We're now just over a month away from Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders potentially hitting the shelves. Nintendo's hardware-focused Direct event is still scheduled for April 2, and if previous timelines are anything to go by we'll see retailers opening early doors at the same time as the broadcast.
The last couple of weeks have been rife with price and release date rumors, but they've all been dispelled quite a few times. Ex Nintendo exployees, individual retailers, and industry analysts have all been throwing numbers into the void but until Ninty takes to the screen in April we won't know the details for sure.
In the meantime, a number of retailers have launched their own email notification systems (Best Buy in the US and Currys in the UK), with a handful of Nintendo Switch 2 product pages going live. I'd pay close attention to these pages when it comes down to pre-order time, they're the easiest way to keep that refresh button hot and make sure you're not missing out on a drop.
Until that day comes, though, I'm getting you prepped with all the retailers you need to watch out for when Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders do land. I've been tracking these stock frenzies across everything from the Switch OLED to the PS5 and its Pro model over the last five years, so I've picked up a thing or two about being in the right place at the right time. You'll find all my tips and tricks further down the page.
US Switch 2 retailers
While we're a ways off from actual Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders just yet, it's worth getting your ducks in a row. After all, you may need a membership to secure an early order from stores like Walmart and Best Buy. I would always recommend heading to Nintendo first and foremost when those pre-orders drop, but this is going to be a smaller site than other retail stores - and if crashes do occur it's worth having some backups available.
Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are all well seasoned in this game - they've been regulars in the race for console stock from other brands. Plus, don't sleep on Target - while it can sell out fast, this store often posts its pre-orders just a little earlier than everyone else, which means you can swoop in pretty easily if you find yourself in the right place at the right time.
GameStop is currently the only US retailer with the device technically on its shelves (though it's obviously unavailable), so it's worth keeping a close eye here as we get closer to the big day.
UK Switch 2 retailers
The UK has a similar spread of stores to choose from, but I'd recommend prioritizing Nintendo, Amazon, and Argos in your hunt. The first is going to be the most reliable for actually putting stock up on the day itself, but everyone will be going here. Amazon is still pretty speedy in the UK (unlike the US where it can lag slightly behind) and I've always had my pre-ordered kit delivered on day one here. Finally Argos could be a sleeper hit. The site organizes its stock by post code, so you've got much less competition should stock start to run low on the day.
What can you do now?
We've got just under four months until that Direct presentation, which means there's plenty of time to get your ducks in a row before Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders kick off fully. I'd use this time wisely - there are two things you can be doing between now and announcement day to maximize your chances at securing a console.
1. Keep an eye on trade-in prices
This is what clinched my super early pre-order for the PS5 back in the day. I knew which store I was going with, had months to build up store credit through rewards systems and trading, and could head straight to the site as soon as word dropped. While flexibility is going to be necessary, if you're looking to keep the cost of your Switch 2 as low as possible it's worth keeping an eye on trade-in prices over the next few weeks, so you can work out which store will give you the best deal when push comes to shove.
2. Sign up to a membership program
It's a sad time but the reality of the situation is you're much more likely to be able to pre-order a high ticket item in the US if you're signed up to either Walmart Plus, GameStop Pro, or My Best Buy Total. Each of these retailers have kept their pre-orders behind paywalls like this in the past, sometimes (like in the case of the PS5) allowing subscribers first access at stock.
If I had to choose one it would be Walmart Plus. While it's still a highly competitive endeavor, this is the retailer I've seen giving its members special treatment the most over the course of the last few years.
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order FAQs
When is the Nintendo Direct presentation?
Nintendo's Direct presentation is due to kick off on April 2, 2025, focusing solely on hardware.
When will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders go live?
We're still waiting for information from Nintendo on all things Switch 2, including the pre-order date. If the original console's timeline holds true second time around, we could see those doors open right on announcement, during April's Direct presentation.
How much will the Nintendo Switch cost?
Analysts are currently putting the Nintendo Switch 2 price at $399 / £399 - $499 / £499. Thankfully, recent rumors have pointed towards the lower end of that spectrum, which is where I expect the final cost to sit.
The latest leaks come from an Italian retailer, with a 'discounted' rate of €364.99 (which works out at around $375), though insider @Shpeshal_Nick claimed a rate of $449 on Twitter. It's unlikely that the Nintendo Switch 2 will push too close to $499.99.
In the meantime, check out all the latest Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility updates as well as the best Nintendo Switch accessories and the best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market.
