Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Amid High Demand

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders have officially launched in North America, marking a significant moment for gamers eagerly awaiting the next generation of Nintendo's beloved console. Starting at midnight ET on April 24, 2025, major retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Target opened their virtual doors to pre-orders, but not without facing some major hurdles.

As anticipated, the demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has been overwhelming, leading to website crashes and stock shortages almost immediately after pre-orders went live. Retailers have been scrambling to accommodate the influx of eager customers, with many reporting issues during the ordering process.

Walmart Canada confirmed that its pre-orders would begin at the same time as in the U.S., at 12 a.m. ET, and they quickly sold out of their initial stock by 12:56 a.m. ET. This rapid sell-out was reflective of the high demand for the console, which comes with a price tag of $450, while the Mario Kart World bundle is priced at $500.

In the U.S., Target appeared to open its pre-orders first, but many customers faced frustrating technical difficulties. Reports indicated that users were able to reach the checkout page only to encounter issues such as being asked to update their addresses or losing payment details. Ultimately, both the console and the Mario Kart bundle sold out at Target.

Best Buy also experienced its share of challenges. Initially displaying a gray "coming soon" button for about 30 minutes, the retailer eventually allowed customers to enter a queue for the pre-orders. However, many users found themselves kicked out of the queue or faced with messages indicating that the items were sold out.

Walmart's approach involved placing potential buyers in a queue, which seemed to work better for some customers, allowing them to successfully pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 or the Mario Kart bundle after waiting their turn.

Despite the technical issues, the excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable. According to Nintendo, 2.2 million people entered the pre-order lottery in Japan alone, indicating the immense popularity of the console even before its official launch on June 5, 2025.

In light of the ongoing demand, Nintendo has announced that it will be ramping up production of the Switch 2, particularly in Vietnam, to meet consumer needs. This decision follows President Trump's earlier tariff announcements, which had initially delayed the pre-orders. The tariffs on consoles manufactured in China have raised concerns about potential price increases in the future, although Nintendo has maintained the current pricing structure for the console.

For those who missed out on the initial pre-orders, there may still be opportunities to secure a console. Nintendo plans to send out pre-order emails later in May 2025, providing another chance for fans to get their hands on the new device.

As the launch date approaches, excitement continues to build around the Switch 2's features. The console boasts a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR capabilities, and a 1080p resolution. When docked, players can enjoy up to 4K resolution on their TVs. The base storage has been increased to 256GB, and the console includes new Joy-Con controllers with enhanced features like a built-in gyroscope for tilt control.

Additionally, various accessories are available for pre-order alongside the console, including the Joy-Con 2 controllers priced at $69.96 each, a Switch 2 Pro controller for $109.96, and the Nintendo Switch 2 camera for $69.96.

As pre-orders continue to roll out, gamers are encouraged to stay vigilant and ready for any additional stock drops at their preferred retailers. With the hype surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, securing a pre-order may require patience and persistence.

In summary, while the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders has been fraught with challenges, the demand remains high as fans eagerly await the arrival of this highly anticipated console. With its innovative features and strong lineup of games, the Switch 2 is poised to capture the hearts of both new and returning Nintendo fans alike.