Nintendo has officially confirmed that preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24, with the console set to launch on June 5. Major retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop, and the official Nintendo Store have all released details regarding preorder availability and timing. Below is a complete guide to help you prepare and secure your next-gen console right when preorders go live.
Switch 2 Preorder Times at a Glance
Walmart – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
Best Buy – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
Target – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
GameStop – 11:00 a.m. ET, April 24
If you're looking for a quick overview of when and where to preorder, the list above gives you exact times and direct links. For more in-depth information about each retailer’s preorder process, read on.
Walmart: Switch 2 Preorders
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$449.00 at Walmart
Preorders at Walmart will open at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24, marking the start of the Switch 2 preorder rush. While no in-store preorder options have been announced by Walmart, it remains the only major retailer offering free delivery of your Nintendo Switch 2 by 9:00 a.m. on launch day—June 5.
Best Buy: Switch 2 Preorders
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$449.99 at Best Buy
Online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with compatible games and accessories, will become available at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24. Additionally, most Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5 for customers who prefer to pick up their consoles in person.
Target: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Target
$449.99 at Target
Target will also start taking online preorders at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24. At this time, there is no confirmation of in-store preorder availability, so be sure to place your order online if you're planning through Target.
GameStop: Switch 2 Preorders
See at GameStop
$449.99 at GameStop
GameStop is launching its Switch 2 preorder window later than other retailers, opening online orders at 11:00 a.m. ET on April 24. If you’d rather not wait for online access, you can also preorder in person once local GameStop stores open on April 24.
Additionally, all GameStop locations will be open at midnight on June 5 for those eager to grab their new console as soon as possible.
Nintendo Store: Switch 2 Preorders
See at Nintendo Store
$449.99 at Nintendo Store
The official Nintendo Store offers a slightly different preorder experience. To participate, you must visit this page, log into your Nintendo Account, and register interest in either the standalone console or a Mario Kart World bundle.
After registering, Nintendo will send an email invitation starting May 8, giving you 72 hours to complete your purchase. However, eligibility for this program is limited to users who meet specific criteria: “customers who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and at least 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025.” If you don’t qualify, you’ll need to preorder from one of the participating retailers instead.
For additional tips and strategies on increasing your chances of securing a Nintendo Switch 2 during the preorder phase, make sure to explore our full guide on how to successfully preorder the Switch 2 before stock runs out.
