Nintendo has officially confirmed that preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24, with the console set to launch on June 5. Major retailers including Walmart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop, and the official Nintendo Store have released detailed information regarding preorder availability, both online and in-store. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you secure your Nintendo Switch 2 preorder without missing a beat.
Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Times at a Glance
- Walmart – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
- Best Buy – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
- Target – 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
- GameStop – 11:00 a.m. ET, April 24
If you're looking for a quick reference to preorder start times, this list provides all the key details. For more in-depth retailer-specific information, continue reading below.
Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.00
Preorder Start Time: 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
Walmart will open its online preorder portal for the Nintendo Switch 2 as early as midnight Eastern Time on April 24. While there’s no official word on in-store preorder availability, Walmart stands out by offering free delivery of your Switch 2 console by 9:00 a.m. on launch day—June 5, which is a major perk for those who want it delivered fresh on release morning.
Best Buy: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.99
Preorder Start Time: 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
Best Buy will also begin accepting online preorders at the stroke of midnight on April 24. The retailer is additionally opening most of its stores at midnight on June 5 for customers who choose in-store pickup when placing their preorder. It's a solid option for those eager to get hands-on with the new console right away.
Target: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.99
Preorder Start Time: 12:00 a.m. ET, April 24
Target will start taking online preorders for the Switch 2 and related accessories at exactly midnight on April 24. At this time, there has been no confirmation regarding in-store preorder options at physical Target locations.
GameStop: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.99
Preorder Start Time (Online): 11:00 a.m. ET, April 24
In-Store Preorder Availability: Starting when stores open on April 24
GameStop opens its online preorder window later than other retailers—kicking off at 11:00 a.m. ET on April 24. However, if you prefer an in-person experience, you can place a preorder directly at your local GameStop store once it opens on April 24. All GameStop locations will also be open at midnight on June 5 for preorder pickups.
Nintendo Store: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders
Price: $449.99
Preorder Process: Invitation-Based
The official Nintendo Store offers a unique preorder process. To register interest, visit the dedicated page, log into your Nintendo Account, and select either the standalone console or a bundle with Mario Kart World. Once registered, you’ll receive an email invitation starting May 8, giving you 72 hours to complete your purchase.
There are eligibility requirements to note: This offer is limited to users who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with at least 12 months of paid membership and 50 total gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’ll need to preorder through another retailer.
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