Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders went live early today - these are the retailers to watch

I'm so glad Best Buy is doing a midnight launch

Call me old fashioned, but there's something about the camaraderie of lining up outside a Best Buy or GameStop and waiting for the clock to strike launch day that we're missing these days. Rather than sitting at a computer for hours, spamming retailers, racing to checkouts, and waiting in virtual queues, I'd much rather be camped on a cold sidewalk with some fellow Ninty fans on the evening of June 4.

That's why I'm so glad Best Buy has opened up its doors for a throwback midnight release this summer. The brand announced today that select stores will be taking part in the event, offering the hardiest of supporters the chance to secure their Nintendo Switch 2 console as soon as it hits the shelves. The feeling of picking up your own handheld as soon as it's available is unmatched, and I'm incredibly jealous of anyone able to head down there.

Argos looks to be out of stock

It had a good run, but i'm not seeing Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in stock for any of the post codes I'm checking at Amazon. That means it's safe to say we're done with this first wave for now - though I'd still keep in touch with the retailer. More drops could be coming fast.

GameStop just updated its site, and there's good news for pre-orders

I've just spotted a single line of text on GameStop's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order page, stating that "billing does not occur until order is processed." Considering that normally happens just before shipping, this could be a transaction-less pre-order opportunity, allowing you to secure your console now and actually pay much closer to release day.

Walmart will be offering free launch day delivery on Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders

Walmart will be launching its own Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders from April 9, with all orders made before 8am on June 4 being eligible for free delivery before 9am on June 5. That's the fastest option I've seen in the US, aside from Best Buy's midnight in-store opening. Walmart does state that this offer isn't available in all locations, so it's well worth checking your shipping page when you eventually get to checkout.

I've just checked and the Mario World Switch 2 bundle is still live at Argos

It's going to be the bundle that sells out first, but I've just had a look and the £429.99 package deal is still available to pre-order from Argos. You'll need to add your postcode for delivery, but mine is popping up with an alluring green button.

Nintendo Switch 2 | Mario Kart World | £429.99 at Argos
The Mario Kart World bundle actually offers some solid value considering the game by itself comes in at £75 for a physical copy. Pre-orders are still alive and well here, and have been for an impressive amount of time considering this is such a hot pickup.

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Amazon has opened up invites

If you miss out on that Argos stock, it's well worth heading over to Amazon. The online giant is running an invite-only Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order program this time around, and you'll need to have signed up for a chance on April 8. Adding your name to the list far from guarantees you a console, but it does enter you into the running.

Register for invites at Amazon UK

Unfortunately, we're still waiting for that Amazon US listing to appear.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders just went live at Argos

This is not a drill, the Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for pre-order at Argos in the UK as the retailer jumps well before next week's April 8 date. That's a result for the books, two of our Hardware Editors, Phil and Rosalie, have already managed to secure their consoles.

Nintendo Switch 2 | £395.99 at Argos
The Nintendo Switch 2 is now available to pre-order at Argos, but this is going to move fast. Stock is organised regionally so you do have a slightly better shot compared to one of the larger retailers, but this is the first pre-order I've seen and that means competition is going to be fierce.

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Where are we now?

We're waiting.

It's been pretty concretely confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will be going live on April 9, a date that Ninty didn't include itself during the Direct presentation. However, that's not to say all retailers are going to follow the same rules. It's well worth keeping in touch with the sites above and both online and in-store pre-orders could still kick off before Nintendo's own date. It wouldn't be the first time I've seen retailers jumping the gun themselves, though there will be a few things to consider.

Memberships

With the extra time, many sites will likely put their Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders behind their subscriptions. Walmart is notorious for this, and it's worth noting that just using the free trial likely won't be enough to get you in - you'll need the full paid tier. Best Buy also sometimes keeps high profile pre-orders for its My Best Buy Plus and Total subscribers, and Amazon has been known to only restock for Prime members.

If you aren't already signed up to one of these sites, it's worth choosing one and getting that membership on the books.

In-store pre-orders

There are some rumors that Best Buy might be doing early pre-orders in-store in certain locations, but right now these are just internet whispers. Nothing has been stated by any retailers in regards to in-store orders at this time. However, it's worth checking in with your local store as these events are far more flexible than online drops.

