Streaming Wars is a weekly opinion column penned by IGN's Streaming Editor, Amelia Emberwing. Be sure to catch up with her latest insights in the previous entry, This One Spider-Man Moment Is Key to Marvel TV’s Success.
Author: ZoeyReading:0
Preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 are officially live starting at midnight EST on April 24 (9 pm PST, April 23) at major US retailers, including **Walmart**. Alongside the console, a range of official games and accessories are also available for preorder today. Secure your spot now to ensure you don't miss out on this exciting release.
Originally priced at $529.99, now available for $499.00 at Walmart. Bookmark this page for real-time updates on Switch 2 preorders throughout today and leading up to the console's launch on June 5.
For immediate alerts as more retailers launch their preorders, follow @IGNDeals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
When you're ready to purchase, you have two primary options: the standard Nintendo Switch 2 for $449.99 or the Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World bundle for $499.99. Share your preorder success stories in the comments below!
Which should you choose? For those planning to buy 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 purchasing the game separately at its full $79.99 MSRP.
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The Mario Kart World bundle is a limited-time offer, making it the top choice for most buyers at launch due to its excellent value.
PSA: Expect high demand. Be prepared for virtual queues, slow websites, and potential checkout issues. To increase your chances, log in early, ensure your shipping and payment information is saved, or have a backup card ready.
$69.99 at Target
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The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch with an impressive lineup of games, including new exclusives and enhanced versions of beloved classics. Leading the pack are titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, both available for preorder now. Note that not all games will be available at launch; for instance, Donkey Kong Bananza won't hit shelves until July 17.
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$119.99 at Nintendo Store
While the price of the Switch 2 console remains unchanged, the cost of most accessories has increased. Nintendo has confirmed that several Switch 2 peripherals will see price adjustments due to market conditions, with most accessories increasing by about $5. The Dock Set, however, has a significant jump to $119.99.
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Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24 at most major US retailers, with slight variations by store. Here's a breakdown of what each offers and what to expect for launch day delivery and in-store pickup:
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 start at 11 am EST, April 24.
Target: Online-only preorders opened at 12 am EST, April 24. Offers every game and accessory for preorder.
Best Buy: Midnight launch events planned for June 5. Online preorders started April 24. Offers alternative Switch 2 bundles.
Amazon: No listings yet. Nintendo products have been missing from Amazon's US storefront recently, making it uncertain whether this will change before launch.
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
The past few weeks have been hectic for US buyers trying to secure a Nintendo Switch 2. After a Nintendo Direct in early April, preorders were unexpectedly delayed in the US and Canada from April 9 due to Trump-era tariffs and market conditions. Meanwhile, UK preorders began on April 8 and 9, and stocks quickly sold out. US buyers, take note: stock won't last long, especially for the bundle.
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Should you preorder the Switch 2 or wait? Nintendo anticipates struggling to meet worldwide demand. They reported receiving 2.2 million applications in Japan alone, far exceeding their expectations and available stock.
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."
When a major piece of gaming hardware goes up for preorder, stock can sell out in seconds. With high demand expected, here are key tips from the IGN commerce team to improve your chances:
While it may be a gamble, Nintendo offers a registration system through My Nintendo Store. Invites to purchase will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority to Nintendo Switch Online members with at least 12 months of paid membership and 50+ gameplay hours (as of April 2, 2025). Registering, even as a backup option, could be beneficial if you qualify.
2025 promises an exciting year for game releases. Alongside the Switch 2, other notable titles are coming soon. Here are some of our preorder guides for games like Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Doom: The Dark Ages, and more:
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