Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders

Apr 18

4 min read

The wait is almost over—Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders officially open on April 24, 2025, with the console launching on June 5. Nintendo’s next-generation console is making waves thanks to upgraded internals, an impressive launch lineup, and a refined hybrid form factor. Whether you're eyeing the base model or the Mario Kart World bundle, here's your comprehensive guide to securing Nintendo’s next-gen hybrid console before it sells out.

🗓️ Preorder Dates & Availability

General Retailers – April 24

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 begin on Thursday, April 24, across the U.S. and Canada. The initial April 9 date was postponed due to tariff-related concerns, but Nintendo has now confirmed the new timeline. Expect limited quantities at launch, so act quickly once listings go live.

Participating retailers include:

Best Buy
Amazon
Walmart
GameStop
Target
Costco and other wholesale clubs (bundle offerings likely)

My Nintendo Store – May 8 (Invitation-Only)

Nintendo is implementing a staggered, invitation-only preorder system through the My Nintendo Store, offering dedicated fans a prioritized opportunity to secure the console.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a Nintendo Account holder in the U.S. or Canada, aged 18 or older.
Have an active 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Logged at least 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch by April 2, 2025.
Opted in to share gameplay data with Nintendo.

Invitations will begin rolling out on May 8, 2025. If selected, users will have 72 hours to finalize their purchase. Invitations will be sent in waves, and Nintendo has indicated that more slots may open up based on inventory. This method aims to curb scalping and reward longtime Nintendo fans.

To increase your chances:

Check your Nintendo email settings.
Make sure your gameplay data is synced and shared.
Upgrade to a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online plan if you haven’t already.

💰 Pricing & Bundles

Nintendo has maintained the previously announced pricing tiers:

Base Model: $449.99 USD / $599.99 CAD
Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99 USD / $649.99 CAD

The bundle includes the console, a themed dock, and a full digital copy of Mario Kart World. It's a popular choice for families and fans of multiplayer games.

While no limited edition consoles have been revealed yet, rumors suggest themed versions for Zelda or Metroid could appear closer to the holiday season.

🎮 Launch Day Games

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches with an impressive day-one lineup:

Mario Kart World
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
Deltarune Chapters 1–4
Hitman: World of Assassination
Split Fiction
Street Fighter 6 – Official Years 1–2 Edition
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

In addition to these flagship titles, third-party developers like Ubisoft, Square Enix, and Capcom are expected to reveal new titles optimized for the Switch 2 in the coming weeks.

Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will also unlock a GameCube Classics library at launch. Confirmed titles include:

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
F-Zero GX
Soul Calibur II

🪠 Accessories & Pricing

A fresh lineup of first-party accessories will launch alongside the Switch 2, featuring new designs and enhanced compatibility:

Joy-Con 2 Controllers (Set): $94.99
Pro Controller: $89.99
Charging Grip: $39.99
Joy-Con 2 Straps: $14.99
Joy-Con 2 Wheel (Set of Two): $29.99
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
Dock Set: $89.99
All-In-One Carrying Case: $39.99

The Pro Controller now supports improved haptics and longer battery life. The new dock is sleeker and rumored to support 4K upscaling when connected to compatible TVs.

Many existing Switch accessories will still work, though compatibility may vary by title and use case. Nintendo has published a guide detailing accessory compatibility on their support site.

🔐 Tips to Secure Your Preorder

Demand is expected to outpace supply quickly. Here are essential tips to improve your odds:

Set Up Accounts in Advance: Register with major retailers and make sure your payment info is up to date.
Use Stock Trackers: Set up browser alerts or use stock tracking Twitter accounts like @Wario64 and @IGNDeals.
Bookmark Retail Pages: Retailer URLs often stay the same—bookmark and refresh frequently.
Consider In-Store Pickup: Some locations may offer same-day pickup even if online stock is limited.
Trade-In Offers: GameStop, Best Buy, and EB Games are offering trade-in credit up to $175 CAD or $125 USD for select Switch models.

🧐 Should You Preorder?

Pros:

Guaranteed access to hardware before resellers mark up prices.
Early access to launch titles and GameCube Classics.
Peace of mind during a highly competitive launch window.

Cons:

First-generation units may have firmware issues or limited color options.
Accessory prices have increased slightly, making full setup more expensive.
Limited chance to read reviews before committing.

If you're a day-one kind of gamer or want to surprise someone with a Switch 2 for summer gaming, preordering is worth it. Otherwise, it might pay off to wait until fall when inventory stabilizes.