The Nintendo Switch 2 DBrand Killswitch case is now open for reservations

DBrand is best known for its Killswitch case, and it's now available to reserve. You'll be paying $3 / £3 for a spot in the line, but if you're after an impact-resistance case from day one it's well worth a look. The case makes room for the built-in stand and can run USB-C passthrough via a dock adapter for those non-handheld moments as well. On top of that, you've got a game card holder built straight into the device itself - a strange move considering game prices look to be pushing us towards going all-digital this Nintendo generation.

Reservations are now live at DBrand

GameStop just tweeted

It looks like we'll be waiting for full Nintendo Switch pre-orders on April 9. GameStop has just tweeted confirmation in the last few minutes. Stay in touch with the retailers at the top of the page just in case other stores publish conflicting information, otherwise we're going for round two next week.

Top Tip: Don't give up until retailers update their pages

I'm watching two retailer pages right now; Best Buy and GameStop. These are the only US sites with Nintendo Switch 2 product pages up and running - and they're a little out of date now. They both refer to the upcoming Direct presentation, but that's well and truly over now. At some point, these stores will update their pages and we'll know for certain that they're not jumping in early.

Nintendo Switch 2 accessory prices just announced

We've got 10 new Nintendo Switch accessories on the roster after today's Direct, though pre-orders for these gadgets specifically are still unannounced. We do, however, know their prices. You can view the full collection direct at Nintendo's site, but it's worth noting that the Switch 2 Pro Controller is $10 more expensive, as are the Joy-Con gamepads. The camera isn't bad at all at $49.99, though that dock set is still particularly expensive at $109.99.

• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller | $79.99
• Joy-Con 2 controllers | $89.99
• Joy-Con 2 charging grip | $34.99
• Joy-Con 2 strap | $12.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel | $19.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera | $49.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set | $109.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 carrying case | $34.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 all-in-one carrying case | $79.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter | $29.99

Nintendo Switch 2 games are going to cost a lot more

We've got a price hike on our hands. While the inflated costs of Nintendo Switch 2 games will make those bundles look a little more attractive, the new $79.99 starting price is going to raise some eyebrows. Mario Kart World now has its full launch page live and listed on Nintendo's site, with a $79.99 MSRP. Donkey Kong Bananza is rumored to only come in at $70, though I'm yet to see that listed on Nintendo's own site.

UK Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will launch on April 8

It's official, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will land on April 8 in the UK. The site posted its console and bundle in the last few minutes, with both the £395.99 main console and £429.99 Mario Kart bundle landing next week. You'll need to be a fan to secure these pre-orders, though.

You'll need to have had a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least two years before making your order and have spent a certain amount of time playing Nintendo games (and are sharing that info with the brand). That's a tall order for some, but it's part of Ninty's plan to crack down on resellers for this major launch.

I'm expecting similar criteria for US Nintendo pre-orders.

Pre-order from April 8 at Nintendo UK

Nintendo says the first batch of Switch 2 pre-order invitations will roll out May 8?!

That's pretty rogue, a whole month after wider Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order drops are expected to land Nintendo will be sending out its invitations to buy direct from its own store. Business Wire has correctly published the handheld's pricing details in the last few minutes and also states that pre-orders will run from April 9.

Nintendo is rolling out pre-order registration

You can now register your interest in a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order direct via Nintendo's own store, but the site is creaking. Shoppers are rushing to the site right now, resulting in lags, bounce-backs, and queues - however, some are managing to break through to add their email addresses to the list.

We'll still keep an eye on wider retailers for now. Walmart has jumped early regardless of brand direction in the past - and that would be a major pre-order announcement.

Register interest at Nintendo

I'm in a queue

I've just tried to get onto the My Nintendo Store and have been placed in a queue. That's not to say pre-orders are live right now - it's just that the site itself is struggling to let everyone in at once. However, I don't know what sits behind that queue as yet - I'll let you know once I'm in.

Pricing rumors are starting to make the rounds

$449.99 is the Nintendo Switch 2 price being bandied around the web right now, after Ninty itself made no mention of the cost in its own Direct presentation. Business Wire is reporting the MSRP right now, but we've had no confirmation from Nintendo itself. Bundle prices are rumored to land at $499.99 from that same source.

