Best Buy says April 2, new leaks suggest April 9 - exactly when Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will go live remains a mystery. Those looking for a day-one order will need to be quick off the mark when Nintendo broadcasts its full Direct presentation this Wednesday. The 9am ET / 6am PT / 2pm BST showcase should answer all our questions, so it's best to be prepared for every eventuality.
The full blog post on Best Buy Canada's site explicitly stated that 'pre-orders are open on April 2, 2025' before being shut down shortly afterward. However, newer conflicting information from US retailer communications suggests that that date might be shifted to April 9.
These reports state that stores are concerned about selling through their initial allotment on release day, despite Nintendo's reassurances that it's taken steps to ensure there's a Nintendo Switch 2 for everyone who wants one. More interestingly for pre-order timings, though, is the fact that these stores have also supposedly been instructed to count down to the pre-order launch date - suggesting a delay after the Direct presentation.
Some retailers have already launched 'early' Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, essentially guaranteeing their customers a spot in line to actually place their order by paying even ahead of the announcement. Until the new handheld hits the screen next Wednesday, though, it's anyone's game.
I'm getting you prepped with all the retailers you need to watch out for when Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders do land. I've been tracking these stock frenzies across everything from the Switch OLED to the PS5 and its Pro model over the last five years, so I've picked up a thing or two about being in the right place at the right time. You'll find all my tips and tricks further down the page.
Recent updates
March 31 - We're just two days away from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, and rumors surrounding the exact date and time of pre-orders are starting to spin out. Today's update includes information about a new retailer leak, which suggests the handheld will be available for early orders from April 9 - one week after the presentation.
US Switch 2 retailers
You may need a membership to secure an early order from stores like Walmart and Best Buy. I would always recommend heading to Nintendo first and foremost when those pre-orders drop, but this is going to be a smaller site than other retail stores - and if crashes do occur it's worth having some backups available.
Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are all well seasoned in this game - they've been regulars in the race for console stock from other brands. Plus, don't sleep on Target - while it can sell out fast, this store often posts its pre-orders just a little earlier than everyone else, which means you can swoop in pretty easily if you find yourself in the right place at the right time.
GameStop is currently the only US retailer with the device technically on its shelves (though it's obviously unavailable), so it's worth keeping a close eye here as we get closer to the big day.
UK Switch 2 retailers
The UK has a similar spread of stores to choose from, but I'd recommend prioritizing Nintendo, Amazon, and Argos in your hunt. The first is going to be the most reliable for actually putting stock up on the day itself, but everyone will be going here. Amazon is still pretty speedy in the UK (unlike the US where it can lag slightly behind) and I've always had my pre-ordered kit delivered on day one here. Finally Argos could be a sleeper hit. The site organizes its stock by post code, so you've got much less competition should stock start to run low on the day.
In the last few weeks, ShopTo has also launched an interesting proposition. It's running its own email notification system, with a one penny charge to register. That means the Switch 2 can already act as a transacted product on this site's store, so the site can easily ensure each customer only grabs one when it comes to launch day.
What can you do now?
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation is all but upon us, which means there's only a little time to get your ducks in a row before Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders hopefully kick off fully. I'd use this time wisely - there are two things you can be doing between now and announcement day to maximize your chances at securing a console.
1. Keep an eye on trade-in prices
This is what clinched my super early pre-order for the PS5 back in the day. I knew which store I was going with, had months to build up store credit through rewards systems and trading, and could head straight to the site as soon as word dropped. While flexibility is going to be necessary, if you're looking to keep the cost of your Switch 2 as low as possible it's worth keeping an eye on trade-in prices over the next few weeks, so you can work out which store will give you the best deal when push comes to shove.
2. Sign up to a membership program
It's a sad time but the reality of the situation is you're much more likely to be able to pre-order a high ticket item in the US if you're signed up to either Walmart Plus, GameStop Pro, or My Best Buy Total. Each of these retailers have kept their pre-orders behind paywalls like this in the past, sometimes (like in the case of the PS5) allowing subscribers first access at stock.
If I had to choose one it would be Walmart Plus. While it's still a highly competitive endeavor, this is the retailer I've seen giving its members special treatment the most over the course of the last few years.
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order FAQs
When is the Nintendo Direct presentation?
Nintendo's Direct presentation is due to kick off on April 2, 2025, focusing solely on hardware.
When will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders go live?
We're still waiting for official information from Nintendo on all things Switch 2, including the pre-order date. However, Best Buy Canada has announced that its own pre-orders will go live on April 2 - that's the first confirmation from any retailer we've seen so far. That also tracks with the timeline of the previous handheld's launch, but the blog post was removed shortly after publication and newer reports suggest an April 9 date might be more likely.
Will it be easy to get a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order?
Major console (and component) launches have been marred by low stock for years now. In fact, the most recent release that wasn't a sell-out on day one was the incredibly expensive PS5 Pro. However, Nintendo states that the reason for the Switch 2's delay from late 2024 to early 2025 was availability. The brand claims that it wanted to make sure there was enough to go around when its handheld launched into the wild. I'm inclined to believe them, especially considering how many leaks have come out of the Switch 2's extended manufacturing run.
Not only that, but a number of processes have been put into place to stop resellers in their tracks. Shuntaro Furukawa explained that the brand has been 'making preparations' to combat resellers at launch, and retailer are making their own moves with separate interest registrations and limits.
While I wouldn't recommend sleeping on those early few minutes of pre-orders when the time comes, then, I wouldn't be surprised if stock holds out a little longer here than it did for the PS5 or Xbox Series X in 2020.
How much will the Nintendo Switch cost?
Analysts are currently putting the Nintendo Switch 2 price at $399 / £399 - $499 / £499. Thankfully, recent rumors have pointed towards the lower end of that spectrum, which is where I expect the final cost to sit.
The latest leaks come from an Italian retailer, with a 'discounted' rate of €364.99 (which works out at around $375), though insider @Shpeshal_Nick claimed a rate of $449 on Twitter. It's unlikely that the Nintendo Switch 2 will push too close to $499.99.
In the meantime, check out all the latest Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility updates as well as the best Nintendo Switch accessories and the best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market.
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