Nintendo has officially confirmed that preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will go live on April 24, 2025. With the next-gen console set to launch on June 5, all major retailers have released detailed information on when and how you can secure your unit. Whether you're planning to preorder online or pick up in person, here’s everything you need to know to be ready the moment preorders drop.
Nintendo 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 looking to lock in your preorder as quickly as possible, these are the key times to mark on your calendar. All major retailers will open online preorders at midnight ET on April 24—except GameStop, which begins 11 hours later. For more detailed insights into each retailer’s preorder process, keep reading below.
Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.00
Preorders at Walmart will go live at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. While the company has not confirmed in-store preorder availability, it stands out with a major perk: free delivery by 9 a.m. on launch day, June 5. This exclusive early delivery option makes Walmart a top choice for players eager to start gaming the moment the console releases.
Best Buy: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.99
Best Buy will open online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with compatible games and accessories, at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. For fans who want the full launch-day experience, most Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5 for in-person preorder pickup. Just select the in-store pickup option when placing your order.
Are you going to pick up your Switch 2 at midnight?
Target: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.99
Target will begin online preorders at 12 a.m. ET on April 24, aligning with Walmart and Best Buy. The preorder includes the console, launch titles, and accessories. As of now, Target has not announced whether in-store preorders will be available—so online ordering is your best bet.
GameStop: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.99
GameStop will open online preorders at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, making it the last major retailer to begin. However, you can also preorder in person at any physical GameStop location when stores open that day. For launch night excitement, all GameStop stores will be open at midnight on June 5, allowing fans to pick up their consoles right at release.
Nintendo Store: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.99
Preordering directly from the official Nintendo Store comes with a unique process. First, you must visit the Switch 2 interest registration page and log in to your Nintendo account. There, you can express interest in either the standalone console or a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.
After registering, you’ll receive an email invitation when it’s your turn to complete the purchase. The first wave of invitations will be sent on May 8, and you’ll have 72 hours to finalize your order once you get the email.
There are important eligibility requirements: this option is only available to customers who have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid service and a minimum of 50 gameplay hours logged by April 2, 2025. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’ll need to preorder through a third-party retailer.
For more tips on improving your chances of securing a Nintendo Switch 2, be sure to explore additional preorder strategies and retailer updates as the April 24 date approaches.