Nintendo seems optimistic about having enough stock of its new gaming system to fulfill the demand across the US, as emphasized by Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser during a segment on CNBC. Despite their confidence, there’s no absolute certainty, so we advise you to prepare in advance to enhance your likelihood of securing a console during the preorder period.

Here’s what you should know.

Landing pages and online start times

What Switch 2 configurations will be available?

Upon its release, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be offered in two versions: a standard model priced at $449.99 and a bundle at $499.99, which includes the new Mario Kart game, Mario Kart World. According to Nintendo, the bundle will only be available until fall 2025 or while supplies last. This is somewhat disappointing as the console and game bundle offers a $30 savings on what is anticipated to be a major launch title for the Switch 2. Should you miss out on the bundle, you can purchase Mario Kart World separately at the cost of $79.99.

It’s also worth noting that prices could change down the line. Nintendo recently raised the price of the Switch 2 Joy-Con and Pro Controller in response to US tariffs, and has said that “other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions.” The starting price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains unchanged, but at this point, it feels like the only way to guarantee a console at $449.99 is to purchase one at launch.

How should I prepare for preorders?

If the the rollout of Sony’s PlayStation 5 is any indication, retailers aren’t always well-equipped to handle the massive influx of interest when it comes to console preorders. Inventory for the Switch 2 is likely to be limited as well, which is why we suggest taking a few steps to set yourself up for success ahead of when preorders open on Thursday, April 24th. We’ll do our best to let you know which retailers still have inventory as the night proceeds, but in the meantime, we’ve rounded up a few helpful tips that should help you improve your odds.

Create accounts at every retailer

First things first: create accounts at Walmart, GameStop, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon if you haven’t done so already. So far, none of the confirmed retailers for the Switch 2 have announced plans to implement a digital queue; however, Best Buy and Walmart have done so with prior console launches in an effort to deter scalpers. That being the case, ensure your account is set up with the appropriate credentials. Confirm your location and delivery info, get your payment details in order, and log in to your account ahead of time.

Setting up and verifying this information in advance will help streamline the checkout process, thus allowing you to save precious seconds. This is crucial, given most retailers won’t hold your console while you’re in the checkout line.

If you own a smartphone, we recommend downloading — and logging into — the respective retailer apps for Walmart, Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. In the past, we’ve found that the dedicated mobile apps for various retailers are faster than using a traditional browser; they also provide an additional means of procuring a console, thus increasing your chances of securing a Switch 2 at launch.

Sign up for retailer notifications

A couple of retailers, specifically Best Buy and GameStop, allow you to sign up for preorder updates regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, games, and accessories. So far, neither retailer has divulged much beyond what is available on their retail sites; however, they do serve as yet another opportunity to stay informed regarding how each retailer plans to handle the Switch 2 rollout going forward.

Skip the accessories (for now)

Nintendo will have a raft of new accessories available for the Switch 2 at launch, including a Switch 2 Pro Controller, carrying cases, and even a camera accessory for video chats. And while it might be tempting to stack your cart with add-ons, preordering Nintendo’s first-party peripherals takes time that’s better spent on securing a console. Plus, accessory preorders don’t typically sell out nearly as fast as consoles, meaning you can always circle back for extras at Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers once you’ve managed to reserve your Switch 2.

This should come as no surprise, but we’ll be updating this page when preorders go live at midnight on April 24th, allowing you to see at a glance which retailers are still accepting preorders on either the standalone console or the pricier Mario Kart World bundle.

A number of other social media accounts — including Wario64 and Matt Swider of The Shortcut — are likely going to be tracking preorder inventory as well, if you’re looking for additional publications / users to follow in the run-up to the Switch 2 launch.

Where can I preorder the Switch 2?

Right now, the only confirmed retailers for the Nintendo Switch 2 are Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. We anticipate Amazon opening preorders at some point, but based on our previous experience covering console launches, the rollout at Amazon is likely to be sporadic and unpredictable. Either way, we’ll update this post accordingly if Amazon and other retailers begin offering preorders.

According to a countdown timer at the top of Walmart’s Switch 2 landing page, the retailer will open online preorders at 12AM ET on April 24th. Walmart’s website also indicates that, if you preorder the console before 8AM ET on June 4th, you should receive it before 9AM ET on June 5th. There are also already dedicated landing pages for both the standalone Switch 2 ($449) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499), along with games like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69) and accessories such as the Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84).

GameStop confirmed on X that in-store preorders for the Switch 2 will begin when “doors open” on April 24th, with online preorders starting the same day at 11AM ET. The retailer has already published dedicated landing pages for the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle, and the company has announced that “all stores” will open on June 5th at 12AM ET / June 4th at 9PM PT for the console’s launch.

If you’re looking to bring the cost down, GameStop will be offering up to $175 off a Switch 2 when you trade in a Switch OLED, or up to $125 off when you trade in a regular Switch. In both instances, you’ll need everything that came with your console — specifically the Switch, its dock, two working Joy-Con controllers (with wrist straps), an HDMI cable, and a power cord. GameStop also confirmed to Gizmodo that exact valuation will depend on the condition of your console, including whether your Joy-Cons are experiencing the dreaded stick drift.

As of this writing, Best Buy has provided the most details about preorder availability, both online and in-store. Online preorders begin at 12AM on April 24th via the Best Buy app and BestBuy.com, or in-store on April 24th at the “start of regular store hours.” Furthermore, most Best Buy stores in the US will open at 12AM ET, 11PM CT, 10PM MT, and 9PM PT on June 5th for preorder pickup.

Additionally, if you’re a My Best Buy Plus and or Total member, you’ll be able to score $20 in credit for every $150 you spend (up to $100) on Nintendo games and gear. That means if you are a member of Best Buy’s loyalty program, you’ll receive a $60 certificate when you buy a standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle. That privilege will run you at least $49.99 a year, though both tiers also grant you access to exclusive discounts, free two-day shipping, and other perks.

Unfortunately, we’re currently unsure whether the retailer intends to implement a queue system, as it did with the PS5 release. Best Buy has published respective landing pages for the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle, though, with each indicating that Best Buy will “hold” your preorder for 10 minutes once added to your cart.

Target, like most other major retailers, has confirmed that preorders for the Switch 2, games, and accessories will begin at 12AM ET on April 24th. Target has also already published retailer listings for both the standalone Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle, along with listings to the Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84) and the Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ($69.99), among other titles.