Now that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are back in North America, gamers everywhere are scrambling to find out when and where they can secure their pre-orders. Lucky for you, we’re gamers too, and we’re just as eager to get our hands on Nintendo’s upcoming console.
As for successfully procuring one, well, that might come down to luck. Not only will you be up against genuine gamers eager to snag one to play Mario Kart World and the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but you’ll also be competing with scalpers looking to make a quick buck.”
To make things easier, we’ve compiled information on where you can locate pre-orders and when they’ll go on sale.
All of these dates are on April 24, 2025!
To make things easier for you, I’d recommend setting up an account at each store if you haven’t already, and adding your payment option. That way, you can just select the console and pay as soon as possible. Most stores have a queue system, but from experience, they will not hold the item if you have it in your online cart. Don’t bet on them. Be ready to pay and go.
- Best Buy: 9 PM PT / 12 AM ET: Switch 2 console | Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle. Best Buy will not be using its Total Tech membership system so that those who are members can get first dibs. Though, they really should.
- Target: 9 PM PT / 12 AM ET: Switch 2 Console | Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle
- GameStop: 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET: Switch 2 console | Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle. It’s important to note that if you pre-order online, you will not have the option to pick up in store. So, if you want to pick up in store, you’ll have to pre-order in person at a store.
- Amazon – Not doing a pre-order and may not have the Switch 2 on sale. We’ll be watching the original Nintendo Switch page to see if that changes.
- Walmart – 9 PM PT / 12 AM ET: Switch 2 Console | Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle. Will only offer shipping, but will be delivered on launch day.
- Nintendo: Certain long-standing members of Nintendo Switch Online were given an option to procure a pre-order through Nintendo Switch Online, instead of a retail store. On the day of pre-orders, subscribers to this method will get an email to take them to the pre-order site. There’ll be a button in the email to take you to a landing page where you put in the registered email address, and then it’ll put you in a queue showing your position and wait time. Then it lets you into the site, and you can browse through all the pre-orderable wares. Here is an image of how that site will look (given to us from a fan in the UK who underwent this process earlier in the month):
So, Good Luck!
With that out of the way, whether or not you manage to snag a Nintendo Switch 2, here are a few accessories you might want to pick up when you get one. As for launch titles, we’ve got you covered here.
amFilm Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch 2 ($12.99 on Amazon) –You’ve got to protect your screen from scratches and the occasional drop (or two). I’ve been using amFilm products for most of my gaming gear, including the Nintendo Switch, and I swear by them.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – While the original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller was decent, the updated version is said to charge much faster, offers up to 40 hours of gameplay, and will feature two rear triggers. However, it comes with a higher price tag of $84.99. It will be available on the same day as the Switch 2’s launch, so be sure to grab one if you’re interested.
Hori’s Piranha Plant for the Switch 2 – While I’m not entirely sold on this, I have to admit it looks pretty cool. However, beyond its design, the camera feels outdated, offering only a 480p resolution. At first, I thought this might be a mistake in the listing, but I reached out to Hori, and they confirmed it—yikes. It might be better to stick with the official camera for the Nintendo Switch 2 or opt for any compatible USB camera instead.
Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set – While the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a dock already, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra one, so that you can connect it to another TV or monitor. Maybe in the living room, your bedroom, or wherever. This dock set includes a dock, charging cable, and charger, priced at $112.99.
