The immense hype surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 was made crystal clear when all online pre-order stocks at major U.S. retailers were sold out shortly after sales began on April 24.
Retail giants like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target announced that their online pre-order allocations were completely exhausted early on the morning of April 24. Meanwhile, GameStop, another major game retailer, also reported that its online pre-orders were fully booked within just a few hours. This rapid sellout highlights the extraordinary anticipation gamers have for Nintendo’s next-generation console.
Pre-orders for Switch 2 are sold out online; still available in-store. pic.twitter.com/i9zGqxEvqz
— GameStop (@gamestop) April 24, 2025
Currently, consumers in the U.S. have virtually no chance of securing a Switch 2 pre-order through regular online retail channels. There is no confirmation yet on whether Walmart, Target, Best Buy, or GameStop will open additional pre-order waves. GameStop has hinted at a small glimmer of hope, noting that a limited number of units remain available for in-store pre-orders.
Another option is registering directly through Nintendo’s website. However, Nintendo has set strict conditions: users must have a Nintendo account with at least 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch (as of April 2) and an active 12-month Switch Online membership. Even if users meet these criteria, they are only added to a waiting list. Nintendo will start sending the first pre-order invitations on May 8, with gradual expansion afterward.
Nintendo has also issued warnings about potential supply shortages. The company admitted that even users who receive pre-order invitations may not receive their Switch 2 units by the official release date (scheduled for June 5). A similar situation has been flagged for the Japanese market, where Nintendo stated they could not fulfill all pre-orders.
The April 24 U.S. pre-order event had already been delayed from its original schedule due to concerns over tariffs. While the Switch 2’s price remains set at $449.99, Nintendo has raised the prices of several key accessories, such as Joy-Con controllers, Pro Controllers, cameras, and new amiibo figures—further adding to the overall cost for those aiming to fully equip their new system.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, promising exciting upgrades and new possibilities. But you don't have to wait to jump into the world of Nintendo magic. The original Nintendo Switch still delivers everything fans love—versatile play, a massive game library, and iconic titles that never get old. Use our comparison tool to find the best deals on the Nintendo Switch OLED today.
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