Nintendo Switch Pre Orders – Prices, Retailers, Release Date

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant step forward in Nintendo’s hybrid gaming lineup, combining portable convenience with enhanced hardware capabilities. For gamers eager to secure their unit, understanding the pre-order landscape has become essential as demand continues to outpace supply.

Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 officially opened in the United States on April 24, 2025, following a delay caused by ongoing tariff discussions. Major retailers including GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart made units available at midnight Eastern Time, with inventory selling through rapidly at multiple outlets. The console carries a suggested retail price of $449.99, while a bundle featuring the included game Mario Kart World is priced at $499.99.

This guide consolidates the latest information on where to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2, current pricing across different configurations, and what buyers should know before committing to a pre-order.

When Do Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Start?

The official pre-order window for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States opened on April 24, 2025, at midnight Eastern Time (9 PM Pacific on April 23). This date represented a significant shift from earlier expectations, as Nintendo had initially planned to begin pre-orders on April 9 before pausing due to tariff-related concerns.

The 90-day tariff pause announced by the Trump administration cleared the path for pre-orders to resume, with Nintendo confirming the new date shortly before the April 24 launch. Units sold out quickly across most major retailers, though some locations reported limited availability persisting into the following days.

Key Insights on Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders

• Pre-orders opened at midnight ET on April 24, 2025, selling out rapidly at many retailers
• The original April 9 pre-order date was delayed due to US tariff concerns, with a 90-day pause implemented
• The $449.99 MSRP remained unchanged from the April 2 announcement despite economic uncertainty
• Walmart listed consoles slightly below MSRP in some cases, offering savings of approximately $0.99
• Accessories such as the 2-Con Controller and Switch 2 camera saw $5 price increases due to market conditions
• Nintendo has warned that future price adjustments for accessories may occur depending on economic factors
• No confirmed UK pre-order details are available, though Canada is expected to align with US timing

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Snapshot

Where Can I Pre-Order the Nintendo Switch 2?

Multiple established retailers have been confirmed as authorized sellers of the Nintendo Switch 2. Each outlet offers slightly different purchasing experiences, delivery timelines, and in some cases, minor pricing variations. Those interested in the enhanced hardware capabilities of the Switch 2 may find it helpful to review detailed specifications before making a purchase decision.

GameStop

GameStop made pre-orders available at midnight ET on April 24, with units selling quickly through their website. The retailer has historically maintained strong relationships with Nintendo for launch-day products and typically offers trade-in programs for customers looking to upgrade from the original Switch lineup.

Best Buy

Best Buy allowed customers to purchase through both its website and mobile app starting at midnight ET on April 24. Physical stores carried games and accessories on the same day, while in-store console availability varied by location. The retailer has announced plans for midnight openings on June 5 to accommodate launch-day pickups.

Walmart

Walmart began taking pre-orders at midnight ET, with some customers in select regions receiving deliveries by 9 AM the following morning. The retailer occasionally listed consoles slightly below MSRP, providing modest savings compared to other outlets.

Nintendo Official Store

The official Nintendo website listed the console at $449.99 with an “available now” designation. Purchasing directly from Nintendo provides the most direct support to the company and often includes exclusive digital content or promotional offers.

International availability remains less clearly defined. No specific pre-order details for the United Kingdom have been confirmed in available sources, though regional timing is expected to follow patterns established with previous Nintendo launches. Canada is anticipated to align closely with the US rollout.

What Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Price?

The Nintendo Switch 2 carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $449.99 for the standalone console, a figure that remained unchanged from the April 2 announcement despite tariff-related concerns that initially threatened price increases.

Nintendo has taken the position that console and game pricing will remain stable, though the company acknowledged that accessory pricing reflects current market conditions. Items such as the 2-Con Controller and Switch 2 camera saw increases of approximately $5 compared to initial expectations.

Bundle Options

The primary bundle available at launch pairs the Nintendo Switch 2 console with Mario Kart World, Nintendo’s flagship launch title. This combination carries a price point of $499.99, representing a $50 premium over the standalone console while including a game that sells separately for $79.99.

This pricing structure effectively provides a $30 discount compared to purchasing both items separately, making the bundle an attractive option for those planning to play Mario Kart World regardless.

Launch Game Pricing

Price Comparison by Retailer

While most retailers maintain the $449.99 MSRP, Walmart occasionally listed consoles slightly below this price, with savings of approximately $0.99 in some cases. These minor variations reflect promotional decisions by individual retailers rather than supply constraints or scarcity pricing.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Requirements and Policies

Pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 requires a valid payment method and, in most cases, a verified retailer account. Each retailer maintains its own policies regarding order limits, payment processing, and fulfillment timelines.

Purchase Requirements

Most retailers implemented purchase limits of one console per customer during the initial launch window, a standard practice for high-demand gaming hardware releases. Verified accounts with stored payment information typically processed orders faster than guest checkout options.

Payment and Billing

Credit cards, debit cards, and retailer-specific payment methods were accepted across all major outlets. Some retailers offered financing options for customers preferring to spread payments over time.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

Specific cancellation policies vary by retailer, and no uniform standards were established across the industry for this launch. Most retailers allow order modifications or cancellations before shipping, though customers are generally advised to contact their chosen retailer directly to understand specific terms.

For those purchasing from physical locations, speaking with store associates provides the clearest guidance on refund eligibility and return timeframes.

The Tariff Delay: What Happened

The original pre-order date of April 9, 2025, was postponed following the announcement of new US tariffs affecting consumer electronics. Nintendo, like other companies in the gaming and technology sectors, faced uncertainty regarding the cost of importing hardware components.

The What Is a Tariff – Definition, Types, Effects, History explains how these import taxes can influence consumer pricing. In Nintendo’s case, the company initially absorbed potential cost increases rather than passing them immediately to consumers.

A subsequent 90-day pause on certain tariffs allowed Nintendo to proceed with the April 24 pre-order date while maintaining its announced pricing structure. Nintendo confirmed that console and game prices would remain stable, while acknowledging that accessory pricing would reflect current market conditions.

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Timeline

1. April 2, 2025 — Nintendo officially reveals pricing and release details for Switch 2
2. April 9, 2025 — Original pre-order date, postponed due to tariff concerns
3. April 24, 2025 — Pre-orders officially begin at midnight ET across US retailers
4. April 24, 2025 — Rapid sell-outs reported at GameStop, Best Buy, and other outlets
5. June 5, 2025 — Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches in stores

Sources and Official Statements

“Nintendo has confirmed that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24, 2025, with the console priced at $449.99 and a Mario Kart World bundle available for $499.99.”

— Fortune

“Pre-orders opened at midnight ET on April 24, 2025, with units selling out quickly at major retailers including GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart.”

— Axios

Nintendo has maintained that while console and game pricing will remain stable, accessory prices reflect current market conditions. The company has warned that future price adjustments may occur depending on economic factors.

Those looking to purchase from Walmart may find it helpful to check Is Walmart Open Today – Store Hours, Holidays & Locator for store-specific information and operating hours.

Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order window opened on April 24, 2025, following a delay tied to US tariff discussions. The console carries a $449.99 MSRP, with a Mario Kart World bundle available for $499.99. Major retailers including GameStop, Best Buy, Walmart, and Nintendo’s official store participated in the launch, with units selling out rapidly at most outlets.

The official release date is June 5, 2025. Nintendo has maintained stable pricing for the console and games while acknowledging that accessory prices reflect current market conditions. International availability, particularly in the United Kingdom, remains less clearly defined, though Canada is expected to follow US timing closely.

Frequently Asked Questions