The same Business Wire article states that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will run from April 9 2025. None of this has been confirmed.

Ok, so it's all about Nintendo's site right now

We're done with the Direct, and we're still none the wiser on price or pre-order. However, Ninty is launching a whole separate page at some point today - that's are last shot at Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders launching today. This is going to be a big afternoon, so keep those retail buttons hot.

Keep watching Nintendo's home page (both the US and UK landing pages), and also keep that 'Shop' menu options fresh. This is where we could see those advertised bundles hitting the shelves, but Ninty could also bypass its store considering a full Nintendo Switch 2 page is on its way separately.

US: Nintendo.com

UK: Nintendo.co.uk

Hardware bundles: check Nintendo shop

Bundles are coming!

Bundles are coming, and Nintendo is launching its own website later today - at a currently unannounced date. We'll need to keep a close eye on that Nintendo site for the rest of the day to see if we've got any more information about price and pre-orders coming. I'm still holding out hope for a big green button on Nintendo's own site, and will be keeping a close eye on other retailers for more details.

That's all the games, now we wait for the magic words - price and pre-orders, could be coming in the next few minutes! Keep everything crossed!

That GameCube controller is going to be hard to get

If there's one thing you do line up for, it's going to be that Nintendo-exclusive GameCube controller. The gamepad is launching on the same day as the console, June 5, and will only be available for NSO members. That's not the first time we've seen Ninty make this play - similarly retro controllers were also launched in the same way, and stock has been patchy at best. If you're going all in on those virtual console games, you'll want to be there as soon as this launches.

Nothing yet from our favorite retailers

My eyes have been darting between my Direct stream and all the biggest retailers on the web since the live started, but I'm not seeing any changes to retailer pages just yet. I wouldn't have expected to see much - if Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are landing today, we'll find out at the end of the stream. However, there is a small chance some stores could jump early if they want to get ahead and stir up a buzz. Be sure to stay in touch with the stores above.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller pre-orders could also be on the cards

I definitely had a new Nintendo Switch Pro controller on my Direct bingo card - after all, what would we do without that C button. The new gamepad will likely launch alongside the console itself, on June 5, but I'd also expect to see pre-orders for the new gamepad hitting the shelves soon.

The Pro Controller is priced lower than replacement Joy-Con, so I'm not expecting prices to jump too much higher than the original gamepad. The original was $69.99 / £59.99, but has dropped a little since launch. I'd expect the new version to stick close to this - at around $74.99 / £69.99.

We've got ourselves a release date!

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch worldwide on June 5, pretty much exactly as we expected. That means that, should pre-orders go live today, we'll have a couple of months to get early orders in before launch day.

Will that extra mouse functionality bump up Joy-Con prices?

We now officially know that the new Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con will use mouse features, but that's a lot more tech to pack into already expensive controllers. The previous generation Joy-Con still stuck close to their $74.99 MSRP for the handheld's entire lifetime - and with those fancy new sensors under the hood these controllers could well be far more expensive to pick up separately.

Should we be worried about Switch 2 Camera pre-orders?

Well we've got our first look at some new hardware - the Switch 2 camera brings you into your multiplayer sessions alongside the new chat and mic functions. It's the kind of accessory we could see becoming a problem if stock isn't topped up. If you're keen to get your video in your online gameplay, I'd grab it at pre-order. It could even come bundled with certain games or the console at some point.

Don't forget about game pre-orders!

As Mario Kart 9 graces our screens, it's important not to forget game pre-orders in all this console madness. While the titles themselves are unlikely to run out of stock, if you want a stacked collection from day one you'll want to lock in those orders early.

Wait... did they just say open world?

Here we go!

We're now just minutes away from the official Nintendo Switch 2 presentation, so it's best to be prepared for pre-orders at any moment. This is a massive launch and if we do get early orders today things are going to move fast. Load up those retailers, make sure you're signed in, get your information saved, and start refreshing - if today's the day you won't want to miss it.

Of course, I'm doing the same thing and I'll post anything I find right here.

What happens if Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders don't launch today?

