Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are set to go live tonight, April 23, 2025, across major retailers in the U.S. and Canada, marking a highly anticipated moment for gamers eagerly awaiting the next-generation console. While the official pre-order date is April 24, those on the West Coast will have the opportunity to place their orders starting at 9 p.m. PT, just hours from now.
In early April, Nintendo announced that the price for the standard Switch 2 console would remain at $400, while the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle would be priced at $450. Despite recent market uncertainties and tariff challenges, Nintendo has confirmed the June 5 release date for the console, maintaining the initial pricing strategy.
With pre-orders launching imminently, gamers are advised to be prepared, as retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop are expected to have stock available starting at midnight ET on April 24. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have all confirmed that their pre-orders will indeed begin at this time, while GameStop will start its pre-orders at 11 a.m. ET the same day.
For those looking to secure a Switch 2 directly from Nintendo, invitations for pre-orders will be sent out beginning May 8, 2025. However, eligibility criteria are stringent; potential buyers must have at least 50 hours of gameplay on their current Switch and have been a continuous Nintendo Switch Online member for two years.
As excitement builds, many are wondering where to best place their pre-orders. Walmart and Best Buy are leading the charge, with both retailers offering significant advantages. Walmart is promoting free launch-day delivery for pre-orders placed before June 4, ensuring that customers can receive their consoles promptly on launch day. Best Buy has also implemented an updated reservation process, which may involve virtual queues for high-demand items.
Despite the competitive landscape, Amazon has yet to announce its plans for Switch 2 pre-orders. Historically, Amazon has been known to drop stock unexpectedly, so it's advisable for gamers to keep an eye on the retailer's page for any last-minute listings.
In terms of accessories, Nintendo has hiked prices on various Switch 2 add-ons, including the new Pro Controller, which now retails for $84.99, and a pair of Joy-Con controllers priced at $94.99. This increase is attributed to changes in market conditions, though the core console prices have remained stable.
One of the most appealing offers is the Mario Kart World bundle, which includes the game that retails separately for $80. This bundle is expected to be highly sought after, as it is a limited production run available only through Fall 2025. Gamers looking to secure this bundle should act quickly, as it will likely sell out faster than the standard console.
As the clock ticks down to the pre-order launch, experts recommend that gamers prepare their retailer accounts in advance. Ensuring that payment information is up to date and that accounts are logged in can significantly expedite the checkout process. Best Buy has noted that items held in the cart will only be reserved for 10 minutes, adding urgency to the pre-order experience.
In the UK, pre-orders have been ongoing, with retailers like Amazon and ShopTo experiencing sporadic stock drops. Recently, Amazon listed the Mario Kart World bundle at £429.99, but the stock was quickly depleted. Gamers in the UK are advised to keep refreshing their retailer pages for any new stock as demand continues to outstrip supply.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the new console, there's buzz about potential titles that may accompany the Switch 2. Insiders have hinted that a remastered version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion could be in the works for the console, although no official confirmation has been made by Nintendo or Bethesda.
As the launch date approaches, the gaming community is abuzz with anticipation. The Switch 2 promises to deliver a host of new features and capabilities, building on the success of its predecessor. With the console's release just weeks away, gamers are gearing up for a summer of exciting gameplay.
For those still on the fence about whether to pre-order, experts suggest that securing a console early is wise given the historical context of Nintendo hardware releases. Prices for Nintendo consoles tend to hold steady, and discounts are rare in the first year of sale. Thus, pre-ordering could be a savvy move for those looking to avoid the rush and potential stock shortages.
In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to make a significant impact upon its release. With pre-orders going live tonight and the official launch set for June 5, gamers are encouraged to act fast to secure their consoles. Whether opting for the standard version or the enticing Mario Kart World bundle, the excitement surrounding this release is palpable, and the race to pre-order is on!
