Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Begin: Top Places to Buy

The wait is over! 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, official games and accessories are also available for preorder today. Secure your spot now to ensure you don't miss out on this next-generation gaming experience.

Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle

For just $499.00 at Walmart (originally $529.99), you can snag the Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle. This incredible deal saves you 6% and includes the highly sought-after Mario Kart World game. Bookmark this page for live updates on Switch 2 preorders throughout the day and until the console's launch on June 5.

For instant alerts as more retailers go live, follow @IGNDeals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.

Switch 2: Where to Preorder

When you're ready to purchase, you have two main options: the standard Nintendo Switch 2 for $449.99, or the Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99. Share your success stories in the comments if you manage to secure your preorder!

Which should you buy? If you're planning to grab a Switch 2 at launch, the Mario Kart World Bundle offers the best value. You get Mario Kart World for just $50 more, instead of the full $79.99 MSRP, saving you $30 compared to buying the game separately.

Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle

See at Walmart - $499.00
See at GameStop - $499.99
See at Amazon - $499.99
See at Best Buy - $499.99
See at Target - $499.99

Nintendo Switch 2

See at Walmart - $449.00
See at GameStop - $449.99
See at Amazon - $449.99
See at Best Buy - $449.99
See at Target - $449.99

The Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle is a limited-time release, and it's the version most buyers will be eager to get. It's not just about securing a Switch 2; it's about getting the best value at launch.

PSA: Expect high demand across the board. Be prepared for virtual queues, slow website performance, and potential checkout issues. To increase your chances, log in ahead of time, ideally before navigating to the Switch 2 listings, and ensure your shipping and payment information is saved to your account, or have a backup card ready.

Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Where to Preorder

Donkey Kong Bananza

$69.99 at Target

Mario Kart World

$79.99 at Target

Kirby and The Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World

$79.99 at Target

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

$79.99 at Target

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

$69.99 at Target

Street Fighter 6 Year 1-2 Fighters Edition

$59.99 at Target

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster

$39.99 at Target

Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV

$79.99 at Target

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2

$69.99 at Target

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2

$69.99 at Target

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar - Nintendo Switch 2

$59.99 at Target

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion Limited Edition - Nintendo Switch 2

$99.99 at Target

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Premium - Nintendo Switch 2

$79.99 at Target

The Nintendo Switch 2 is already building a robust library, featuring new exclusives and upgraded re-releases of fan favorites. Heavyweights like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World are leading the charge, available for preorder now, alongside enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, optimized for the new hardware.

However, not all titles will launch on day one. Some will release with the console on June 5, while others, like Donkey Kong Bananza, won't hit shelves until July 17. Big names like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A are still missing from preorder listings for both the Switch 2 and the current model.

Every confirmed Switch 2 game available for preorder is listed above, with all the necessary retailer links.

Where To Preorder Switch 2 Games

See at Target
See at Walmart
See at Amazon
See at GameStop
See at Best Buy

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories: Where to Preorder

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

$84.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector

$39.99 at Target

Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of 2)

$24.99 at Target

Samsung microSD Express Card 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2

$59.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 L/R - Light Blue/Light Red

$94.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera

$54.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case

$84.99 at Target

Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip

$39.99 at Target

Joy-Con 2 Straps (set of 2) Light Blue / Light Red

$13.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter

$34.99 at Target

Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set

$119.99 at Nintendo Store

Nintendo has maintained the price of the Switch 2 console, but most accessories have seen a slight increase. In a recent update, the company confirmed that several Switch 2 peripherals would "experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions." Expect to pay an extra $5 for main accessories like the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the much-anticipated camera add-on. The Dock Set sees the biggest jump, now at $119.99.

Despite the price hike, if you're planning to get the full ecosystem at launch, the above list includes all accessories currently available for preorder, along with all the retailers you can preorder from.

Where To Preorder Switch 2 Accessories

See at Target
See at Walmart
See at Amazon
See at GameStop
See at Best Buy

Which Retailer Should You Preorder the Switch 2 From?

