Now that the Switch 2 has made its official debut, everyone is ready to put their money down to get their hands on this new console. The initial trailer showcased just a glimpse of the system but did put many minds at ease by confirming backwards compatibility. Sadly, the one major piece of information we were hoping for, the release date, was missing from the reveal. We know it is coming in 2025 and that there will be events held around the world to play it early, but most of us just want to preorder the system so we know we will have it when it does finally launch. You can’t technically preorder the Switch 2 quite yet, but we can show you how to be the first to know when you can.
When will preorders start for the Switch 2?
After the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, we finally learned that preorders for the Switch 2 will start on April 9. However, in response to the new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, Nintendo has decided to put preorders on hold. The system itself is still scheduled to release on June 5, but did not communicate when preorder timing would be updated. The full statement provided to Digital Trends states “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
While it is too early to say, this delay could indicate a price increase for the system above its current $450 price tag to offset the costs these tariffs would impose.
Originally, this preorder delay was only in the US market, but as of April 8, it has now impacted Canada preorders as well. As revealed by MobileSyrup, Canadian preorders for the upcoming console are also being delayed from the original April 9 date. Nintendo of Canada gave a nearly identical statement to the one we received last week which reads “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in Canada will not start on April 9, 2025 in order to align with the timing of pre-orders to be determined in the U.S. Nintendo will provide updated information at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
Nintendo has yet to make any statements regarding a new preorder date, but it is now clear that both US and Canada preorders will be revealed simultaneously. One possible clue about when preorders could be planned to start can be found on the Nintendo store page for the Switch 2. This is where those with a Nintendo Account can enter into a first-come, first-served system for purchasing the console directly from Nintendo. Under the FAQ regarding when those who register will be notified about their invitation to purchase the system, one bullet point reads: “The first batch of invitations will go out starting May 8, 2025, with additional batches of invitation emails sent periodically until purchasing on My Nintendo Store is opened to everyone.”
This could be just a placeholder date, but May 8 is the only clue we have for when US and Canadian residents can expect preorders to start. If Nintendo makes an official statement confirming or denying this date, we will keep you posted.
How to preorder the Switch 2
While we don’t know when preorders are set to go live, we do know where you will be able to purchase one when the time comes. Below, we have rounded up every retailer who currently has pages to follow for preorders. We suggest signing up for notifications or bookmarking each one so that you can have the best possible odds of securing a console once preorders begin.
Nintendo
The most obvious way to reserve a Switch 2 is through Nintendo directly. Currently, you can register your interest on the official site by signing in with your Nintendo Account. Those who register will be selected and emailed when it is their turn to purchase the console based on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure you have an active Nintendo Account with at least 12 months of paid membership and have played 50 or more hours on that account as of April 2.
Best Buy
You can visit the Best Buy store and sign up for their email notifications. Emails will include information about the console, but also games and other things related to the Switch 2.
GameStop
GameStop has launched its product page for the Switch 2 and also offers emails related to pre-orders, news, and upcoming games.
While none of these retailers have preorders or notifications, here are the pages where preorders will show up on these major outlets that you can expect to carry Switch 2s. We will update all of our links as soon as each retailer begins accepting preorders or publishes Switch 2 pages.
Target
Walmart
Preorder information TBD.Amazon
Preorder information TBD.Can I play the Switch 2 before launch?
Yes! Nintendo is hosting several Nintendo Experience events across the world starting on April 4 where people will be able to test out the console. For full details on where and when you can play the Switch 2 early, plus how to sign up, check out our guide.