If no Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders launch today, we'll at least find out when they're due to land. Many will be looking to that April 9 rumored date, so you can bet I'll be doing the same retailer scouts next week as I'm doing today.

That rumored June launch date will need a little pre-order run-up, and two months feels about right for a major launch. If we don't see stores opening their doors today, circle April 9 on the calendar and be prepared to do all this again.

In the UK? Keep an eye on Game

Game isn't the best place to pre-order from if stock is widely available - it's particularly expensive and a little slow. However, it did come through for me back when the PS5 first launched. If you weren't watching back then, Sony didn't actually announce pre-orders for its next-generation system during the full reveal - details emerged from tweets shortly after the presentation ended.

Within minutes, Game had pre-orders ready to go - well before the advertised start time the next morning. If Nintendo does announce delayed pre-orders, we could well see some retailers taking the leap like this anyway.

Retailer Spotlight: GameStop

GameStop has had a time, we can all appreciate that. However, it's one of the few retailers with an actual Nintendo Switch 2 product page live on the site. That could go a long way if stock drops and moves fast - you've already got a page ready to refresh and jump on as soon as that 'add to cart' button appears.

Rumored trade-in prices have been doing the rounds for GameStop as well. According to speculation, the store is paying as much as $175 for a Switch OLED console when you're buying a Switch 2 with the funds. That would cut a $399.99 system down to $224.99 and a $499.99 system down to $324.99.

This is your one-hour warning

In just a few moments, we'll only be one hour away from the full Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, which means it's time to clear your WiFi and make sure you're prepared. If you're just joining us now, the first thing you need to do is sign into your accounts.

Staying signed in (and with your payment and delivery information saved) is the best way to ensure the checkout process runs as quickly and smoothly as possible if Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders do indeed land today. Not only that, but Nintendo members should also be signed into the brand's own store and the Nintendo Today app, just in case this is a validated exclusive launch.

Will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders come with any games?

It's rare, but it does happen. Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order bundles certainly aren't out of the question today, but they are unlikely to save you any money on the console or game. If Nintendo does package up its new device with a launch title or two, it's likely you'll be paying full MSRP for both.

Sure, Nintendo does offer some bundles with free games - but these only started popping up a few years into its life. The Super Mario Odyssey bundle was the first package deal to hit the Nintendo Switch standard edition back in 2017, and it did so in October of that launch year - seven months after launch. Even then, the $379.99 rate was higher than the $299.99 launch price.

I'm not expecting any launch bundles to hit the shelves - at least not at pre-order stage.

Some history with Amazon...

Amazon is a massive retailer, but it looks to have fallen out with Nintendo in recent months. While it's definitely still worth keeping in your roster of stores, the site all but blanked on Black Friday deals for the existing handheld last year and both discounts and supplies of games and accessories have been lackluster for a little while now.

For example, while Best Buy and Walmart both enjoyed new bundles (with additional savings) during the holiday sales last year, Amazon had nada.

I'm hopeful that the Nintendo Switch 2 is a turnaround for the seemingly fractured relationship between the brand and retailer. There's no reason to expect the handheld to be completely absent from these shelves come pre-orders, but I also wouldn't be surprised if things were a little hairier here given recent history.

Retailer Spotlight: Walmart

Walmart is a big'un, and it's often right at the front of major pre-order drops. Historically, hard-to-find stock has been locked behind the store's Plus membership but the secrecy surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date means that's not exactly an option. Walmart may well pull this play from the book later on in the pre-order cycle, but for now it's everyone for themselves.

The site is sturdy and its warehouses are huge, but in times of massive demand pre-orders can run choppy here. I've seen consoles stripped from baskets right at the last second and some stock hunters even faced cancelled console pre-orders when Sony and Microsoft's devices dropped all those years ago. Still, it's one of the biggest names in the game and is well worth camping on.

Retailer spotlight: Best Buy

Best Buy was one of the first retailers in the US to post its Nintendo Switch 2 product page, and the Canadian site could have leaked the actual pre-order date ahead of time. It's safe to say Best Buy is going to be front and center of this launch, and could be your go-to for an early order.

