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After much speculation, Nintendo has officially unveiled the launch date for the highly anticipated Switch 2. The new console will hit the shelves on June 5th, priced at $449.99, and will come with an extensive lineup of games and accessories. Preorders in the US will commence on April 9th from selected retailers, with the option to purchase either the standalone console or a special bundle that includes Mario Kart World for $499.99.
The Switch 2 boasts several enhancements, including a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports 1080p resolution and HDR. It features 256GB of internal storage and a battery life of up to 6.5 hours. The Joy-Cons have been redesigned to be larger and now connect magnetically to the console, streamlining the setup process. Notably, the right Joy-Con introduces a “C” button, which enables functionalities such as in-game chat and screensharing.
Among the games available at launch are Mario Kart World, alongside third-party titles such as Split Fiction and Cyberpunk 2077. Importantly, the console will maintain backward compatibility with existing Switch games while introducing upgraded versions of notable titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
For those eager to secure their console ahead of its release, we’ve compiled essential preorder details, which will be updated regularly as more information surfaces. Bookmark this page for the latest news on the Switch 2.
How to preorder via Nintendo
As anticipated, the My Nintendo Store is one of the few authorized retailers offering preorders. However, it comes with several eligibility criteria, including the need to register interest before April 9th. Interested customers must log in with their Nintendo accounts to select their desired console configuration and accessories. Successful registrants will receive an invitation email when the time to purchase arrives, provided they meet other specified conditions.
Currently, the invitation system is limited to Nintendo account holders in the US and Canada aged 18 and older. Those who qualify will have a 72-hour window to respond to their invitations on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, users must have maintained a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months and logged 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch by April 2nd, 2025. Additionally, participants must have consented to share gameplay data with Nintendo, which can be verified in the privacy section of their account.
Once initial invitations are dispatched to qualifying users, Nintendo will next extend offers to other eligible registrants, following the same priority system. Notably, invitations are nontransferable and sent only to the email used during registration, and purchases are restricted to one console per account during this initial phase. The first round of invitations is set to be sent out on May 8th, with further batches expected but not yet detailed.
How to preorder at Best Buy
For those who find Nintendo’s preorder conditions challenging, the preorder process at Best Buy appears to be more user-friendly. Preorders for the Switch 2, its accompanying games, and accessories will begin on April 9 through the Best Buy app and BestBuy.com. Further, many Best Buy locations are set to open at midnight ET on June 5th for in-store pickup, signaling a return to traditional midnight release festivities.
Details about Best Buy’s preorder approach remain limited; however, members of My Best Buy Plus and Total can earn a $20 certificate for every $150 spent on Nintendo products, a noteworthy benefit for frequent shoppers. Note that this membership requires an annual fee of at least $49.99, but it also comes with exclusive discounts, free two-day shipping, and various additional perks.
More information regarding Best Buy’s preorder system is anticipated before April 9, particularly concerning whether a queue system will be implemented. In the meantime, those interested should sign up for notifications regarding the Switch 2 and monitor Best Buy’s dedicated pages for both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle.
How to preorder at Walmart
Walmart has not yet disclosed many details about the Switch 2 launch; however, the retailer has created dedicated landing pages for both the standalone Switch 2 ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99), as well as listings for games like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) and the Switch 2 edition of Breath of the Wild ($69.99). A small banner below the pricing suggests that preorders will open on April 9th, coinciding with other retailers.
How to preorder at Target
Target’s approach is similar to Walmart’s, as the retailer has provided listings for both the standalone Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle, as well as other Switch 2 titles. While no further details are available, both console listings confirm that preorders will also commence on April 9th.
How to preorder at GameStop
GameStop has indicated it will open preorders for the Switch 2 at a yet-to-be-disclosed time on April 9th. Similarly to Best Buy, customers can sign up for notifications regarding availability of the console and related products. Dedicated landing pages are also set up for both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle.
How to preorder elsewhere
Many prominent retailers are still finalizing their preorder strategies for the April 9th launch. Like other recent console releases, Amazon is expected to carry a limited number of units. Despite Nintendo taking measures to meet demand, there are concerns that US retailers may not have sufficient stock to fulfill all preorders. This situation could dissuade scalpers, given Nintendo’s stringent reservation criteria.
Update, April 2nd: This article has been updated to include new preorder information for Target, GameStop, and Walmart.
Source
www.theverge.com