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24 for most major US retailers, but the specifics vary by store. Here's a breakdown of what each offers and what to expect regarding launch day delivery and in-store pickup.

TL;DR: Switch 2 Preorder - Retailer Guide

Walmart: Offers the fastest delivery (by 9 am on June 5) if ordered before launch day. Currently the cheapest at $499.

GameStop: Provides 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 lately, making it uncertain whether this will change before launch.

Walmart's aggressive delivery promise stands out: consoles ordered at launch are expected to arrive by 9 am on release day, June 5. This guarantee is likely to drive quick sellouts, and it's currently the cheapest option at $499.

GameStop is capitalizing on the midnight-release hype, offering in-store pickup at select locations as soon as the clock strikes twelve on June 5. In-store preorders are open during regular hours from April 24, while online availability begins at 11 am EST.

Target flipped the switch at midnight, sticking to online-only preorders for now. Stock is expected to be tight, but it's a great place to preorder games and accessories as well.

Best Buy confirmed April 24 as its preorder date and also offers midnight launch events at some stores. They provide alternative Switch 2 bundles that might be worth exploring if you're looking for a comprehensive package.

Amazon remains the biggest question mark, with no official listings for the Switch 2 or its accessories and games. This absence is part of a broader trend where Nintendo products have disappeared from Amazon's US storefront.

Switch 2 FAQs: Delays, Price, Release Date

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: Struggles to meet demand, preorders likely to sell out

It's been a chaotic few weeks for anyone in the US trying to lock down a Nintendo Switch 2. After the Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct in early April, Nintendo unexpectedly delayed preorders across the US and Canada. Originally set for April 9, the launch was pushed back due to Trump-era tariffs and "evolving market conditions."

Meanwhile, the UK got a head start with preorders going live on April 8 and 9, with some retailers even starting earlier on April 2. Now, they're sold out. So, if you're hesitating in the US, take note: stock won't last forever—especially for the bundle.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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So should you preorder the Switch 2 or wait? Nintendo has already stated it will struggle to meet worldwide demand. They received approximately 2.2 million applications at My Nintendo Store in Japan alone, far exceeding their expectations and the number of consoles they can deliver on June 5th. A significant number of customers are expected to not be selected when winners are announced on April 24th.

What We Said in Our Switch 2 Preview

In IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 preview, Logan Plant commented, "Switch 2 is a more premium product, and the price tag reflects that. It's also a better version of a great thing, trying to pull off a bunch of cool new tricks at the same time, like mouse controls. 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."

How to Increase Your Chance of Getting a Switch 2

When a major piece of gaming hardware goes up for preorder at a retailer, it can sell out in seconds. With demand expected to be high, here are some key tips from the IGN commerce team to improve your chances of getting a Switch 2 at launch:

- Follow IGN Deals on X and Bluesky
- Log in to retailer accounts: Walmart, Amazon, etc.
- Have a credit card saved in your account
- Subscribe to our IGN Deals Email Newsletter
- Opt into push notifications

While it may be up to chance, and we recommend buying from major retailers ASAP to avoid disappointment, Nintendo is also offering a registration system through My Nintendo Store. Invites to purchase will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to Nintendo Switch Online members with at least 12 months of paid membership and 50+ gameplay hours (as of April 2, 2025). Even if you plan to buy elsewhere, if you qualify, it's worth registering as a backup option.

Other Preorder Guides

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting release year for games. Alongside the Switch 2, there are plenty of other great games releasing in the coming months worth keeping on your radar. Below, you can find more of our preorder guides covering exciting releases like Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Doom: The Dark Ages, and more.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Preorder Guide
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Preorder Guide
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Preorder Guide
Doom: The Dark Ages Preorder Guide
Elden Ring Nightreign Preorder Guide
Metal Gear Solid Delta Preorder Guide
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Preorder Guide
Silent Hill f Preorder Guide
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Preorder Guide