When the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection launched at wider retailers late last year, this yellow-label store was one of the first offering PS5 Slim console stock. That was incredibly hard to get hold of, but it bounced on and off the shelves for a good amount of time here. Not only that, but the site's stability has been vastly improved since those early days of console shortages. Last time around, I didn't experience any crashes during initial pre-order surges.

However, Best Buy does have a subscription program and, while it uses it for pre-orders less often than Walmart, future Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order waves could be held back for members. If that stock does drop today, I'd expect it to be a free-for-all. After all, the retailer hasn't had a chance to market its exclusivity for subscribers - there's very little for them to gain by holding it back.

Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on dates suggest pre-orders start sooner than April 9

Nintendo is running Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events with its new system in various regions across the world starting from April 4 - that's this week. I've done my time in marketing, and I know brands don't launch largescale events like this without some kind of immediate call-to-action. Sure, Ninty could simply be looking to elevate awareness of its new features and hardware with these events - but without pre-orders on the table it feels like a missed opportunity.

Three hours to go!

We now only have less than three hours to wait until the official Switch 2 presentation, still plenty of time to get prepped for potential pre-orders. If you're just waking up and joining now, here's a rundown of where we are.

Switch 2 pre-orders could go live today...

Given recent Best Buy leaks and the timeline of the previous handheld's release, it's reasonable to expect those early orders to go live today - likely at around 10am ET / 7am PT / 3pm BST, an hour after the start time of the Direct itself.

... but we could be waiting another week

Newer reports seem to also suggest that the next handheld will actually launch for pre-orders on April 9. This comes from a 'major' retailer's leaked emails with Nintendo, stating the later date.

Both could be true

There's no smoke without fire, and we've got two big plumes of smoke. There is a world where both pre-order dates are correct, with Nintendo making good on its promise to ensure resellers don't snap up initial stock by launching its own exclusive pre-orders today. That's the April 2nd date taken care of. Wider retailers could have at more stock from April 9, similar to how Sony launched its 30th Anniversary collection at the end of last year.

Top Tip: Keep an eye on accessory brands

Accessory brands like Genki (mentioned earlier), Dbrand, Hori, and PowerA will all have new kit in the pipeline for Nintendo Switch 2 - and they all want their gadgets to be out for release day. It's well worth keeping a close eye on these peripherals over the course of the day, leaks can come from anywhere and it's often the smaller sites that will publish the more interesting information by accident.

If Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are set to go live today, for example, some accessory brands will want to be right there with them.

The launch of the Nintendo Today app could give us some pre-order clues

The Nintendo Today app hit our phones after a recent non-hardware Direct, but it could well hold the keys to any potential Switch 2 pre-orders landing today. Let's assume for a second that I was right yesterday - Nintendo could be launching its own exclusive pre-orders via its site on April 2, with wider retailers going live on April 9.

Considering you need a Nintendo account to use the Today app, it could play a larger role in those early orders than I'd previously considered. Nintendo has previously announced that it's taken steps to ensure resellers are left out of the equation when its new handheld launches, after all.

There could well be some verification system tied to your account, which will be used on Nintendo's own store page to secure your pre-order. It's a stretch, and requires a few other eventualities to line up - but I'd still recommend downloading and signing into the app just in case.

Top Tip: Don't discount retailer bundles if stock runs low

This is something I see more often in the UK, particularly at Very, but if you do happen to spot a bundle at a major retailer while stock is running low it's worth giving it a second look. These won't look like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Bros. Wonder package deals we've seen in the last few months - instead they're collections of games or accessories put together by the store itself.

Essentially, they're a workaround to avoid resellers. These guys don't want to pay more than the console price so that they maximise their profits, and they have no need for extra games and gadgets. These bundles are the last bastions of stock - you won't be saving any money but if the included extras make sense to you it's one last shot at a day one pre-order.

Remember: There's no need to buy from resellers

Even if Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders do run out of stock today, there is no need to buy from resellers. More units will be available and you're going to be paying an exorbitant price for your handheld if you grab it from the secondary market. People were paying ridiculous amounts for a PS5 or Xbox Series X back in the day, only for new waves of stock to land straight after.

What time could Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders start today?

