The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is officially available for pre-order in the United States, marking a significant milestone for gamers eagerly awaiting the next-generation console.
With a starting price of $449.99, the Switch 2 promises enhanced performance, innovative features, and backward compatibility with existing Switch games.
Pre-orders opened at major retailers, including Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target, following a delay caused by tariff concerns.
Here’s everything you need to know about securing your console, its standout features, and tips to ensure a smooth pre-order experience.
Pre-Order Details and Retailer Availability
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 kicked off at midnight ET, with most major retailers opening their online stores simultaneously.
GameStop stands out with a slightly later start time of 11 a.m. ET for online orders, while in-store pre-orders begin when local stores open, typically between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. local time.
Walmart has also sweetened the deal by guaranteeing delivery by 9 a.m. on the console’s official release date, June 5, for orders placed by June 4 at 8 a.m. ET, provided supplies last.
Here’s a breakdown of where to pre-order:
- Walmart: Offers the standard console for $449 and the Mario Kart World bundle for $499. Pre-orders are available online at Walmart’s Switch 2 page.
- Target: Provides both the standalone console and the bundle, with pre-orders live at Target’s Switch 2 page.
- Best Buy: Stocks the console, bundle, and select accessories, accessible via Best Buy’s Switch 2 page. Best Buy also hosts midnight launches on June 5 for in-store pickups.
- GameStop: Features the console, bundle, and exclusive accessories, with pre-orders at GameStop’s Switch 2 page. GameStop offers up to $175 trade-in credit for older Switch models, with an additional 10% for Pro members.
- Sam’s Club: A lesser-known option with a dedicated pre-order page, potentially offering less competition, available at Sam’s Club’s Switch 2 page.
- Newegg: Another under-the-radar retailer for pre-orders, which may face less traffic, found at Newegg’s Switch 2 page.
- Nintendo Store: Requires registration and prioritizes users with a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and at least 50 gameplay hours. Invitations start rolling out on May 8, with a 72-hour window to complete purchases at Nintendo’s pre-order page.
Amazon has not confirmed pre-order availability, and no dedicated Switch 2 page is live on its site, making it an unlikely option for now.
Pricing and Bundle Options
The Nintendo Switch 2 is available in two configurations:
- Standard Console: Priced at $449.99, offering the core system with 256GB of internal storage.
- Mario Kart World Bundle: Priced at $499.99, this bundle includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World, valued at $79.99, saving buyers approximately $30 compared to purchasing the game separately.
While the console pricing remains unchanged despite earlier tariff concerns, Nintendo has increased prices for accessories like the Switch 2 Pro Controller (now $84.99, up from $79.99) and Joy-Con 2 controllers (now $94.99, up from $89.99). The company noted that further price adjustments could occur based on market conditions.
Key Features of the Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 builds on the success of its predecessor with significant upgrades:
- Display: A 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR support for vibrant visuals.
- Performance: When docked, the console supports up to 4K resolution and 120 fps on compatible TVs, with improved internal speakers and a dock featuring a built-in cooling fan.
- Game Chat: A built-in microphone enables in-game voice communication, enhancing multiplayer experiences.
- Storage: Base storage is 256GB, expandable via microSD Express cards (note: standard microSD cards are not compatible).
- Controllers: Joy-Con 2 controllers now support mouse controls and attach magnetically, offering new gameplay possibilities.
- Backward Compatibility: The Switch 2 plays both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, ensuring your existing library remains accessible.
The console also introduces dual USB-C ports for charging and a compact $55 camera accessory for in-game features and video chats.
Launch Titles and Accessories
The Switch 2 launches with a strong lineup of exclusive titles, including:
- Mario Kart World ($79.99)
- Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99, releasing July 17)
- Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild (upgraded for Switch 2)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour ($10, an interactive tutorial with mini-games)
Accessories available for pre-order include the Switch 2 Pro Controller, extra Joy-Con 2 controllers, a carrying case, and microSD Express cards (128GB to 1TB, starting at $44.99).
GameStop offers its own line of accessories, such as carrying cases and microSD Express cards, with potential savings for Pro members.
Trade-In and Membership Benefits
GameStop offers trade-in credits to offset the Switch 2’s cost:
- Switch OLED: $175 credit
- Standard Switch (V1 or V2): $125 credit
- Switch Lite: $100 credit GameStop Pro members ($25/year) receive an additional 10% on trade-ins and potential discounts on accessories. Best Buy’s My Best Buy Total subscribers can earn a $20 certificate for every $150 spent on games and accessories, making it a compelling option for those buying multiple items.
Tariff Impact and Future Pricing
Initially set to open pre-orders on April 9, Nintendo delayed the process to assess U.S. tariffs, which include a 245% tariff on China and a temporary 10% tariff on Vietnam, where some Switch production occurs.
The console’s $449.99 price remains intact, but accessory price hikes reflect tariff-related costs. Nintendo has warned that further price adjustments are possible if market conditions change.
Why Pre-Order?
Pre-ordering guarantees your console on launch day, with some retailers offering midnight pickups on June 5. The Mario Kart World bundle is expected to be particularly popular, with limited quantities available through fall. Given reports of constrained supply in Japan and GameStop expecting only about 100 units per store, securing a pre-order is critical to avoid missing out.
