Prepare Early to Secure Your Nintendo Switch 2 When Preorders Open

Nintendo has officially unveiled the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s sure to be a hot item when preorders open on April 9. With a release date of June 5, the new console will likely sell out quickly, so you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to secure your unit as soon as possible. Here’s everything you need to know to increase your chances of getting your hands on one.

The Nintendo Switch 2: What’s New?

The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a host of upgrades, including a more powerful CPU and GPU, 4K and 120 FPS video output, and new features like video chatting and GameShare. The console still retains the same basic footprint as the original Switch, with an all-in-one unit containing a 7.9-inch LCD screen and detachable Joy-Con 2 controllers. The new Joy-Con controllers are magnetic, offering a secure fit, and introduce mouse controls for cursor-moving input and a new button for voice chat. The Switch 2 will also feature USB-C charging ports on both sides, ensuring you can charge while you play.

The console will retail for $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle priced at $499.99. Accessories, including a new Switch Camera for $49.99, a Switch 2 Pro controller for $79.99, and extra Joy-Con 2 controllers for $89.99 each, will also be available.

How to Pre-Order the Nintendo Switch 2

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will open on April 9, 2025, at major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Target. To ensure you don’t miss out, you’ll need to be prepared. Here are the main ways to pre-order:

1. Nintendo’s Official Website

Nintendo itself will be offering preorders, but there’s a catch: You must be a registered Nintendo account holder and at least 18 years old to purchase. If you meet these criteria, you can register your intent to purchase right now. While this isn’t a binding commitment, Nintendo will be sending exclusive purchase links starting on May 8, and the order in which registrations were received will determine when you get the link.

There are two groups for registration:

• Priority List: Those with a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 paid months and 50+ gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025, will be given priority access.

• Secondary List: Those who don’t meet these criteria will be placed in the second batch of invites after the priority list.

2. Retailers

You can also preorder from major retailers. Here’s what to expect from each:

• Best Buy: Best Buy already has a pre-order landing page. Sign up for updates and get discounts on games and gear. Best Buy Plus and Total members can earn $20 bonus rewards for every $150 spent on Nintendo items.

• GameStop: GameStop also has a landing page for Switch 2 preorders. If you’re a GameStop Pro member, you can enjoy a $65 discount on your purchase.

• Walmart: Walmart offers a unique perk for customers in the Pacific and Mountain time zones. You can preorder in-store at 9 PM PDT/10 PM MDT and have it delivered to you by 9 AM on June 5 (if ordered before 8 AM on June 4). They also offer curbside delivery.

• Target: Target’s pre-order page is up, though it’s more basic than others. There are no announced discounts or bundles, but it’s a good backup if other options sell out.

Make sure you’re logged into your retailer accounts and have updated billing and shipping information to streamline the ordering process.

What If You Miss the Preorder?

If you miss out on the preorder of Nintendo Switch 2, don’t panic. Different retailers may have slightly different release windows, and it’s common for Best Buy to open preorders first, followed closely by Walmart and GameStop. Amazon can be a bit unpredictable, but it’s worth keeping an eye on as well. If you have multiple retailer pages bookmarked, you’ll have better chances of landing a preorder.