Officially, if Switch 2 pre-orders do land today they will likely be kicking off at 10am ET / 7am PT / 3pm BST, with the Direct presentation beginning an hour before and lasting the full 60 minutes. That's based on previous tradition, but also on Best Buy's leaks last week.

Not all retailers will be launching at the same time though.

This will more likely be a staggered process where different stores hit the button at different times, so it's well worth lining up a range of retailers at once. If today is the day, I expect to see rolling waves of stock continuing into the afternoon before finally selling out of that initial allotment. Don't fret, though.

As I mentioned earlier, it's likely that the Switch 2 will sell out on day one - but I'm not expecting this to be a long-lasting drought. Nintendo's upped production and more pre-order waves could well roll up much quicker than they did with previous console launches.

Top Tip: Don't wait for Nintendo - this is a race

If Switch 2 pre-orders do go live today, things are going to move fast once Nintendo gets the word out. Don't wait for the Direct to tell you that stock will be dropping soon - get those retailer pages loaded up well ahead of time. Most stock hunters will be heading straight to those same pages once Ninty drops the magic words and that kind of surge can crash sites. It's better to be already in place and refreshing.

While it's unlikely that all stores will set their stock live as soon as Nintendo gives the nod, you'll be in pole position to scoop up the first drops.

Retailers are sworn to secrecy over the Switch 2 pre-order date - and that changes things

Nintendo's a fun, family-friendly brand - it's also terrifying if you get on its bad side. Look, Mario's not afraid of a lawsuit and retailers definitely don't want to make him mad.

That's why we haven't had even a whisper of confirmation on any store pages in the lead up to today's presentation. Best Buy Canada did accidentally leak today's April 2 date, but Ninty sent Peach round pretty quick and the page went quiet. I expect that sworn silence will, however, could either work in our favor or to our detriment should Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders drop today.

That's because some stores, particularly Walmart and GameStop, often use these major launches to push their membership programs. Walmart Plus and GameStop Pro subscribers can get exclusive access to new stock much earlier than us regular folk. In the days leading up to a pre-order event, each store will advertise its membership non-stop, whereas this time around they haven't had the chance.

That means it's likely that, should today be the day, it will be a pre-order launch for the masses. On the one hand that means more competition, but on the other it means even those without a subscription can get in on day one. Be sure to sign in, save your information, and keep that refresh button warm.

I don't know if this is a late April Fools, but Genki has something to say

Genki Indirect 4.2.2025 – Genki Glitch 2 - YouTube

Watch On

The brand behind some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories on the market, Genki, is running its own Direct presentation today. The live YouTube feed has appeared on the brand's channel, but there's no mention on the website itself. This could well be a late joke - especially considering the cheeky description but if we were to fall for it for just a second, there could be some information in here.

That 'Pre-orders start today' messaging has raised an eyebrow. The link takes us to an empty collection waiting to be filled with Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, but if Genki is using this gag to announce its full roster of new-generation gadgets and they do actually launch for pre-order today - well that's another thing entirely.

What are retailers saying this morning?

Retailers haven't quite woken up yet, but Best Buy has added a button to watch the live stream right on its own website. I've had a close look at that page, hunting down any more accidental leaks on the site but there doesn't seem to be any more information available right now.

Amazon still doesn't have a product page live, but I'd expect that. The retailer usually hides these listings, or makes them very difficult to find, before stock is actually available - I'll be bringing you the product page as soon as I get it.

Walmart is also quiet right now, without even a mention of today's announcement on its shelves. That's a little more surprising, though understandable considering how hush-hush that pre-order date actually is. The store is known for posting exact times for its Plus members to gain exclusive early access - but that would give the whole game away this time.

Meanwhile, GameStop's messaging is more of the same. We've got a product page here (and I'm trying to work out if that 'coming soon' message is new or not), with email notifications available. The site also states you can 'check back soon for pre-order info', though how soon is 'soon'?

It's officially April 2, the day of the Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders could drop in a matter of hours now, so while we wait for that 9am ET / 6am PT / 2pm BST showcase, I'm sharing more of my tips and tricks to make sure you're in the best position for when they do. It's still early in the US, but the UK has awoken - and it's time to start talking retailers.

