Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders live: US stock going live soon and all the retailers to check

Reminder: Accessories will be more expensive

When Nintendo revealed a number of accessories for the Switch 2, they already had prices attached.

However, late last week, the company announced new adjustments that it blamed on "market conditions." Which it's likely are due to the volatile tariffs enacted by the Trump administration.

If you missed the change here are the differences:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller - $84.99 (was $79.99)
• Joy-Con 2 Pair - $94.99 (was $89.99)
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip - $39.99 (was $34.99)
• Joy-Con 2 Strap - $13.99 (was $12.99)
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set - $24.99 (was $19.99)
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera - $54.99 (was $49.99)
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set - $119.99 (was $109.99)
• Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector - $39.99 (was $34.99)
• Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case - $84.99 (was $79)
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter - $34.99 (was $29.99)
• Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB for Nintendo Switch™ 2 - $59.99 (unchanged)

These devices will also be available for pre-order starting at midnight eastern, but the new pricing might make picking them up a considerable expense.

What we like and don't like about the Switch 2

We've had a couple of opportunities to get early looks at the Switch 2 thanks to Nintendo events.

Our most recent visit lasted two hours and we found the console to be a "much-needed and well-crafted evolution."

What we liked:

• The screen is massive improvement especially the larger size
• Joy-Con 2s feel more secure with the new design
• The redesigned Pro Controller is a must have
• More third-party games

There were some flaws, beyond just the high price.

Though some might just need the right game to bring us around.

Here's what we didn't like:

• Not quite sold on the mouse mode
• Will GameChat be a gamechanger or just annoying?
• Game prices are going to bite
• Where's the Breath of the Wild moment?

We went hands-on with the Switch 2

During the Nintendo Direct on April 2, we were able to go hands on with the Switch 2.

We described the Switch 2 as a bit step up from the original Switch. Though we did ding it for a lack of OLED display and the higher price on both the console and the games.

"The Nintendo Switch 2 builds on the strong foundation of its predecessor with plenty of upgrades and new features," my colleague Anthony Spadafora wrote. While wondering if the new games would be enough to warrant a pre-order.

Pre-ordering from Amazon: check pre-order info

As of this writing, Amazon has not launched a Nintendo Switch 2 page or announced anything about pre-orders.

Amazon: check pre-order info.

In the U.K. Amazon used an invitation system, but we don't know if they'll do the same for U.S. customers.

For more information on Amazon and the Switch 2, read on:

Nintendo Switch 2: $449 at Amazon

Amazon has yet to launch a Nintendo Switch 2 product page or confirm any pre-order information. In the past, the retailer has given priority to its Prime members when restocking hard-to-find consoles. It's still uncertain when they'll launch their Switch 2 product page. In the U.K., Amazon used an invitation system for its first wave of stock.

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Pre-ordering from Nintendo: check pre-order info

Nintendo will have pre-orders but isn't joining the party on April 24, instead you opening things up in May, after sending invitations out on the 24th.

Nintendo: check pre-order info.

You will need a Nintendo account that's at least 12 months old to even get the invitation.

Find out more below on how to pre-order a Switch 2 directly from Nintendo.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Nintendo Switch 2: $449 at nintendo.com

Nintendo isn't taking Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders until early May, and only via invitation. Invites will go out on April 24, and to be selected, you'll need a Nintendo account. Pre-orders will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours on the current Switch.

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Pre-ordering from GameStop: 11 a.m. ET

Unlike other retailers, GameStop isn't opening up pre-orders until late morning starting at 11 a.m. Eastern time.

GameStop: pre-order at 11 a.m. ET.

GameStop will be holding a midnight events to celebrate the launch of the console.

Keep scrolling to find all the details you need for GameStop Switch 2 pre-orders:

PRE-ORDER AT 11AM ET

Nintendo Switch 2: $449 at GameStop

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders go live at 11 a.m. ET on April 24 at GameStop. The console will be available to pre-order both online and in-store on this date. GameStop will also be holding midnight launch events to celebrate the launch of Nintendo Switch 2.
Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ GameStop

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Pre-ordering from Best Buy: at 12 a.m. ET

Best Buy took a while to officially reveal when its Switch 2 pre-orders would start. But the company finally announced that it would follow suit with Walmart and Target.

Best Buy: pre-order at 12 a.m. ET.

