Where to pre-order the Switch 2
Nintendo has not yet announced an official pre-order date or release date for the Switch 2 as of now. When pre-orders do open, they will likely be available through the same retailers that sold the original Switch: Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop. Nintendo's official online store will probably offer pre-orders as well.
Pre-orders typically open weeks or months before a console's release date. Nintendo usually announces the exact date and time when pre-orders will begin, often through their official social media accounts and website. Major retailers sometimes open pre-orders at slightly different times on the same day, so checking multiple sites increases your chances of securing one.
Stock runs out quickly for new Nintendo consoles. The original Switch sold out within days of pre-orders opening in 2017. If you want to pre-order the Switch 2, plan to be ready on your computer or phone at the moment pre-orders go live, since inventory disappears fast.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-orders for the Switch 2 have not opened yet, but will likely be available at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, GameStop, and Nintendo's official store.
- Nintendo will announce the exact date and time when pre-orders begin through their official website and social media channels.
- Pre-order stock typically sells out within hours, so you should have your payment method ready and check multiple retailers at the same time.
- You may need to create an account at your chosen retailer before pre-orders open to speed up checkout.
- Some retailers charge a deposit at pre-order time and the full amount when the console ships, while others charge the full price immediately.
How to prepare before pre-orders open
Create accounts at the retailers where you plan to pre-order before the official date arrives. Having an account with a saved payment method and shipping address already in place means you can complete checkout in seconds rather than minutes. Every second counts when stock is limited.
Make sure your payment method is current and has enough available credit or funds. Some retailers place a temporary hold on your card when you pre-order, so having headroom prevents declined transactions. If you use a debit card, check your account balance the day before pre-orders open.
Set reminders on your phone and calendar for the announced pre-order date and time. Nintendo typically announces pre-orders to begin at a specific hour, often 9 a.m. Eastern Time. Being late by even a few minutes can mean missing out entirely.
What to expect when you pre-order
Pre-order pricing for the Switch 2 has not been announced, but the original Switch launched at $299 for the standard model. The Switch 2 will likely cost more, though Nintendo has not confirmed a price. Budget for the console itself plus any games or accessories you want to purchase at launch.
Most retailers charge your payment method either at the time of pre-order or when the console ships. Check the retailer's pre-order terms before completing your purchase so you know when money will leave your account. Some retailers charge a deposit upfront and the remainder later, while others charge the full amount immediately.
You will receive a pre-order confirmation number via email. Save this number and the retailer's customer service phone number in case you need to check on your order status or make changes before the console ships.
Checking pre-order status and delivery
After you pre-order, log into your retailer account regularly to check your order status. Most retailers update the status page as the release date approaches, showing whether your console is confirmed, processing, or ready to ship. If you see a problem, contact customer service immediately rather than waiting.
The Switch 2 will ship to your address on or near the official release date. Delivery times depend on your location and the retailer's shipping speed. Standard shipping may take three to seven business days after the console ships, while expedited options arrive faster but cost more.
Track your shipment using the tracking number the retailer provides via email. This number lets you see exactly where your console is and when it will arrive. If your package does not arrive by the estimated date, contact the retailer's customer service with your tracking number.
What to do if pre-orders sell out
If you miss the initial pre-order window, check back at the same retailers over the following weeks. Nintendo often releases additional pre-order stock as production ramps up, and retailers sometimes open new pre-order windows before the console launches. Following Nintendo's official social media accounts is the fastest way to hear about restocks.
Some retailers maintain a waitlist or notification system for sold-out items. Sign up for these alerts so you get notified the moment pre-orders become available again. This is especially useful if you were not able to check at the exact moment pre-orders opened.
If you cannot pre-order, you can still purchase a Switch 2 after launch at retail stores, though you may have to wait in line or check back multiple times before stock is available. Launch day availability is usually limited, but inventory becomes easier to find within a few weeks of release.
Avoiding pre-order scams
Only pre-order from official Nintendo retailers or well-known stores like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop. Avoid third-party sellers on marketplace sites or unfamiliar websites offering the Switch 2 at unusually low prices. Scammers often create fake pre-order pages that look identical to real ones.
Check the website URL before entering your payment information. Real retailer sites use secure connections (the address bar shows a lock icon and starts with https://). If the URL looks wrong or the lock icon is missing, do not enter your payment details.
Be cautious of emails claiming to confirm your pre-order if you did not place one. Phishing emails often mimic retailer confirmations to steal payment information. If you receive an unexpected confirmation email, log into your retailer account directly (do not click the email link) to check whether the order actually exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Nintendo announce the Switch 2 pre-order date?
Nintendo has not announced a pre-order date yet. The company typically announces pre-order details a few weeks before they begin, usually through their official website, social media accounts, and press releases. Follow Nintendo's Twitter, Facebook, and website to stay informed.
Can I pre-order the Switch 2 from Nintendo's website?
Nintendo's official store has offered pre-orders for past consoles, so it is likely they will do the same for the Switch 2. However, Nintendo's store sometimes has limited stock compared to major retailers, so pre-orders may sell out faster there.
What happens if I need to cancel my pre-order?
Most retailers allow you to cancel a pre-order before the console ships without penalty. Log into your account and look for a cancel option, or contact customer service with your order number. If the retailer already charged your card, the refund typically appears within three to five business days.
Will the Switch 2 pre-order come with any games or accessories?
Nintendo has not announced what will be included with the Switch 2 or whether retailers will offer bundle deals. Some retailers may offer bundles that include games or accessories at a higher price. Wait for official announcements before deciding whether to buy a bundle or the console alone.
Can I pre-order the Switch 2 in person at a store?
Some retailers allow in-person pre-orders at their physical locations, though online pre-orders usually open first and have more available stock. Call your local Best Buy, Target, or Walmart to ask whether they accept in-person pre-orders when they become available.