Where to pre-order the Switch 2

Nintendo has not yet announced an official pre-order date or release date for the Switch 2 as of early 2025. When pre-orders do open, they will be available through Nintendo's official website, major retailers like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon, and specialty gaming stores. Nintendo typically announces the pre-order window a few weeks before it begins, usually through their official social media accounts and the Nintendo website.

The safest approach is to check Nintendo's official channels directly rather than third-party sites claiming to take early pre-orders. Scams targeting unreleased consoles are common — fraudulent websites collect payment information without delivering anything. Stick to retailers you already know and trust, and only place a pre-order once Nintendo has publicly confirmed the date.

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo has not yet announced a Switch 2 pre-order date, so any site claiming to take pre-orders now is either scamming or taking your money without authorization.
  • When pre-orders do open, they will be available through Nintendo.com, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop — the same retailers that handled Switch 1 pre-orders.
  • Nintendo typically announces the pre-order window on their official social media and website a few weeks before orders begin.
  • Pre-orders usually sell out within hours, so you will need to be ready to complete your order as soon as the window opens if you want launch-day delivery.

What to expect when pre-orders open

When Nintendo does announce pre-orders, the console will likely cost between $300 and $350 based on Switch 1 pricing, though Nintendo has not confirmed this. Pre-orders will probably open on a specific date and time announced in advance — often a Friday morning. Demand will be extremely high, and many retailers will run out of stock within the first few hours.

You will need a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal depending on the retailer) and a shipping address. Most retailers will charge your card when ready when you complete the pre-order, not when the console ships. Expect delivery sometime after the official release date, which Nintendo will announce alongside the pre-order window.

How to prepare before pre-orders open

Create accounts now on the retailers where you plan to pre-order — Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon all require login information. Having your account set up with a saved payment method and address will let you complete checkout in seconds rather than minutes, which matters when stock is limited. Test that your login works and that your payment method is current.

Follow Nintendo's official Twitter account (@Nintendo), check their website regularly, and consider signing up for email notifications from retailers you trust. Some retailers like Best Buy and GameStop send alerts to members when pre-orders open. Do not sign up for notifications from unknown websites or click links in unsolicited emails — these are common phishing tactics designed to steal your information.

Avoiding pre-order scams

Scammers create fake retailer websites that look nearly identical to the real ones, complete with stolen product images and fake customer reviews. They take your payment information and never send anything. Before entering any payment details, check the website URL carefully — it should match exactly what you see in your browser's address bar, not a lookalike domain.

Never pre-order from a website you found through a random social media ad or email link. Go directly to the retailer by typing the address into your browser yourself, or by searching for the retailer's name and clicking the official result. If a site is asking you to pre-order the Switch 2 right now, before Nintendo has announced pre-orders, it is not legitimate.

What happens after you pre-order

You will receive a confirmation email with your order number. Keep this email — you may need the order number if there are shipping problems or if you need to contact customer service. The retailer will send you shipping updates as the release date approaches, usually a few days before the console ships.

Pre-orders are usually non-refundable once placed, though you can cancel within a certain window at most retailers. Check the retailer's return policy before you complete your order. If you change your mind after the pre-order window closes, you may be stuck with the purchase or face a restocking fee.

Alternatives if you miss the pre-order window

If pre-orders sell out before you can complete your order, you have a few options. Some retailers restock periodically in the weeks after launch, though these units sell out quickly as well. You can check retailer websites regularly or sign up for restock notifications if they offer them.

You can also wait for the initial shortage to pass — usually within a few months of launch, stock becomes more stable and you can purchase without pre-ordering. This means waiting longer to get the console, but you avoid the stress of competing for limited stock and you may find bundle deals that include games or accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Switch 2 pre-order open right now?

No. Nintendo has not announced a pre-order date as of early 2025. Any website claiming to take Switch 2 pre-orders now is either fraudulent or collecting payment without authorization. Wait for an official announcement from Nintendo before placing any order.

How much will the Switch 2 cost?

Nintendo has not announced a price. The original Switch launched at $299, so the Switch 2 will likely be in that range, but this is speculation. Nintendo will announce the official price when they announce the pre-order date.

Can I pre-order from outside the United States?

Yes, but availability and retailers vary by country. Nintendo typically opens pre-orders in multiple regions on the same day, but shipping costs and delivery times differ. Check the Nintendo website for your country to find local retailers.

What if my pre-order gets cancelled?

Retailers occasionally cancel pre-orders due to payment issues, address problems, or inventory errors. If this happens, you will receive an email explaining why. You can try to place a new pre-order if stock is still available, or wait for the next restock window.

Should I use a credit card or debit card to pre-order?

Either works, but a credit card offers more fraud protection if something goes wrong. Credit cards have dispute processes that let you challenge unauthorized charges, while debit card disputes are harder to resolve. Use whichever you are most comfortable with, but avoid prepaid cards or gift cards that may have limited dispute options.