Where and when you can pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has not yet announced an official pre-order date or release date for the Switch 2. The company confirmed the console exists in January 2025 but has not set a window for when pre-orders will open. Major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart typically handle Nintendo hardware pre-orders, but none have listings yet.

Nintendo usually announces pre-order dates a few weeks before they go live. When that happens, pre-orders tend to fill quickly — the original Switch sold out at many retailers within hours. Setting up accounts and payment methods now, before pre-orders open, will let you move faster when they do.

Nintendo's official website (nintendo.com) will likely post the pre-order announcement first. Following Nintendo's social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and checking their news page regularly are the most direct ways to catch the announcement the moment it happens.

Key Takeaways

  • Pre-orders have not opened yet, but Nintendo will announce the date on its official website and social media before they go live.
  • Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart will handle pre-orders, though Nintendo's own store may have limited stock.
  • Pre-orders for Nintendo hardware historically sell out within hours, so having your payment method and account ready beforehand matters.
  • You do not need to pre-order immediately — Nintendo typically produces enough units that second-wave pre-orders and retail stock become available within weeks.

Setting up to pre-order before they go live

Create or update your account at each retailer where you plan to pre-order. At Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, make sure your shipping address is current and your payment method is saved. Retailers process pre-orders faster when they do not have to ask for this information during checkout.

If you plan to pre-order from Nintendo's official store, create a Nintendo Account if you do not have one. Link a payment method to your account ahead of time. Nintendo's store sometimes requires this step before checkout, which can slow you down when pre-orders open.

Download the mobile apps for retailers you plan to use. App checkouts are often faster than website checkouts during high-traffic moments. Enable notifications so you get an alert the moment pre-orders go live.

What to expect when pre-orders open

Pre-orders will likely open at a specific time announced by Nintendo — often 9 a.m. Eastern on a weekday. Websites and apps may experience slowdowns or brief outages from traffic. If a page does not load, refresh it rather than closing and reopening, which can reset your place in the queue.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will probably come in one or more waves. The first wave may sell out within hours, but Nintendo usually opens additional pre-order windows within days or weeks. If you miss the first wave, checking back over the following week gives you another chance.

Pre-order prices are expected to be similar to the original Switch launch price, though Nintendo has not confirmed this. Most retailers charge your payment method immediately upon pre-order, not at shipment.

Comparing retailer options

Nintendo's official store (store.nintendo.com) sometimes receives stock slightly before other retailers and may have exclusive bundles, but inventory is typically limited. Shipping is usually standard, not expedited.

Amazon Prime members may receive faster shipping on pre-orders, though this depends on the specific listing. Best Buy offers in-store pickup options in many locations, which can be faster than waiting for delivery. Target and Walmart both ship to home or offer store pickup, depending on your location and the specific pre-order.

Local game retailers and electronics stores may also take pre-orders, though they typically receive smaller allocations than national chains. Calling ahead to ask about their pre-order process can save time when orders open.

What happens after you pre-order

You will receive a confirmation email with your order number. Keep this email — you may need the order number to track your shipment or contact customer service. Most retailers send tracking information one to two weeks before the console ships.

Nintendo has not announced a release date, so you do not yet know when your pre-order will arrive. Historically, Nintendo ships pre-orders to arrive on or very close to the official launch date. If your retailer offers in-store pickup, you can usually pick up your console on launch day.

If you pre-order and later change your mind, most retailers allow cancellations up until the console ships. Check your retailer's cancellation policy — some allow cancellations through your account, while others require contacting customer service.

Avoiding common pre-order mistakes

Do not use a debit card or payment method with a low balance. Some retailers place a temporary hold on your account when you pre-order, which can cause the transaction to fail if your balance is too low. Use a credit card or ensure your debit account has at least the full pre-order amount plus a small buffer.

Do not assume your pre-order is confirmed until you receive a confirmation email. If you do not get an email within a few minutes of completing checkout, log into your retailer account to verify the order went through. Website errors sometimes prevent confirmation emails from sending even though the order succeeded.

Do not pre-order from multiple retailers and forget to cancel the extras. If you secure a pre-order at one retailer and then pre-order again elsewhere, cancel the duplicate orders so someone else can pre-order instead. Most retailers will charge you if you do not cancel before shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 right now?

No. Nintendo has not announced a pre-order date yet. Pre-orders will open at a date Nintendo announces on its official website and social media. You can prepare by creating retailer accounts and saving payment methods now, but you cannot place a pre-order until Nintendo sets a date.

Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be hard to find after launch?

Nintendo consoles typically sell well, but the company usually produces enough stock that the console becomes available again within weeks or months of launch. The original Switch was difficult to find for several months after launch, but this was partly due to pandemic-related manufacturing delays. Current supply chains are more stable, so widespread shortages are less likely.

What if I miss the first pre-order window?

Nintendo usually opens additional pre-order waves within days or weeks. Check retailer websites and Nintendo's official store regularly. You can also call retailers directly to ask when they expect the next pre-order window to open.

Should I pre-order from Nintendo's store or a third-party retailer?

Both are safe options. Nintendo's store may have exclusive bundles, but third-party retailers like Best Buy and Amazon often have faster shipping or pickup options. Choose based on which retailer offers the shipping method you prefer and which you can check out fastest.

Can I change my pre-order after I place it?

Most retailers allow you to change your shipping address or payment method through your account until the console ships. Changing the console model or bundle type is usually not possible — you would need to cancel and pre-order again. Check your retailer's policy for specifics.