After years of speculation and excitement, Nintendo has officially announced the release date for the much-anticipated Switch 2. This successor to the original Switch will hit the shelves on June 5th, priced at $449.99. Alongside the console, gamers can expect a plethora of games and accessories, enhancing the gaming experience. Preorders in the US will commence on April 9th through select retailers, with options for both a standalone console and a limited-edition bundle featuring Mario Kart World priced at $499.99.
The Switch 2 boasts impressive upgrades, including a large 7.9-inch LCD display that supports 1080p resolution and HDR. With 256GB of built-in storage, users can expect ample space for games and applications. The console also promises a battery life of up to 6.5 hours, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions. Additionally, the redesigned Joy-Cons are larger and now attach magnetically to the console, enhancing usability. These new controllers also feature mouse-like functionality for select games and include a "C" button for in-game chat and screen sharing.
Upon launch, the Switch 2 will come packed with Mario Kart World and will also support third-party titles such as Split Fiction and Cyberpunk 2077. Importantly, it will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and will support enhanced versions of popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
For those eager to secure their Switch 2, we have compiled all the essential preorder information. This article will be regularly updated as new details emerge, so be sure to bookmark this page for the latest news.
As expected, the My Nintendo Store is one of the few confirmed retailers for preorders. However, it comes with specific eligibility requirements. Interested customers must register their interest prior to April 9th by logging into their Nintendo account and selecting their desired console configuration and accessories. Eligible participants will receive an invitation email when preorders open, provided they meet certain conditions.
Currently, the reservation process is limited to Nintendo account holders in the US and Canada who are at least 18 years old. To qualify, registrants must have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months and logged a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch by April 2nd, 2025. Invitations will be valid for 72 hours and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Notably, invitations are nontransferable and will be sent to the email used during registration.
If Nintendo's strict requirements seem daunting, Best Buy offers a more straightforward preorder process. Preorders for the Switch 2, along with games and accessories, will begin on April 9 via the Best Buy app and BestBuy.com. Most stores across the US will open at midnight ET on June 5th for pickup, reviving the nostalgic midnight release schedule.
Additionally, My Best Buy Plus and Total members can earn a $20 certificate for every $150 spent on Nintendo products, a great perk for members of Best Buy's loyalty program. More information regarding the preorder process is expected ahead of April 9th, so keep an eye on Best Buy's landing pages for the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle.
Although Walmart has yet to offer extensive details, it has created dedicated landing pages for both the standalone Switch 2 ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99). Preorders for these items will also commence on April 9th, aligning with other retailers.
Target is in a similar position to Walmart, having published listings for the Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle. However, they have not released additional details. Both console listings confirm that preorders will open on April 9th.
GameStop has confirmed it will begin accepting preorders for the Switch 2 at an unspecified time on April 9th. Like Best Buy, you can sign up for notifications regarding the console and its games through their website. Dedicated landing pages for both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle are also available.
While some major retailers have yet to provide detailed preorder information, it’s anticipated that Amazon will have limited stock available. However, reports suggest that US retailers may face challenges meeting the preorder demand for the Switch 2. Hopefully, Nintendo's strict reservation requirements will help deter potential scalpers.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Switch 2 preorder process as we gather additional information from various retailers.
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Update, April 2nd: This article has been updated to include additional preorder details for Target, GameStop, and Walmart.
