Guide: Where To Pre-Order Nintendo Switch 2
By Update #4 []: Pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the US and Canada are now open at various retailers. Explore options at Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop (currently marked as “coming soon”) below – and best of luck securing your order!
Update #3 []: Nintendo has confirmed that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will commence on 24th April 2025. The base console, Mario Kart World package, along with launch titles will maintain their pricing, although previously-stated accessory costs have increased due to “shifts in market conditions.”
We will refresh this guide with pre-order links once they are live – Best Buy has set up pages, but orders won’t open until midnight ET on 24th April.
Update #2 []: My Nintendo Store pre-orders are now active in Europe for games and accessories, which we have included in the guide below.
Keep in mind, to pre-order Switch 2 consoles, the GameCube controller, and microSD Express cards directly from Nintendo, you must have received an invitation. No such limitations apply for other items or different retailers.
No updates yet on a pre-order date for the US and Canada. Rest assured, we will provide the latest information as soon as it is available.
Update #1 []: Pre-orders from My Nintendo Store in the UK and Europe are currently available – IF you have received an invitation via email!
Additionally, it was stated last week by Nintendo that US pre-orders have been pushed back from the initially planned date of 9th April, even though the scheduled US release on 5th June remains unchanged at this moment.
Original Story: Following the Direct presentation, Nintendo’s pre-orders for the Switch 2 launched on 8th April in the UK and Europe. Pre-orders for retailers in the US and Canada will launch on 24th April at 12am ET.
If you’re eager to obtain a Switch 2 on its release day, it’s key to finalize your purchase quickly. In this guide, we’ve compiled the latest updates, alongside the finest pre-order choices for the Switch 2 from Nintendo and trusted retailers in the US and UK, including any available discounts or bundle offers.
We’ve also provided information on Switch 2 controllers, accessories (like cards and cases), and games.
Bear in mind that some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning that if you click and make a purchase, we may gain a small commission. Please refer to our FTC Disclosure for additional details.
Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2
Below, we are monitoring prices for Nintendo Switch 2 consoles to eliminate the inconvenience of searching among various retailers. Simply browse through and select the best deal available!
US pre-orders for Switch 2 commenced at 9pm PT (Wed) / 12am ET on Thursday 24th April, following a postponement. At this moment, GameStop (still “coming soon”), Best Buy, and Walmart have activated their pre-order pages.
We’ll be revamping this page on a daily basis, sometimes more frequently! If you wish to make a purchase from My Nintendo Store, make certain you have received an email invitation from Nintendo – scroll down for the requirements.
Switch 2 controllers
Extra controllers are always useful. Keep in mind, your older Switch controllers can connect wirelessly to the Switch 2, but if you’re looking to pre-order Switch 2 Joy-Con or the newly reformed Pro Controller, you can find them here:
And here’s the brand-new GameCube controller, available exclusively at My Nintendo Store:
Switch 2 accessories
A multitude of accessories is coming out for the new console. If you want to enhance your GameChat experience, for instance, a camera will be necessary. Here’s where you can find all the essential add-ons that might be beneficial with the console:
Switch 2 games
What’s a console without games? Here are some vital Switch 2 launch titles you might consider acquiring:
Switch 2 Game-Key Card Games
Please be aware that the games listed below come on Game-Key Cards – it’s essential to have adequate storage to download the complete game!
Switch 2 storage
Finally, although the system includes 256GB of internal storage, this can fill up rapidly depending on the games you purchase, especially if you intend to transfer a substantial library from Switch 1 to the new console.
The Switch 2 uses a different kind of microSD card, as Switch 1 cards are unfortunately incompatible. You may want to enhance your memory with a new microSD Express card – check out our guide for details and bargains:
How to Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 directly from Nintendo
Nintendo has specific conditions for those ordering directly from the My Nintendo Store.
You can presently express your interest in purchasing a Switch 2 in the US, with varying restrictions.
My Nintendo Store Pre-Order Invitation Requirements – US & Canada
In the US and Canada, you can register your interest immediately by signing in with your Nintendo Account on the US My Nintendo Store site and choosing your desired bundle.
