The Nintendo Switch 2 is real. Finally, after months of rumors and speculation (and a recent flurry of leaks), Nintendo has confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in gaming, its next console is a number successor to the best-selling Nintendo Switch and will launch in 2025. There will be no Wii to Wii U confusion, Nintendo has opted for the most straightforward name possible.
Naturally, Nintendo fans across the globe are now asking one simple question: “Where do I pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2?” Unfortunately, as of right now, we don’t have a confirmed release date or any firm pre-order details for the Nintendo Switch 2. However, Best Buy is inviting interested shoppers to register their interest in Switch 2 to be the first to hear about pre-ordering.
It seems a surefire bet that when the Nintendo Switch 2 is made available for pre-orders the gaming giant’s passionate fans will snap up the stock quicker than Mario can complete a lap of Rainbow Road, so to ensure you don’t miss out, we’re going to be tracking everything related to Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in this guide. Be sure to bookmark and check back regularly, as once we have more details we be sure to update this page with the latest info.
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders — latest updates
As of January 17 at 10:30 pm ET, there are no confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order details. However, Nintendo has announced a special “Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2” presentation on Wednesday, April 2, which seems like a prime place for the console’s release date to be announced, and once we have a launch date, pre-orders will likely follow at most major retailers.
One retailer we know will be stocking the Nintendo Switch 2 is Best Buy. Over on the electronics specialists you can register your interest to "receive information about when you can pre-order." Fear not about email spam, Best Buy confirms you will only be contacted with Nintendo Switch 2 information.
Over in the U.K., gaming retailer ShopTo is offering the same option, but it'll cost you a penny (£0.01). Presumably, this is in an effort to prevent reseller bots from signing up multiple times. But the good news is your penny will be taken off the price of the console should you choose to purchase it later on.
Will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders sell out?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is likely to be pretty popular when it eventually goes up for pre-order later this year. In fact, it wouldn't be a surprise if the initial demand outstrips the available launch supply. But there's good news for anybody fearing another situation akin to 2020's PS5 restock nightmare.
Analysts are expecting Nintendo to ship around 20 million units to retailers in the Switch 2's first year on the market (per Bloomberg). That represents a significant increase from the first-generation Switch, which sold just over 13 million units in its first year. Clearly, Nintendo wants to get as many Switch 2 devices in the hands of gamers as it possibly can throughout 2025.
Nevertheless, launch stock may be limited, and will almost certainly endure the biggest spike in demand, so if you really want to get hold of a Nintendo Switch at release, you'll want to lock in a pre-order as soon as possible.
What is the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of those tech products that is exactly what it sounds like, it's a successor the best-selling Nintendo Switch console offering the same hybrid of a handheld and a home console.
The biggest upgrade is expected to be it's beefier internal components - though this haven't been detailed as of yet - but it's also a larger unit with a bigger display, and jumbo-sized Joy-Con controllers. It also packs a reworked dock, and a snazzy color scheme that combines black, blue and orange.
Plus, speaking of those new Joy-Cons, the controllers will connect to the Switch 2 via a magnetic system, which looks a big improvement over the first Switch's cumbersome rail connectors. Oh, and the back kickstand has been completely overhauled, and now looks more functional and user friendly.
While we're still waiting to see just how much extra power the Switch 2 offers over its predecessor, on the surface, it certainly looks like a sizable upgrade.
More from Tom's Guide
