Importance Score: 15 / 100 🟠
After considerable anticipation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the launch date for the Nintendo Switch 2. The highly anticipated successor to the original Switch console is slated to arrive on June 5th, priced at $449.99. Consumers can expect a selection of new games and peripherals alongside the device. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 will commence in the US through participating retailers starting April 9th, available both as a standalone console and in a special edition bundle with Mario Kart World for $499.99.
Aligning with previous reports, the Switch 2 will feature an enhanced 7.9-inch LCD screen, boasting 1080p resolution along with HDR support. It will also include 256GB of internal storage and offer up to 6.5 hours of battery life. The redesigned Joy-Con controllers are larger and now utilize magnetic attachment to the console, replacing the sliding rail mechanism. These updated controllers also introduce mouse-like functionality in compatible titles, and the right Joy-Con incorporates a “C” button, intended for in-game communication features, screen sharing, and various other actions.
Gamers can anticipate Mario Kart World as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, accompanied by third-party releases such as Split Fiction and Cyberpunk 2077. The console will also maintain backward compatibility with games from the original Switch and will introduce enhanced versions of select legacy titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
The following sections detail essential pre-order information for those interested in being among the first to acquire the new console. This article will be regularly updated with the latest details as they become available, so please bookmark this page for ongoing updates leading up to the release.
How to Pre-order via Nintendo
As anticipated, the My Nintendo Store is among the initial confirmed retailers, though it entails specific eligibility requirements, including pre-registration of interest before April 9th. To register, users must log in with their Nintendo account and specify their preferred console configuration and accessories. Eligible individuals who meet additional conditions will subsequently receive an email invitation to make a purchase.
Currently, this reservation process is limited to Nintendo account holders in the US and Canada who are 18 years of age or older. Nintendo has stated that invitations, valid for 72 hours, will be prioritized on a “first-come, first-served basis.” Eligibility also necessitates an active Nintendo Switch Online membership of at least 12 months and a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch as of April 2nd, 2025. Furthermore, users must have consented to share gameplay data with Nintendo, verifiable within the privacy settings of their Nintendo account.
Following the distribution of invitations to account holders meeting these criteria, Nintendo will extend invitations to “remaining eligible registrants” based on a first-come, first-served system. These invitations are non-transferable and will be sent to the email address associated with the Nintendo account used during registration. During the initial invitation phase, purchases will be restricted to one console and accessory per eligible account, with the first wave of invitations scheduled to be sent on May 8th.
Additional invitations will be issued periodically, although Nintendo has not yet provided further specifics.
How to Pre-order at Best Buy
For those who find Nintendo’s prerequisites restrictive, the pre-order process at Best Buy appears considerably simpler. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, related games, and accessories will commence on April 9th via the Best Buy app and BestBuy.com. Notably, most Best Buy stores across the US will open at 12 AM ET, 11 PM CT, 10 PM MT, and 9 PM PT on June 5th for pre-order pickups, indicating a return to traditional midnight release events reminiscent of pre-pandemic launches.
Specific details remain limited; however, My Best Buy Plus and Total members are eligible for a $20 certificate for every $150 spent (up to $100) on qualifying Nintendo games and hardware. This offer provides a valuable benefit for subscribers to Best Buy’s premium loyalty program. While these memberships incur an annual fee of at least $49.99, they also unlock access to exclusive deals, complimentary two-day shipping, and other advantages.
It is anticipated that Best Buy will release further pre-order information leading up to April 9th, including clarification on whether a queue system, similar to the PlayStation 5 launch, will be implemented. In the meantime, it is advisable to subscribe to notifications regarding the Switch 2 and closely monitor Best Buy‘s designated pages for both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle.
How to Pre-order at Walmart
Walmart has yet to officially announce extensive details concerning the Switch 2 launch, but the retailer has created dedicated online pages for both the standalone Switch 2 ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99), as well as for games like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) and the Switch 2 edition of Breath of the Wild ($69.99). A small banner displayed beneath the pricing information confirms that pre-orders will commence on April 9th, aligning with the pre-order start date for other retailers.
How to Pre-order at Target
Target‘s situation mirrors that of Walmart. The retailer has established online listings for both the standalone Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle, alongside listings for a selection of Switch 2 and Switch 2 Enhanced games. While no further details have been provided, both console listings indicate that pre-orders are scheduled to open on April 9th.
How to Pre-order at GameStop
GameStop has also verified that it will initiate pre-orders for the Switch 2 at an unannounced time on April 9th. Similar to Best Buy, customers can register to receive notifications regarding the upcoming console, games, and accessories. Dedicated online pages are also available for both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle, allowing interested individuals to monitor the availability of each option.
How to Pre-order Elsewhere
Not all prominent retailers have yet provided details concerning their pre-order procedures for the April 9th launch. As with previous console launches, it is expected that Amazon will also have limited stock available. Despite Nintendo’s efforts to ensure sufficient supply to meet demand, reports suggest that US retailers may experience shortages of Switch 2 consoles relative to pre-order interest. Hopefully, Nintendo’s stringent reservation requirements, and potentially those of other retailers, will effectively minimize scalping activities.
Update, April 2nd: This article has been updated to incorporate further pre-order information for Target, GameStop, and Walmart.