How to Preorder the Switch 2

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Following a brief delay while Nintendo evaluated the ongoing tariff situation, Switch 2 preorders are back on. The company made the new date official last week, and retailers have been getting their stores ready for the likely digital stampede.

If you're interested in picking up the latest Nintendo handheld-console hybrid, there are a number of stores to choose from. Here's when each plans to start preorders, so you can secure your unit among the masses.

Walmart

Like most retailers, Walmart's Switch 2 preorders go live starting April 24 at 12 a.m. ET. The store will happy sell you any number of Switch 2 games and accessories, but if you're just looking for the console or the Mario Kart World bundle, you can simplify your preorder that way.

The company is advertising free delivery by 9 a.m. on June 5 if you preorder right away—the only store on this list guaranteeing such a timeframe.

Nintendo Switch™ 2 System

$449.00 at Walmart

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Get Deal

$449.00 at Walmart

Target

Target also opens up preorders at midnight tonight, April 24. It won't guarantee a timeframe, but like Walmart, you can preorder the standalone console, the Mario Kart World bundle, or Switch 2 games and accessories, like Donkey Kong Bananza or the Switch 2 Pro controller.

GameStop

GameStop is very excited about the fact that it is holding midnight releases for Switch 2 in June. However, it's not doing the same for Switch 2 preorders. In fact, you can preorder the console in person starting when the brick and mortar stores open, or 11 a.m. ET on April 24—11 hours after other retailers open their preorders.

That might make GameStop a great backup in case you run out of luck with the midnight preorders at other stores. Like others, you can order the console by itself, or bundle it with Mario Kart World.

Best Buy

Best Buy is also launching preorders at midnight tonight. There isn't too much that differentiates it here, as it's the same deal as other stores: You can pick up the console, the bundle, or any number of accessories and games.

Nintendo

You can, in fact, preorder a Switch 2 from Nintendo directly—but it's a bit weird. First of all, you aren't really "preordering" a console through Nintendo so much as registering your interest to buy one. From there, Nintendo will contact you with an "invitation" to buy the console if you are selected.

In order to be eligible for selection, however, you need to meet some odd criteria. In an effort to minimize scalpers, Nintendo is requiring preorder customers to connect their Nintendo accounts to the registration. Each account needs to have at least 50 hours of play time associated with it, as of April 2. That means you cannot create multiple accounts to try to game the system, nor can you apply if you just started your Nintendo journey after the second of the month.

If you meet these specifications, go for it. It won't be necessary if you secure a preorder through any of the other retailers, but it could be another good backup option—if you qualify, anyway.

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