Want to know how you can grab a Nintendo Switch 2 pre order? Don't worry, you're not the only one. It might look harder than it actually is, but it's definitely possible.
Following the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo revealed both the release date and pricing of the Switch 2, with pre-orders set to be available at a later date. More specifically, you'll be able to pre-order one starting on April 9.
Whether you're looking to pre-order the Switch 2 from Nintendo or select retailers, we have all the information you need to know in one place. Let's get to it.
Where To Pre-Order a Nintendo Switch 2
As mentioned, the main way you'll want to try and pre-order a Switch 2 is directly with Nintendo. If that's not an option, select retailers will have pre-orders up and running on April 9.
Let's break all the options down.
How To Pre-Order a Nintendo Switch 2
You can do so via Nintendo directly.
Direct Nintendo Pre-Order
Pre-ordering via Nintendo will require you to set up a few different things. It's not the same process for everyone so be sure to pay attention to what rules apply to you.
USA and Canada
If you're in the United States and Canada, you'll need to register for a chance to purchase either the Switch 2 console or the bundle that includes Mario Kart World. Here's how to do it:
- Go to the Nintendo Switch 2 site
- Sign in with your Nintendo account
- Select the option you are interested in purchasing: the Nintendo Switch 2 system or the console + Mario Kart bundle
From then, selected users will receive an invitation if they're selected to confirm their pre-order. The first batch of invitations will be sent out starting on May 8. If you get an invitation, you'll have 72 hours to complete your purchase.
To be eligible, on top of being over the age of 18. You'll have to fulfill the following criteria:
- As of 4/2/2025, you must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership, you must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months, and you must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours total gameplay hours
When your purchase is complete, you'll be able to ship it to any address in the USA and Canada, as well as P.O Boxes. There's no pick-up in-store option.
United Kingdom (UK)
Dedicated fans in the UK will be rewarded by getting priority when applying for an invitation to pre-order the Switch 2. There will be three main criteria:
- Nintendo Online membership status: Has been a Nintendo Online Switch member for at least two years continuously by March 31, 2025, with an active membership on the day that the pre-order is placed (for family plans, only the person who purchased it is eligible)
- Play time: Has spent a certain amount of time playing purchased/paid Nintendo Switch games. Sharing usage information with Nintendo
- Receive email messages from Nintendo: Has opted to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo
Pre-order invitations will go out as soon as April 8. One important thing to note is that selection criteria thresholds may be lowered to allow more people to get their hands on a Switch 2. You'll be able to pre-purchase digital games and add-ons starting on April 24.
Do note you don't have to register. If your account meets the criteria, there's a chance you might get a chance to pre-order, so keep your email open next week.
Other retailers also have pre-order information. These are:
Best Buy
Pre-orders for the Switch 2 via Best Buy will kick off on April 9. You can use the main website or via mobile devices. You'll be able to pre-order the console, as well as accessories, and games.
Best Buy will have the added bonus of getting a midnight release, with the stores open at 12 a.m. ET, 11 p.m. CT, 10 p.m. MT and 9 p.m. PT for pre-order pickup on June 5 (or 4 depending on your time zone) for those who want to pick up the console as soon as possible.
GameStop
GameStop will start taking pre-orders on April 9. You can get yours via the online website or by going to a store near you.
If you're looking to trade in your older Switch, GameStop will offer trade-in value depending on the console. Of course, things such as usage and how many accessories you bring to them play a factor in how much they'll discount you. But the general numbers are:
- Switch OLED - $175
- Switch V1 or V2 - $125
- Switch Lite - $100
ShopTo
For those in the UK, you can register your interest by going to the ShopTo website. Pre-ordering is not guaranteed, so even if you are required to pay the Switch 2 in full, you might get your money back if there's not enough stock to fulfill your order.
You'll only be able to pre-order one per customer. No date was set for when pre-orders are going live but expect it to happen next week.