 24.
Target: Online-only preorders opened at 12 am EST, April 24. Stock is expected to be tight, but they have every game and accessory up for preorder.
Best Buy: Midnight launch events planned for June 5. Online preorders started on April 24. Also offers alternative bundles if buying the console and accessories separately is challenging.
Amazon: No listings yet. Nintendo products have been missing lately, and it's uncertain whether this will change before launch.
Walmart is offering one of the most aggressive delivery promises: consoles ordered at launch are expected to arrive by 9 am on release day, June 5. This is a rare guarantee likely to drive quick sellouts. Moreover, it's currently the cheapest offering at $499.
GameStop is also capitalizing on the midnight-release excitement, with select locations offering in-store pickup as soon as the clock strikes twelve on June 5. In-store preorders are open during regular hours from April 24, while online availability kicks in at 11 am EST.
Target opened preorders at midnight, sticking to online-only for now. As with most major launches, stock is expected to be limited. But, they already have every game and accessory up for preorder, a nice bonus if you're looking to grab extras.
Best Buy confirmed April 24 as its preorder date, starting at 12 am EST. They're also planning midnight launch events at some stores, with the full rollout plan still being finalized. They offer alternative Switch 2 bundles that might be worth checking out if buying the console and accessories separately is challenging.
The biggest question mark is Amazon. As of now, they have no official listings for the Switch 2 — not the console, not its accessories, not even the games. Over the past year, Nintendo products have quietly disappeared from Amazon’s US storefront, including Switch Online memberships and digital game codes. Whether this signals a distribution issue or a strategic shift is unclear, but it leaves buyers without one of the most convenient ordering options.
Switch 2 FAQs: Delays, Price, Release Date
Preorder Date: April 24, 2025
Start Time: 12 am EST at major retailers like Walmart
Release Date: June 5, 2025 (still on track)
Price: $449.99 for the standard model, $499.99 for the Mario Kart World Bundle (limited stock)
Accessories: Prices have increased by about $5 each compared to initial announcements
Nintendo: Can't meet demand, preorders likely to sell out
It’s been a turbulent few weeks for anyone in the US trying to secure a Nintendo Switch 2. After the Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct in early April, Nintendo unexpectedly delayed preorders across the US and Canada. Originally set for April 9, the launch was postponed due to Trump-era tariffs and "evolving market conditions."
Meanwhile, the UK got a head start with preorders going live on April 8 and 9, and some retailers even earlier on April 2. Now, they're sold out. If you're hesitating in the US, take note: stock won’t last long, especially for the bundle.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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So should you preorder the Switch 2 or wait? Nintendo is already saying it will struggle to meet worldwide demand. They stated: "We received an extremely large number of applications [at My Nintendo Store], approximately 2.2 million people in Japan alone."
"However, this number far exceeds our expectations, and far exceeds the number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that can be delivered from the My Nintendo Store on June 5th. Therefore, unfortunately, we expect that a significant number of customers will not be selected when the winners are announced tomorrow, April 24th."
What We Said in Our Switch 2 Preview
Here's what Logan Plant had to say in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 preview: "Switch 2 is a more premium product and the price tag reflects that. It’s also a better version of a great thing, and it’s trying to pull off a bunch of cool new tricks at the same time, like mouse controls."
"Obviously we’re both buying Switch 2 on day one, and I did really love our hands-on time with the console. But I’ll be honest and say I have some concerns about if the general public is willing to adopt a $450 Nintendo console with an $80 Mario Kart."
"It’s a big ask for a company that traditionally targets families and younger players, and I feel like the high cost of entry limits the Switch 2’s potential to take off in the way its predecessor did."
"But for those of you that do decide to take the plunge, you’ll be getting what’s shaping up to be a great hybrid console that makes a ton of worthwhile improvements on the original Switch and adds some fun bells and whistles for good measure."
How to Increase Your Chance of Getting a Switch 2
When a major piece of gaming hardware goes up for preorder at a retailer, there’s no telling how long it will be available. We’ve seen sought-after hardware sell out in seconds. With demand expected to be high, here are some key tips from the IGN commerce team to improve your chances of getting a Switch 2 at launch.
Follow IGN Deals on X and Bluesky
Log in to retailer accounts: Walmart, Amazon, etc.
Have a credit card saved in your account
Subscribe to our IGN Deals Email Newsletter
Opt into push notifications
While it may be up to chance, and we recommend buying from major retailers ASAP to avoid disappointment, Nintendo is also offering a registration system through My Nintendo Store. Invites to purchase will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Priority will go to Nintendo Switch Online members with at least 12 months of paid membership and 50+ gameplay hours (as of April 2, 2025). Even if you plan to buy elsewhere, if you qualify, it's worth registering as a backup option.
Other Preorder Guides
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for game releases. Alongside the Switch 2, there are plenty of other great games coming out in the coming months that are worth keeping on your radar.
Below you can find more of our preorder guides covering exciting releases like Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Doom: The Dark Ages, and more.
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Preorder Guide
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Preorder Guide
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Preorder Guide
Doom: The Dark Ages Preorder Guide
Elden Ring Nightreign Preorder Guide
Metal Gear Solid Delta Preorder Guide
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Preorder Guide
Silent Hill f Preorder Guide
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Preorder Guide