How to Pre-Order Switch 2
After a short delay while Nintendo assessed the current pricing situation, Switch 2 pre-orders are back online. The company officially announced the new date last week , and retailers are preparing their stores for the likely digital influx.
If you’re interested in purchasing Nintendo’s latest handheld hybrid, there are plenty of options to choose from. That’s when everyone plans to start pre-orders so you can secure your device among the masses.
Walmart
Like most retailers, pre-orders for the Walmart Switch 2 will go live on April 24 at 12:00 pm ET. The store will happily sell you any number of Switch 2 games and accessories, but if you’re just looking for a Mario Kart World console or bundle, you can make your pre-order easier this way.
The company advertises free delivery by 9 a.m. on June 5 if you pre-order now—the only store on this list that guarantees such a time frame.
Target
Target is also opening pre-orders tonight, April 24th. The company can’t guarantee timing, but like Walmart, you can pre-order a standalone console , a Mario Kart World bundle , or Switch 2 games and accessories like Donkey Kong Bananza or the Switch 2 Pro controller .
GameStop
GameStop is very excited about the fact that it will be holding midnight releases for the Switch 2 in June . However, the same does not happen with Switch 2 pre-orders. In fact, you can pre-order the console in person starting when brick-and-mortar stores open or starting at 11 a.m. ET on April 24—11 hours after other retailers open their pre-orders.
This could make GameStop a great backup in case you don’t have any luck with midnight pre-orders at other stores. Like others, you can order the console separately or as a bundle with Mario Kart World .
Best buy
Best Buy is also launching pre-orders at midnight tonight. There are no special differences here, since these are the same conditions as in other stores: you can choose a console , a bundle , or any number of accessories and games.
Nintendo
You can actually pre-order the Switch 2 directly from Nintendo , but that’s a little weird . First of all, you’re not actually “pre-ordering” a console through Nintendo so much as you’re registering your interest in purchasing it. From there, Nintendo will contact you with an “invitation” to buy the console if you are selected.
However, to be eligible for selection, you need to meet some strange criteria. In an effort to minimize scalpers, Nintendo requires pre-order customers to connect their Nintendo Accounts to registration. As of April 2, each account must have at least 50 hours of playtime associated with it. This means you can’t create multiple accounts to try to play the system, nor can you apply if you just started your Nintendo journey after the second of the month.
If you meet these characteristics, go for it. This isn’t necessary if you pre-order through any other retailer, but it could be another good backup option—if you’re eligible, anyway.