Walmart and Target have sold out of Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders; GameStop will open soon.
Fans of the well-liked gaming console can now start marking their calendars for the Nintendo Switch 2, which is generating more excitement than ever before. Following months of speculation, on April 24, 2025, pre-orders for the highly anticipated console officially opened in the US, with each retailer establishing their own launch times.
However, Walmart and Target sold out of their pre-order allocations in a matter of hours, so if you’re hoping to purchase one from either store, you might be out of luck. Thankfully, there is yet hope. It is anticipated that GameStop will shortly begin accepting pre-orders.
Time and Location of Pre-Order: When They Went Live
The start of pre-orders at somewhat varied times by major shops across the United States gave the release a sense of urgency and excitement.
On April 24, at midnight Eastern Time (ET), Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all began accepting online pre-orders. That translated as follows across different U.S. time zones:
9:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) on April 23
On April 23, 10:00 PM Mountain Time (MT)
On April 23, 11:00 PM Central Time (CT)
April 23 at 8:00 PM Alaska Time (AKT)
Hawaii Time (HST): April 23, 6:00 p.m.
West Coast purchasers had a small advantage in obtaining a console because of this early launch.
GameStop, meanwhile, chose a somewhat different approach. On April 24, at 11:00 AM ET, their online pre-orders will open, which is:
8:00 A.M. PT
9:00 a.m. MT
10 a.m. CT
A.M. AKT
5:00 A.M. HST
The opening time of each GameStop location will determine whether or not customers can place an in-store preorder; some may even open earlier than the standard 11:00 AM.
Prices and Packages: How Much Will It Cost?
Nintendo is continuing to provide both basic and bundled alternatives under its previously stated pricing structure:
Model Base: $449.99
Bundle for Mario Kart World: $499.99
Customers can save $30 by purchasing the system and the Mario Kart World game together instead of separately.
At launch, a number of accessories will also be offered for sale:
$84.99 for the Pro Controller.
Pair of Joy-Cons: $94.99
Dock Set for Nintendo Switch 2: $119.99
Since the controllers have always been in great demand, it is anticipated that these accessories would sell out rapidly.
Because demand is so high, supply may not be able to keep up.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is without a doubt one of the year’s most eagerly awaited game consoles. Demand has already begun to exceed supply, as anticipated, and Nintendo has warned that the first batch of units would not be sufficient to satisfy the tremendous pre-launch enthusiasm.
Pre-ordering is probably your best option if you want to receive the console on June 5, 2025, the day of launch. Launch-day shipping is being promised by retailers such as Walmart, but only for orders submitted by 8:00 AM on June 4.
Invitations to My Nintendo Store for Exclusive Access
Additionally, Nintendo has stated that soon after the initial pre-order wave, it would send out invitations for special purchases through the My Nintendo Store.
Additional invites will be sent out progressively throughout the ensuing weeks after the initial batch is sent out on May 8, 2025. The entire public will eventually have the chance to purchase once demand has stabilized.
Who then has priority? The requirements are somewhat precise:
A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required.
A paid membership must have been maintained for a minimum of 12 months.
must have played for at least fifty hours.
In addition to rewarding Nintendo’s most devoted fans, this action will assist control the excessive site traffic during the launch window.
Tips for Pre-Ordering to Increase Your Chances
You can increase your chances of obtaining a Switch 2 before launch day by doing the following:
Create Accounts Ahead of Time
Ensure that your payment details and shipping address are current on any major retail websites where you may place an order, including Nintendo’s official store, GameStop, Target, and Walmart.
Prepare for Heavy Traffic
Anticipate virtual lines, website failures, and slowdowns. Refreshing your page too frequently could cause you to get kicked out of line because retailers frequently use technology to control the flow of visitors.
Utilize a Variety of Browsers and Devices
Using separate devices (such as a laptop and a phone) or opening multiple tabs can improve your chances, particularly while virtual queues are in effect.
Follow Alerts and Trackers
Consider joining social media groups or Discord servers that follow restocks and drops in real-time. Additionally, there are Twitter bots and browser extensions made especially for Switch 2 restocks.
Maintain a contingency plan.
Watch for restocks or invites from the My Nintendo Store if you are unable to place your order during the initial round of pre-orders. There will be several opportunities because Nintendo has alluded to segmented rollouts.
Concluding remarks
One of the most significant technological events of 2025 is expected to be the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Being proactive, organized, and patient is crucial because of the high demand, limited availability, and intense rivalry for early access.
This is your chance to advance, regardless of whether you’ve been a Nintendo fan your entire life or you’re just following the excitement. Keep your browser tabs open, those notifications enabled, and your fingers crossed; you might be able to save your Switch 2 before they disappear once more.
