Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders: Live Dates at Major Retailers Revealed

Nintendo has officially announced that preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will go live on April 24. Major retailers have provided detailed information on when and how you can secure your preorders before the next-generation console launches on June 5. Here's everything you need to know to ensure you get your hands on the Switch 2.

Switch 2 Preorder Times at a Glance

• Walmart - 12 a.m. ET on April 24
• Best Buy - 12 a.m. ET on April 24
• Target - 12 a.m. ET on April 24
• GameStop - 11 a.m. ET on April 24

If you're in a rush and need the essentials, the list above provides direct links and times for when Switch 2 preorders will go live at major retailers. For a more detailed breakdown of what to expect at each store, continue reading.

Walmart: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Walmart

$449.00 at Walmart

Preorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET on April 24

Walmart will kick off Switch 2 preorders at midnight Eastern Time, transitioning from Wednesday to Thursday, April 24. While no information has been provided about in-person preorders at Walmart stores, they stand out as the only retailer offering free delivery of your Switch 2 console by 9 a.m. on launch day, June 5.

Best Buy: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Best Buy

$449.99 at Best Buy

Preorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET on April 24

Best Buy will begin accepting online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with games and accessories, at 12 a.m. ET on April 24. Additionally, most Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5, allowing customers to pick up their preorders if they chose that option during the preorder process.

Target: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Target

$449.99 at Target

Preorder here starting at 12 a.m. ET on April 24

Preorders at Target for the console, games, and accessories will become available at midnight on April 24. You'll be able to preorder online, though Target has not mentioned the availability of in-store preorders.

GameStop: Switch 2 Preorders

See at GameStop

$449.99 at GameStop

Preorder here starting at 11 a.m. ET on April 24

GameStop will start preorders later than other major retailers, with online preorders beginning at 11 a.m. ET on April 24. You can also preorder in person at GameStop stores when they open on April 24. For pickup, all GameStop locations will be open at midnight on June 5, allowing you to be among the first to get your new console.

Nintendo Store: Switch 2 Preorders

See at Nintendo Store

$449.99 at Nintendo Store

Preorders from the official Nintendo Store are slightly more complex than at other retailers. You'll need to visit the specified page, log into your Nintendo account, and register your interest in either the console alone or a bundle with Mario Kart World. Nintendo will then send you an email when it's your turn to complete the purchase, with the first batch of invitations going out on May 8. You'll have 72 hours to finalize your purchase once you receive the email.

However, there are specific requirements for purchasing through the Nintendo Store. It's only available to customers who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025. If you don't meet these criteria, you'll need to preorder from another retailer.

Make sure to also explore strategies to increase your chances of securing a Switch 2 preorder.