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Nintendo has now confirmed when pre-orders for the Switch 2 will begin in the US following the delay brought about by the tariffs announced on the same day as the Direct. Pre-orders will begin at Nintendo and other major retailers on July 10, 2025.
Eight years later, the last 12 months of which have been filled with rumors about what it might be, theNintendo Switch 2has finally been given a full reveal.Nintendoused an hour-long Switch 2 Direct to show off its next generation console and some of the flagship games which, if OG Switch launch games likeSuper Mario OdysseyandBreath of the Wildare anything to go by, the Switch 2 will become known for and will go down as some of the best games of all time.
Getting a better look at the Switch 2 and its games is great, but what we really want to know now that we’ve recovered from the Direct is when we’ll be able to buy a Switch 2 and play all these games ourselves. If you weren’t lucky enough to land yourself a spotat one of the Switch 2 experiences, that means placing a pre-order, and if you’ve been on the look out for one, or at the very least details about when they will go live, you’re likely a little confused right about now, maybe even a little frustrated.
Hopefully, after you’ve read this, you will have either secured your Switch 2 pre-order or, at the very least know where to look and when. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to ensure you have the best chance of having a Switch 2 to play on launch day,which is nowconfirmed to be Jun 02, 2025.
Where To Pre-Order The Nintendo Switch 2
The first thing you need to know before placing your pre-order is the one thing Nintendo didn’t want to confirm during its Switch 2 Direct - the price.Confirmation of that came shortly after the Direct was over.The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99in the US, or you can buy a limited edition bundlethat includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World for $499.99. A good deal consideringMario Kart Worldwill cost $79.99 when bought separately, a reveal that caused quite a stir when people first discovered its price listed on Nintendo’s website.
As for when pre-orders will go live, those of you in the US were supposed to be able to start doing that on April 9. However, tariffs recently imposed forced Nintendo to delay that date while it assesses the situation. While that cloud is still hanging over us, Nintendo has now revealed when pre-orders will go live in the US on its own site and through third-party retailers -June 04, 2025.
What time pre-orders go live depends on the retailer.GameStop’s pre-orders will begin at 11 am EST(or when the store opens if you’re pre-ordering in-person),Target, Walmart, and Best Buy will all open their pre-orders at midnight EST.
Certain sites, including Nintendo and Amazon, have hurdles in place in an attempt to thwart scalpers buying up too much Switch 2 stock. You can find out more about that and the criteria you will need to meet to qualify for Switch 2 pre-ordering under the box below.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to Nintendo Switch, scheduled for release on July 14, 2025. Confirmed as backwards compatible, it will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.
Pre-Ordering A Switch 2 Through Nintendo And Amazon
If you want to pre-order a Switch 2 directly from Nintendo, you will need to register your interest - you can do that via the Nintendo store link in the box above. Rather than randomly select who will have the chance to pre-order the console, those who meet certain criteria will be selected first. If you havean NSO membership that has been active for an unbroken 12-month periodas of Jun 03, 2025, and50 hours of gameplay on your Switch, you will be among the first people to be invited to place a pre-order, provided you registered your interest.
Amazon has a similar process in place, although there are no criteria to meet to qualify. All you need to do is request an invite, and if and when you receive an invite from Amazon between now and release day, you will have a 22-hour window to place your pre-order. Unfortunately, the mysterious issues between Nintendo and Amazon appear to still be present.The listing is live on the UK sitebut not the US one. That might mean the Switch 2 won’t be sold through Amazon in the US.
Amazonrefunded Nintendo Switch game pre-orders in the US in early 2024and hasn’t sold new Switch games since. It’s still unclear what the problem is between Nintendo and Amazon and why it hasn’t been resolved in time for the Switch 2’s launch.
FAQ
What Games Will Be Available For The Nintendo Switch 2 On Launch Day?
Mario Kart World will be available on the Switch 2 from its release day along with a lot of third-party titles includingElden Ring,Street Fighter 6, andFinal Fantasy 7.
Is The Switch 2 Bigger Than The Switch OLED?
The Switch 2’s screen is 7.9 inches which is bigger than the Switch OLED’s seven-inch screen.
Will The Nintendo Switch 2 Be More Powerful Than The PS5?
Nintendo hasn’t revealed the specs of the Switch 2, and while it will be more powerful than the original Switch, it’s unlikely to be as powerful as thePS5.
