After months of anticipation and a frenzy of pre-orders that crashed major websites, the Nintendo Switch 2 has officially launched on June 5, 2025, marking a significant milestone in gaming. The new console, priced at $449.99 for the standalone unit and $499.99 for the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle, is now available across the United States and the United Kingdom, with midnight launch events and in-store availability kicking off the festivities.
In the United States, a coordinated effort among major retailers has ensured that eager gamers have multiple avenues to get their hands on the Switch 2. GameStop, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have all confirmed launch day plans, each with distinct strategies to manage the high demand for the console.
GameStop has been one of the most proactive retailers, opening select stores as early as 3 p.m. local time on June 4, allowing customers to pay for their Nintendo Switch 2 and receive numbered receipts for entry at the midnight launch. The midnight events, starting at 9 p.m. Pacific Time and midnight Eastern Time on June 5, promise limited supplies for walk-in customers. Additionally, GameStop is offering a "Transfer and Trade" option where customers can trade in their original Switch consoles and transfer data to the new system. Online orders at GameStop also went live at midnight ET on launch day, providing another opportunity to secure the console.
Best Buy has embraced the midnight launch tradition as well, with most stores across the country opening their doors at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (11:01 p.m. Central, 10:01 p.m. Mountain, and 9:01 p.m. Pacific) on June 5. These locations will remain open for approximately two hours, offering both pre-order pickups and walk-in purchases, though online sales of the Switch 2 console are not available during launch week. Best Buy customers are required to create a My Best Buy account, confirm their location, and complete purchases within a 10-minute window once the console is added to their cart. A unique highlight of Best Buy's launch is the limited-edition commemorative coin featuring Nintendo and Best Buy branding, available to in-person buyers while supplies last.
Walmart has taken a slightly different approach. While not hosting a traditional midnight launch event, Walmart confirmed that Switch 2 units would be available both online and in stores starting at midnight Eastern Time on June 5. For customers in Pacific and Mountain time zones, some stores will open as early as 9 p.m. PDT or 10 p.m. MDT on June 4. Walmart's online listings indicated a "coming soon" status leading up to launch, hinting at a timed drop that required buyers to be vigilant at midnight. Customers who pre-ordered through Walmart were promised delivery by 9 a.m. local time on launch day, though some experienced cancellations and were offered the chance to reorder within 24 hours via email notifications.
Target's strategy includes a ticketing system to manage in-store demand. Stores opened at their usual 8 a.m. local time on June 5, with staff handing out digital and physical tickets to those queuing. Ticket distribution ceased once tickets ran out or ten minutes before opening, emphasizing the importance of arriving early. Online sales at Target were scheduled to begin the following day, on June 6, providing a second opportunity for customers to purchase either the console or the Mario Kart World bundle. This staggered approach aims to balance in-store excitement with online accessibility.
Beyond these big-box retailers, other outlets have also contributed to the launch excitement. Sam's Club and Costco offered limited bundles, such as the Switch 2 Mario Kart World package and a combo including a 12-month Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. However, availability varied by location, and customers were advised to contact local stores ahead of time. Staples in the US planned first-come, first-served sales starting at 8 a.m. on June 5, while Newegg and Antonline listed the Switch 2 with "coming soon" messages, suggesting potential restocks or sales opportunities.
Across the Atlantic in the UK, the Switch 2 launch followed a similar pattern but with its own nuances. Retailers like Smyths Toys, Argos, Currys, and Very have been central to the UK launch, with some stores hosting midnight release parties and others offering same-day click-and-collect services. Very, in particular, still had Switch 2 bundles available at launch, although deliveries were delayed until June 13, reflecting ongoing supply challenges. Amazon UK, unlike its US counterpart, has been actively restocking Switch 2 consoles and accessories, albeit with some delivery delays around launch.
In terms of product features, the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. The console features a 7.9-inch 1080p display supporting HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate, a marked improvement from the original's 6.2-inch 720p screen. The Joy-Con controllers have also been enhanced, offering more robust performance and new features like mappable back buttons through the Joy-Con Charging Grip. This accessory, along with the new Switch 2 Pro Controller, which includes a headphone jack and customizable buttons, have been in high demand among gamers. However, many accessories experienced price increases due to market conditions and tariffs, with the Dock Set jumping $10 to $119.99 and other peripherals seeing a $5 rise.
The launch was also accompanied by a curated lineup of games optimized for the new hardware. Mario Kart World, launching alongside the console, introduces up to 24-driver races with open-world tracks and new power-ups. Donkey Kong Bananza, set for release on July 17, promises expansive gameplay with terrain destruction and underground exploration. Other titles like Street Fighter 6, enhanced versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Mario Party Jamboree have been made available or are available for preorder. Nintendo has also released free upgrades for existing games on the Switch 2, such as Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and Super Mario Odyssey, ensuring a smooth transition for current players.
Despite the excitement, the launch has not been without its challenges. Pre-orders opened on April 24, 2025, and were met with overwhelming demand that crashed multiple retailer websites. Nintendo's invite-only preorder system, requiring an active 12-month Switch Online membership and at least 50 hours of gameplay, limited access to the console through the official My Nintendo Store. This exclusivity left many fans relying on retail restocks and midnight launches to secure a unit. Furthermore, Amazon US has notably not stocked the Switch 2 console officially, with any listings coming from third-party resellers, while Amazon UK has been more active.
Retailers have implemented measures to prevent hoarding and scalping, such as limiting purchases to one console per person and distributing tickets for in-store sales. Virtual queues and rapid sellouts have become common, making the launch a test of patience and persistence for consumers. Industry experts and seasoned stock trackers advise gamers to create accounts ahead of time, save payment information, and monitor retailer websites closely during launch windows.
Looking ahead, the Switch 2's launch is expected to be just the beginning of a sustained release cycle, with retailers planning regular restocks in the weeks following June 5. GameStop, for instance, indicated weekly restocks post-launch, while Walmart and Best Buy hinted at additional online drops. The console's success will likely hinge on Nintendo's ability to maintain supply and retailers' capacity to manage demand fairly.
For fans and newcomers alike, the Nintendo Switch 2 represents a leap forward in portable and hybrid gaming technology. Its enhanced display, improved controls, and robust game lineup promise an engaging experience. As midnight launch lines dwindle and online queues continue to refresh, the excitement surrounding the Switch 2 launch day underscores the enduring appeal of Nintendo's innovative gaming platform.