If Best Buy is your preferred place to give your money than here's everything you need to know about pre-ordering from Best Buy:

PRE-ORDER AT 12AM ET

Nintendo Switch 2: $449 at Best Buy

Best Buy will begin taking Switch 2 pre-orders on April 24 at 12 a.m. ET. Additionally, Best Buy has announced that on June 5 (aka Switch 2 launch day), it will open stores at midnight for pre-order pickups. Best Buy is also taking pre-orders of the Mario Kart World Bundle.
Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Best Buy

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Pre-ordering from Target: at 12 a.m. ET

Target like Walmart is kicking off Switch 2 pre-orders at midnight.

Target: pre-order at 12 a.m. ET.

If you prefer Target, here's everything you need to know about pre-ordering at Target:

PRE-ORDER AT 12AM ET

Nintendo Switch 2: $449 at Target

Target's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will begin on April 24 at 12 a.m. ET. The retailer will be selling the console for its $449 MSRP.
Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Target

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Pre-ordering from Walmart: at 12 a.m. ET

Most retailers are starting pre-orders at midnight Eastern.

Walmart is no exception. Walmart: pre-order at 12 a.m. ET .

For those who plan to order from Walmart, here's all the details you need to know:

PRE-ORDER AT 12AM ET

Nintendo Switch 2: $449 at Walmart

Walmart's Switch 2 product page is live, and the mega retailer is set to begin taking pre-orders at midnight ET on April 24. Walmart is promising launch day delivery if you pre-order before 8 a.m. on June 4.
Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Walmart

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Tip: Follow stock tracking accounts

As we've seen with the Switch 2, pre-ordering can be volatile with things changing at the drop of a hat. Remember, the console was supposed to be available starting April 9 before being delayed to April 24.

To make sure you're in the know, it's good follow a few restock tracking social media accounts. There’s plenty out there, more than I can list, but some that I’ve found very reliable over the years include Jake Randall and Matt Swider of The Shortcut.

A popular one is Wario64, but they also post a lot of links to deals across the internet, so you'll need to sort through a lot of posts to find the information you're looking for.

Of course, keep an eye on Tom's Guide as well as we provide up-to-the-minute Switch 2 pre-order updates.

In this live blog, we've got all the latest information you’ll need, and also those all-important retailer links. We'll be flagging all the pre-order drops and restocks as they go live, and will be offering up even more helpful buying tips and advice to ensure you get yourself a Switch 2 secured for launch this June.

Be sure to bookmark and follow along as the pre-orders come online.

Tip: Keep trying even when 'sold out'

Over the years we've learned that "Sold Out" doesn't always meant "sold out."

It's common for retailers to release waves of stock for highly sought after items. It helps ease the burden on servers and prevent pages from crashing as people all try to check out at once.

We expect the Switch 2 to be quite popular if pre-orders around the globe are to be believed.

It might be a test of endurance, but if you stick around and refresh the various listing pages, you might have the best chance to score your next console.

Tip: Grab a bundle (if you can)

The main bundle you'll see is the official Mario Kart World bundle which will come with digital code for the latest Mario racing game.

That bundle will sell for $500 (the Switch 2 by itself is $450).

Bundles help save some money on games, but aren't cheap.

We saw during U.K. pre-orders that some retailers made bespoke Switch 2 bundles that combined official accessories like the Switch 2 Camera and the updated Pro Controller.

There's no guarantee that retailers in the U.S. will offer similar bundles, but during the PS5 launch and restock nightmare we saw several U.S. retailers create bundles.

It wouldn't surprise us if they take a similar approach, and it could save you some money on accessories, at a larger up front cost.

Tip: Secure the bag first

Nintendo is dropping a ton of accessories alongside the new console including redesigned Pro Controller and an official Switch 2 Camera.

Those shiny toys might grab your attention but make sure you secure your Switch 2 console before grabbing any accessories or launch games.

Our recommendation? Wait.

Accessories and games tend to sell slower during pre-order events. So there will be time to pick them up.

So, get your console locked in and then circle back for extra goodies after.

Tip: Make or update retailer accounts

We're mere hours away from the pre-order time going live.

One way to ensure you get your console settled with your retailer of choice is to ensure you have created an online account for each retailer where you hope to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2.

For example, if you prefer Best Buy or GameStop, make sure you have an account made and that you're logged in before the the pre-order window starts.

If global pre-orders are anything to go by, it'll be a scramble to lock one in and you don't want to fumble around creating an account or forgetting your password.