Where to sign up for email notifications (and why you should)

I do find email notifications to be useful - but not necessarily for heading straight to fast-selling stock. Instead, retailers will likely be able to provide you with direct links to their product pages when they send their initial pre-order emails. That's more valuable than you think.

Whenever I'm tracking stock, I have to keep a bank of retailer links handy - but if a product hasn't been listed yet, I'm essentially guessing at where it might turn up. Sometimes stores are sneaky.

Amazon is particularly bad at this - sometimes retailer sites won't load brand new products into search fields quick enough for you to get at them. That's valuable time while you hunt for the actual product page where the Nintendo Switch 2 is listed. An email notification will generally take you straight there.

Best Buy has a sign up form for email notifications around pre-order dates, also allowing information about 'games and more' to hit your inbox. However, the site also states that 'you will not be opted in to any other Best Buy email communications.'

GameStop is also running emails that will let you know 'when Switch 2 is available' via its own site.

Retailer spotlight: Amazon

Amazon is either going to be your best friend or your worst enemy if Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders drop tomorrow. The online retailer has the site structure and warehouse space to shift a huge number of handhelds when the bell rings, but it's sometimes late to the party. For example, I didn't see any 30th Anniversary PS5 stock here on day one when those special edition consoles launched last year. Even as far back as 2020's stock troubles, Amazon was spotty at best.

However, Bezos does like a surprise drop. I've stared blankly at strange new console stock magically appearing on Amazon's site after weeks of drought - if things move fast at other retailers when pre-orders do land, it's well worth keeping that refresh button hot.

Of course, pre-ordering at Amazon also comes with its own benefits if you're a Prime member. Speedy shipping makes all the difference come launch day, after all.

My top tip for securing a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order: Sign in

If there's one thing you take away from tonight's preparations it's this; sign into your accounts. If tracking PS5 and Xbox Series X stock over the years has taught me anything, it's that your checkout speed can be make or break. I saw consoles snatched out of carts right up until the very last second in previous launches - retailers don't care if you've got a Switch 2 in your basket until you've paid.

To speed up the process, sign in (and choose to stay signed in) with every retailer you plan on checking in your pre-order hunt. Not only that, but save your shipping and payment information (you can always delete it again later). That way you're cutting down the time spent during the checkout phase once those doors swing open.

Will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders sell out?

There's another little tidbit from Insider Gaming's report. The 'major retailer' that provided the leak surrounding the April 9 pre-order date also laid out its concerns that initial stock allocations would quickly be depleted during the first wave of interest. That certainly doesn't bode well for Nintendo's plan of attack.

The brand has been resolute in its apparent commitment to ensuring the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't become a reseller's dream - instead focusing on upping supplies.

Still, we live in a world where the PS5 and Xbox Series X were scooped up before you could even load the page. It's reasonable to be cynical.

This is a big launch, so I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders ran out of stock on day one. Retailers only have as many units as they've been allocated by Nintendo, after all.

However, I don't expect it to be as difficult to find a Switch 2 on the shelves afterwards as it was with previous current-gen consoles. You might have to wait a day or two if you miss out on that first round, but signs are pointing towards faster second and third stock waves this time around.

... And a theory about those two pre-order dates

April 2 and April 9, those are the two Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order dates floating around at the moment. Maybe it's not an 'either or', though - maybe Ninty is going the way of Sony.

I was stock tracking during last year's PlayStation 30th Anniversary stock drops, where Sony reserved some of its more popular gadgets for its own site. The Pro console, Portal handheld, and Edge controller were all exclusive to PS Direct, and pre-orders at this site launched around a week in advance of wider retailers.

That could well be what we see tomorrow, Nintendo launches pre-orders on its own page first and allows the rest of the gang in on the fun on April 9.

A new pricing clue

As is tradition, as soon as I make my price prediction, something comes along to change my mind. Simply Games, a UK retailer, has updated its Switch 2 landing page and that PayPal button has something to say.

While the Switch 2 isn't available to pre-order yet, the store has added this split-payment option, and opening it up reveals a suspicious £499.99 RRP. That's at the top end of analyst predictions, and a rate that throws more conservative $399.99 / £399.99 estimates into the wind.

