Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Begin: Where to Buy First

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, with official games and accessories also available for preorder today. Here's where you can secure your preorder right now.

Live April 24, 12 AM EST

Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle

$529.99 save 6%
$499.00 at Walmart

Bookmark this page for live Switch 2 preorder updates throughout the day 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 choose? If you're getting a Switch 2 at launch, the Mario Kart World Bundle offers the best value. You get Mario Kart World for just $50 more, saving you $30 compared to buying the game separately at its full $79.99 MSRP.

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, and it's the version most buyers will be eager to get. It's not just about securing a Switch 2; it's about getting the one that offers the best value at launch.

PSA: Expect high demand. Be prepared for virtual queues, slow websites, and potential checkout issues.

To increase your chances, log in ahead of time, ideally before navigating to the Switch 2 listings, and make sure your shipping and payment information is saved to your account, or keep a backup card handy just in case.

Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Where to Preorder

Donkey Kong Bananza

$69.99 at Target

Mario Kart World

$79.99 at Target

Kirby and The Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World

$79.99 at Target

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

$79.99 at Target

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

$69.99 at Target

Street Fighter 6 Year 1-2 Fighters Edition

$59.99 at Target

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

$39.99 at Target

Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV

$79.99 at Target

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2

$69.99 at Target

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2

$69.99 at Target

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar - Nintendo Switch 2

$59.99 at Target

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion Limited Edition - Nintendo Switch 2

$99.99 at Target

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Premium - Nintendo Switch 2

$79.99 at Target

The Nintendo Switch 2 is building an impressive library, combining new exclusives with enhanced re-releases of fan favorites. Heavy hitters like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) and Mario Kart World ($79.99) lead the charge, both available for preorder now, alongside optimized versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, tailored for the new hardware.

However, not all games will be available on day one. Some titles are launching with the console on June 5, while others, like Donkey Kong Bananza, won't hit shelves until July 17. Major titles such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A are still missing from preorder listings for both the Switch 2 and the current model.

Every confirmed Switch 2 game available for preorder is listed above, with all the retailer links you'll need right here.

Where To Preorder Switch 2 Games

See at Target
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Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories: Where to Preorder

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

$84.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector

$39.99 at Target

Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of 2)

$24.99 at Target

Samsung microSD Express Card 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2

$59.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 L/R - Light Blue/Light Red

$94.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera

$54.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case

$84.99 at Target

Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip

$39.99 at Target

Joy-Con 2 Straps (set of 2) Light Blue / Light Red

$13.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter

$34.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set

$119.99 at Nintendo Store

Nintendo has maintained the price of the Switch 2 console, but most accessories have seen a slight increase. 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 accessories, including the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the much-anticipated camera add-on, will cost an extra $5. The Dock Set sees the largest increase, rising $10 to $119.99.

Despite the price hike, if you're planning to purchase the full ecosystem at launch, the above list includes all accessories currently available for preorder, along with every retailer you can preorder from below.

Where To Preorder Switch 2 Accessories

See at Target
See at Walmart
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See at Best Buy

Which Retailer Should You Preorder the Switch 2 From?

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24 at most major US retailers, but specifics vary by store. Here's a breakdown of what each offers and what to expect for launch day delivery and in-store pickup.

TL;DR: Switch 2 Preorder - Retailer Guide

Walmart: Fastest delivery (by 9 am on June 5) if ordered before launch day. Currently the cheapest at $499.

GameStop: Midnight launch pickups at select stores. In-store preorders start during store hours; online preorders begin at 11 am EST, April 24.

Target: Online-only preorders opened at 12 am EST, April 24. Offers all games and accessories for preorder.

Best Buy: Midnight launch events planned for June 5. Online preorders started April 24. Offers alternative bundles.

Amazon: No listings yet. Nintendo products have been absent lately; it's uncertain if this will change before launch.

Walmart offers the most aggressive delivery promise: consoles ordered at launch are expected to arrive by 9 am on release day, June 5. This rare guarantee is likely to drive a quick sellout. Moreover, it's currently the cheapest option at $499.

GameStop leans into the midnight-release excitement, with select locations offering in-store pickup at midnight on June 5. In-store preorders are available during regular hours from April 24, while online availability starts at 11 am EST.

Target flipped the switch at midnight but sticks to online-only preorders. Stock is expected to be tight, but it does offer every game and accessory for preorder, a nice bonus if you're looking to pick up extras.

Best Buy confirmed April 24 as its preorder date and also plans midnight launch events at some stores, with the full rollout plan still being finalized. It offers alternative Switch 2 bundles or "packages," which might be worth checking out if you're struggling to buy the console and accessories individually.

The biggest question mark is Amazon. As of now, there are no official listings for the Switch 2, its accessories, or games. This isn't isolated; over the past year, Nintendo products have quietly disappeared from Amazon's US storefront, including staples like 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 chaotic 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 to go live on April 9, the launch was pushed back due to the impact of Trump-era tariffs and what the company called "evolving market conditions."

Meanwhile, the UK got a head start. Preorders went live on April 8 and 9, with some retailers jumping the gun even earlier on April 2. Now, they're sold out. If you're hesitating in the US, take note: stock won't last forever, especially for the bundle.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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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 whether 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 leave it up to chance, and we're recommending folks to buy 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 release year for games. Alongside the Switch 2, there are plenty of other great games releasing in the coming months that are worth keeping on your radar.

Below you can see some 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