Nintendo has finally announced when you can get the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2. After months of speculation and delays, preorders for the next-generation console will officially begin on April 24. The console will launch on June 5, and you can choose between the standard version at US$449.99 and a special Mario Kart World bundle priced at US$499.99.
Despite earlier announcements in March, Nintendo delayed preorders due to concerns about President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. With a confirmed date, you can start preparing to secure your console, along with new accessories and games, later this week.
What’s new with the Nintendo Switch 2
You’re in for a noticeable upgrade with the Switch 2. It features a larger 7.9-inch LCD that supports 1080p resolution and HDR, giving your games more clarity and colour. Inside, you get 256GB of storage and a battery life of up to 6.5 hours, depending on how you use it.
The Joy-Cons have also been redesigned. They’re larger and connect to the console using magnets instead of the old sliding rail system. These new Joy-Cons offer mouse-like controls in supported games. The right Joy-Con includes a new “C” button, adding features like in-game voice chat, screen sharing, and additional game actions.
When it comes to games, you won’t be short on choices. Mario Kart World will launch alongside the console, and you’ll also be able to play third-party titles like Split Fiction and Cyberpunk 2077. Even better, the Switch 2 is backwards-compatible with original Switch games and supports improved versions of fan favourites like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
How to pre-order at different stores
If you’ll order it in Nintendo, you’ll need to meet a few requirements to pre-order directly through Nintendo. The My Nintendo Store only accepts reservations from US and Canadian account holders who are 18 or older. To register, sign in with your Nintendo account, select your preferred model and accessories, and wait for an email invitation.
But there’s a catch — you must have:
- An active Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months
- Logged at least 50 hours on your original Switch by April 2, 2025
- Opted in to share your gameplay data with Nintendo
Invitations start going out on May 8 and are valid for 72 hours. During this period, only one console and one set of accessories can be bought per account.
While pre-orders at Best Buy start at 12AM ET on April 24. You can order online through the Best Buy app or BestBuy.com. On launch day, June 5, most stores will reopen at midnight across all US time zones. If you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you can earn US$20 in rewards for every US$150 spent on Nintendo products (up to US$100 total).
GameStop on the other hand is opening online pre-orders at 11 AM ET on April 24. You can also pre-order in-store once shops open that day. GameStop will hold midnight launch events at all locations on June 5, allowing you to pick up your new console as soon as possible.
Walmart will begin online pre-orders at 12 AM ET on April 24. If you pre-order by June 4 at 8 AM ET, Walmart promises to deliver your order by 9 AM on launch day, June 5. This could be your best option if you want to get playing the same morning.
And Target also plans to open online pre-orders at 12 AM ET on April 24. They’ll offer the standard and Mario Kart bundle consoles and accessories. While in-store pickup details haven’t been fully confirmed, pre-ordering early online gives you the best shot at launch-day availability.
With multiple ways to pre-order the Switch 2, you now have more freedom to choose the method that suits you best — whether that’s registering with Nintendo for a more controlled release or heading to a familiar retailer like Walmart or GameStop. Either way, the race to pre-order begins April 24, and stock is expected to go quickly.
