Where to pre-order Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders happen through the same retailers that sell current Nintendo hardware: Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop are the main US options. Nintendo's official store (nintendo.com) also takes pre-orders directly. Each retailer opens pre-orders on its own schedule — they do not all start on the same day — so checking multiple sites gives you the best chance of securing one before stock runs out in your area.

Pre-orders typically require you to add the console to your cart, enter your shipping address, and pay in full or put down a deposit. Most retailers charge the full price at the time you pre-order, though some allow you to pay a smaller amount upfront and the rest closer to the release date. Check the retailer's payment terms before you complete the order, because policies vary.

If you miss the initial pre-order window, some retailers restock pre-orders in waves. Following the official Nintendo Twitter account and setting up price alerts on Amazon or Best Buy can notify you when new inventory opens up. Retailers sometimes release additional pre-order slots weeks or months after the first batch sells out.

Key Takeaways

  • Pre-orders open at different times at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, GameStop, and Nintendo's official store, so check multiple sites to find availability.
  • Most retailers charge the full console price when you pre-order, though some take a smaller deposit and charge the rest later.
  • Pre-orders can sell out quickly, but retailers often release additional stock in later waves if you miss the first round.
  • You will need a valid payment method and shipping address to complete a pre-order, and the console ships to you on or near the official release date.

What happens after you pre-order

Once your pre-order is confirmed, the retailer sends you an order confirmation email with your order number and estimated delivery or pickup date. Keep this email — you will need the order number if you have questions about your shipment or if something goes wrong. Most retailers ship the console to arrive on the release date or within a few days after, depending on your location and shipping method.

You can usually track your shipment through the retailer's website using your order number. If you chose in-store pickup instead of shipping, the retailer will notify you when the console is ready to pick up, typically on the release date or the day before. Bring your order confirmation or ID to pick it up.

Pre-order vs. waiting to buy in stores

Pre-ordering guarantees you get a console on or near the release date. If you do not pre-order, you will have to wait for retail stock to become available, which can take weeks or months after launch if demand is high. New Nintendo hardware typically sells out quickly in the first few weeks.

The trade-off is that pre-ordering requires you to commit to the purchase and pay upfront, sometimes months before the console arrives. If you are unsure whether you want the Switch 2, waiting to see reviews and gameplay footage after release might be worth the risk of not getting one when ready. However, if you are confident you want it, pre-ordering removes the uncertainty of whether it will be in stock when you are ready to buy.

Checking your pre-order status

Log into your account on the retailer's website and go to your order history or account settings. Your pre-order should appear there with a status — usually "pre-ordered," "processing," or "ready to ship." The page also shows your estimated delivery date and lets you update your shipping address if needed, though many retailers lock the address a few weeks before release.

If your pre-order status does not change for several weeks after release, contact the retailer's customer service. Delays happen occasionally, and customer service can tell you whether your console is on backorder or if there is a problem with your order.

Canceling or changing a pre-order

Most retailers let you cancel a pre-order up until a certain point — usually a few weeks before release. Go to your order history, find the pre-order, and look for a "cancel" or "return" option. If you already paid in full, the retailer refunds your money to your original payment method within a few business days.

Changing a pre-order (for example, switching from shipping to pickup) is usually possible through your account settings, but options narrow as the release date gets closer. If you cannot make the change yourself online, contact customer service and ask them to update it for you.

What to know about pre-order bundles

Some retailers sell pre-order bundles that include the Switch 2 console plus games, controllers, or accessories. These bundles cost more than the console alone but can save money if you were planning to buy those items anyway. Check the bundle contents carefully — some include games you might not want, so compare the bundle price to buying items separately.

Bundle pre-orders follow the same process as console-only pre-orders: you add it to your cart, pay, and receive it on or near the release date. If a bundle sells out but you still want the console, you can pre-order the console alone from a different retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 from outside the United States?

Yes, but availability depends on your country. Nintendo's official store ships to many countries, and major retailers in your region (like Currys in the UK or EB Games in Canada) typically take pre-orders. Check the official Nintendo website for your country to find authorized retailers.

What if I pre-order but the console is delayed past the release date?

Delays happen occasionally. The retailer will notify you of the new expected delivery date. You can contact customer service to ask for a refund if the delay is unacceptable, though most retailers honor the pre-order and ship it as soon as stock arrives.

Do I need a Nintendo account to pre-order?

No. You need an account with the retailer (Best Buy, Amazon, Target, etc.), but not a Nintendo account. A Nintendo account is separate and is used for playing games and accessing online services after you receive the console.

Can I pre-order multiple Switch 2 consoles?

Most retailers limit pre-orders to one or two per customer to prevent resellers from buying large quantities. If you try to order more, the retailer may cancel the extra orders or contact you to confirm the purchase.

What payment methods do retailers accept for pre-orders?

Major retailers accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods like PayPal or Apple Pay. Some also accept store credit or gift cards. Check the retailer's website during checkout to see which methods are available.