Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders: Live Dates at Major Retailers

Nintendo has officially confirmed that preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24, with major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop, and the official Nintendo Store revealing their preorder schedules and details. With the console set to launch on June 5, gamers worldwide are preparing to secure their copy early. Below is a complete guide to help you understand when and how to place your Nintendo Switch 2 preorder at all the major retailers.

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 short on time and just need the essential dates, the list above gives you a quick overview of when Nintendo Switch 2 preorders go live at each retailer. For more detailed information about each store's preorder process, read on below.

Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders

[ttpp]See at Walmart[/ttpp]

Price: $449.00
Preorder Availability: Starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24

Walmart will open its online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 at midnight Eastern Time on April 24. While no in-store preorder options have been announced, Walmart stands out by offering **free delivery of your Switch 2 console by 9:00 a.m. on launch day, June 5**, making it one of the most convenient choices for many buyers.

Best Buy: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders

[ttpp]See at Best Buy[/ttpp]

Price: $449.99
Preorder Availability: Starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24

Best Buy will start accepting online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, along with compatible games and accessories, at the stroke of midnight on April 24. Additionally, most Best Buy stores will open at midnight on June 5 for customers who choose in-store pickup during the preorder process.

Target: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders

[ttpp]See at Target[/ttpp]

Price: $449.99
Preorder Availability: Starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on April 24

Target will also open its online preorders at midnight Eastern Time on April 24 for the Nintendo Switch 2 console, games, and accessories. At this time, there’s no mention of in-store preorder availability, so online ordering is your best bet.

GameStop: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders

[ttpp]See at GameStop[/ttpp]

Price: $449.99
Preorder Availability: Starting at 11:00 a.m. ET on April 24

GameStop starts taking preorders later than other major retailers, with online orders opening at 11:00 a.m. ET on April 24—eleven hours after Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. However, if you prefer an in-person experience, you can also preorder directly at local GameStop locations when they open on April 24. All GameStop stores will be open at midnight on June 5 for eager fans ready to grab their new console right away.

Nintendo Store: Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders

[ttpp]See at Nintendo Store[/ttpp]

Price: $449.99

Preordering directly from the official Nintendo Store requires a slightly different approach. First, visit the Nintendo Switch 2 interest registration page, log into your Nintendo account, and select either the standalone console or a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

After registering your interest, Nintendo will send you an email invitation when it’s your turn to complete the purchase. The first wave of invites will be sent out on May 8, and you’ll have 72 hours to finalize your order once you receive the email.

However, there are some eligibility requirements: This option is only available to users who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with **at least 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025**. If you don’t meet these criteria, you'll need to preorder through a third-party retailer instead.

Make sure to check out additional tips on how to improve your chances of successfully securing a Nintendo Switch 2 preorder before the stock runs out.