The highly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for pre-order ahead of its launch on the June 5. Several retail chains saw their websites crash on Thursday evening as eager fans rushed to place their orders following delays due to US tariffs. Demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to outrun the supply and it may be a good idea for gamers to secure their console at the earliest opportunity.
Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $450 for the console and $500 for the Mario Kart World bundle + the console. The Switch 2 has features like a 7.9-inch 1080p display, 4K docked output, and new features like GameChat for voice communication.
Major U.S. retailers have opened pre-orders with varying start times. Walmart and Target began online orders at midnight Eastern Time (9 PM Pacific, April 23), although the websites have faced errors and slowdowns.
Best Buy also launched at midnight, using a virtual queue system, and will host midnight launch events on June 5. GameStop started in-store pre-orders when stores opened on April 24, with online orders live at 11 AM Eastern (8 AM Pacific). GameStop offers trade-in credits of up to $175 for a Switch OLED, $125 for a standard Switch, or $100 for a Switch Lite.
Nintendo also has its invitational pre-order system, but it’s only for members who have 12 months of paid membership, along with gameplay of 50-plus hours. It will start on 8th May, but there could be a delay in delivery due to higher demand.
To maximise your chance of getting the Nintendo Switch 2, you could try to reach the order page4 from multiple devices with the retailer page on. Make sure you’re logged in, and payment details are already filled. Backup payment methods are also advised.
Some accessories, like the dock set ($10 more) and controller straps ($1 more), have seen a price increase, but overall the Nintendo has maintained the price even after the tariff-related concerns. Retailers have warned that the stocks are limited, so moving quickly would increase your chance of getting the Nintendo Switch 2.