Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders: How to Buy the Console on Launch Day
The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, but for those who have yet to pre-order the console, time is running out. According to The Independent, pre-orders across the US sold out quickly when they went live in April, and there hasn’t been a restock since.
For those still hoping to get their hands on the console, launch day itself may be the best chance. Retailers such as Best Buy and GameStop are holding midnight events, while Target will be running launch-day promotions from 8am with giveaways. Some Walmart stores may also open early with limited in-store stock.
As reported by The Independent, Sam’s Club and Costco are also expected to have consoles on shelves, but availability will vary by location. Here’s a rundown of each retailer’s launch plans:
### Pre-Order Status at Major Retailers
* Walmart: Out of stock as of April 24
* Nintendo: Invitations sent out on May 8
* Best Buy: Out of stock as of April 24
* GameStop: Out of stock as of April 24, potentially available to pre-order in-store
* Target: Out of stock as of April 24
* Sam’s Club: Out of stock
* Amazon: Pre-orders not yet live
* Costco: Out of stock
### How to Pre-Order a Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo opened Switch 2 pre-orders on May 8 through an invite-only system. If you missed out, you can still register your interest on the My Nintendo Store, but not everyone is eligible. According to The Independent, to be considered, you’ll need an active 12-month Switch Online membership and at least 50 hours of gameplay on your linked account.
### Retailer Launch Plans
#### Walmart
Walmart won’t have an official midnight launch, but most stores open from 6am, and there could be limited stock on shelves. As The Independent reports, it’s best to call ahead and check what your local store is doing – it varies from location to location. Online, the console and bundle listings are marked “Coming soon” with a June 5 release date.
#### Target
Target’s launch event runs from 8am to 4pm local time on June 5. Staff will hand out tickets to people in line, granting them a console. Some locations will have freebies and giveaways; Orlando’s Millenia store is getting a Nintendo party, for example. According to The Independent, there won’t be any online availability on launch day itself, but Target says it will restock the console and bundle online on Friday, June 6.
#### Best Buy
Best Buy’s hosting a midnight launch at select stores on June 5 (12:01 AM ET). Early shoppers are also in with a chance of getting a commemorative Switch 2 coin. As reported by The Independent, there will be limited stock in-store for walk-ins, alongside pre-order pickups. Online listings say “coming soon”, but there’s no indication if there will be any stock online on launch day.
#### GameStop
GameStop’s midnight launch doesn’t actually begin at midnight. The festivities will start at 3pm local time on June 4, with orders ready for pickup from 9pm PT/12am ET. According to The Independent, some stores will be handing out free cans of Red Bull. Online availability is still a question mark, but it’ll probably be locked behind a GameStop Pro membership.
#### Sam’s Club and Costco
Sam’s Club has announced that members will be able to buy the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle in stores on June 5. Stock levels are unclear, and it’s not known if every store will have the console available to buy. Costco will offer a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle that includes Mario Kart World and a 12-month Switch Online + Expansion Pack on launch day (June 5). It’ll only be available in select stores, so check with your local store ahead of time. As The Independent notes, like Sam’s Club, you’ll need to be a member to buy it.
For the latest information on the Nintendo Switch 2 and its availability, we recommend checking with your local retailers. Source: The Independent.
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