“The initial set of invitations will commence on May 8, 2025”, according to Nintendo. To qualify for an invitation, the following restrictions apply:
Open to Nintendo Account holders in the U.S. and Canada, who are at least 18 years old. If eligible, an invitation email will be dispatched to the email linked to your Nintendo Account when it is your time to make a purchase. The invitation will be valid for 72 hours. Prioritization for invitation emails is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
basis to individuals who have acquired a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for a minimum of 12 months of paid service and have accumulated a total of 50 gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025. After invitation emails are dispatched to all registrants fulfilling the priority requirements, invitations will be given to other eligible registrants based on a first-come, first-served approach.
Invitations are non-transferable and will be sent to the email address linked to the Nintendo Account that expressed interest in purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2. Optional accessories can be purchased alongside your console. Each system and accessory is limited to one purchase per qualifying Nintendo Account during the invitation timeframe.
My Nintendo Store Pre-Order Invitation Criteria – UK and Europe
Pre-orders for the Switch 2 at Nintendo’s official store started on 8th April in the UK and Europe by invitation only, with somewhat divergent requirements.
Invitations are currently being dispatched (we received one on the 9th). Here are the criteria:
- You should have maintained a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for “at least two consecutive years” by 31st March 2025. You must also possess an active membership at the time of pre-order. For family accounts, only the person who made the purchase of the membership qualifies.
- Additionally, you need to have logged “a specified amount of time playing” paid Switch games (it’s 50 hours in the US), with preference given to those with greater playtime. Furthermore, you must be sharing usage data with Nintendo, specifically to “tailor offers and suggestions”.
- You will also need to have consented to receiving emails from Nintendo – failure to do so will prevent the invite from being delivered.
Here’s some extra important information from the My Nintendo Store page:
Eligibility is defined by data as of 31/03/2025.
Managed Nintendo Accounts cannot purchase on My Nintendo Store. For family memberships, the individual who acquired the membership is eligible to pre-order. Other members within the family membership do not qualify.
Over time, the selection criteria thresholds may be adjusted downward, allowing more individuals to receive invitations for pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2 console. All the while, our focus remains on prioritizing our most committed Nintendo Switch players (while supplies last).
Pre-orders for digital games, upgrade packages, and amiibo for Nintendo Switch 2 will commence on My Nintendo Store from 24/04.
Cost and Contents of the Switch 2 Package
In the US, the standard retail price for the Nintendo Switch 2 is $449.99; in the UK, the pricing will be £395.99.
Additionally, there is a Mario Kart World bundle offered at $499.99 / £429.99, which includes a digital download of that launch game along with the console.
Here’s an overview of everything that comes in the basic package:
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 controllers (L + R)
- Joy-Con 2 Grip
- Joy-Con 2 Straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
- USB-C Charging Cable
Therefore, that compiles all the knowledge we have at this point. Given the anticipated high demand at launch, discounts should not be expected right now; however, some retailers might offer a few extras with your pre-order.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be released on 5th June 2025.
Will there be additional Switch 2 colours?
At launch, the Switch 2 will initially be available only in standard dark grey with blue/salmon accents. We wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo introduces different colour options in the future, but for the moment, that is your only selection.
What titles will launch with the Switch 2?
The Switch 2 will debut with an impressive 22 launch titles (increased to 25 when including three titles launching in the GameCube NSO Library). This selection includes new first-party titles like Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, alongside third-party ports like Split Fiction, Street Fighter 6, and Cyberpunk 2077. There are also a few Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
For the complete list of Switch 2 launch titles, refer to our comprehensive guide below.
Should I purchase a Switch 2 if I already possess a Nintendo Switch?
If you wish to access the latest and (hopefully) most exceptional titles from Nintendo — games exclusive to this console — then Switch 2 is your sole choice.
One factor that might simplify your decision: Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with Switch 1 titles, allowing you to enjoy almost all of your current library on the new system. Though there may be exceptions that aren’t fully compatible (like Labo), the majority of your Switch 1 games should run on the Switch 2 as well.
Didn’t US pre-orders initially have an earlier start date?
Pre-orders were initially projected to begin on 9th April, but Nintendo announced a postponement while evaluating the effects of US tariffs.
Pre-orders in the region will commence on 24th April. The planned release date for the Switch 2 on 5th June in the US remains unchanged, as do the pricing for hardware and launch titles. However, prices for accessories have been modified “due to changes in market conditions”.
We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments if you plan to make your purchase right away! If you’re thinking about upgrading your television to enhance your experience with the new system’s features, take a look at our guide on the Best 4K TVs for Switch 2.