Via @Zuby_Tech

Of course, there's more to the price discussion right now

It's even more difficult to put a final price on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the US right now. Tariffs are always on the brain these days, but they might be coming for our handhelds as well. The trade situation in the US is anything but simple, and with so many parts moving so quickly it's possible that the final USD rate for the Switch 2 is back up in the air again.

It will be interesting to see how retailers handle Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders without a concrete price tag, but there does seem to be some ambiguity from more recent speculation. None of the Best Buy Canada, GameStop, or Game Informer leaks mention a cost even once - that could be because even the retailers themselves are unsure of where they stand.

Personally, I'm expecting to see a US rate in tomorrow's presentation. I'm expecting pre-orders to start tomorrow using that MSRP. However, I would also expect that cost to increase should tariffs fall in the way in the near-future.

How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?

That's the question that has been on everyone's lips since the handheld was first rumored years ago. At the moment, I'm putting a solid bet on a $399.99 MSRP in the US (and £379.99 - £399.99 RRP in the UK). That's based off years' worth of rumors, sure, but it also feels like the right value. I'd be surprised if Nintendo went over the $400 mark with this device, and UK prices are typically a little cheaper.

GameStop's trade-in prices are looking pretty sweet

A tweet by Mike Odyssey seemingly leaked GameStop's Nintendo Switch trade-in rates today, with the retailer reportedly offering $175 in trade-in value for a Switch OLED and $125 for a standard edition console.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is currently rumored to be worth $100 off your Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order if you're going for the mega-upgrade. That's not a shabby discount, especially if you're currently rocking the flagship OLED model.

Of course, only time will tell if these rates are real.

Should you pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2?

If you're already here, you're likely already pretty sold on getting in on Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders from day one. If you're on the fence, though, it's worth thinking about how soon you need to be playing new games.

The next Switch is backwards compatible, and there's already a massive library of titles on the current-generation console. If you've still got a backlog, a handheld to play them on, and you're in two minds about the Nintendo Switch 2, a pre-order might not make sense.

While the new console will undoubtedly run old games better than the previous generation, you're still paying more to do so. If none of the new lineup takes your fancy, or you're content to keep trucking along with the console in your possession there might not be a need to jump on any pre-orders if they do materialize today.

That said, definitely don't hold off in the hopes of getting a better price after launch. Nintendo hardware doesn't drop its value for years after release, so I'm expecting to see handhelds at MSRP at least through Black Friday 2025.

So who should be pre-ordering? If you are set on playing through the rest of your backlog in as high a quality as possible, or any of the launch line up games need to be day one hits, it's well worth getting in with an early order rather than waiting for launch.

Nintendo has stated that availability will be plentiful, but some stores have expressed concerns around selling out on day one. The truth is, we just don't know how stock is going to play out when release day comes - it's better to be safe with your email receipt.

What's this about a coin?

Ah yeah, one more thing from Insider Gaming's report. Apparently, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will also launch with a collectable coin. We have no idea of the scale or aesthetic of the coin but if there's one thing Ninty fans love it's exclusive merch. We'll have to wait and see if this fabled currency exists or not, but it does feel like a Nintendo move.

Will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders drop tomorrow?

The rumor mill has been spinning up over the last few days, but here's what we know right now.

On March 27, Best Buy Canada published a (now deleted) blog post stating that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will drop on April 2. That follows the timeline set out by the previous handheld's launch exactly, giving us good reason to hope for early orders tomorrow.

However, on March 28, the following day, retailer documents were leaked suggesting an April 9 date instead. The full report, surfaced by Insider Gaming, states that the store in question was concerned that its initial allocation of stock wouldn't meet demand on that April 9 launch date.

'Pre-order coming soon' messaging was also included in the report, speculated to be published on the retailer site after the Direct, alongside a timer countdown running to April 9.

There are two conflicting stories here, but I'm not going to let Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders pass me by - I'm keeping my ears to the ground tomorrow regardless.

And we're off, I'll be bringing you all my tips and tricks for grabbing a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order should stock drop tomorrow. I'll be here all afternoon and evening, making sure you're up to date with any retailer movements that could suggest those doors are about to open and getting you prepped with the retailers and trade-ins you should be keeping a close eye on when that Direct launches.