It’s been a long, windy road for the Nintendo Switch 2. First, there was controversy over the system’s hefty $450 price tag. Then, the initial pre-order date was pushed back due to looming fears over tariffs. There was also discussion of Nintendo potentially increasing the price of its units in response to the tariffs.
With all that said, the Switch is still set for official release on Thursday, June 5, at midnight EST, and the expectations remain sky high.
There haven’t been a ton of people who have gotten their hands on a unit (for what it’s worth, our Senior Commerce Editor, Mike Epstein, did, and had glowing initial reviews). Yet, the demand for Nintendo’s latest system is, arguably, even higher than its expectations.
This is anticipated to be one of, if not the biggest, releases in Nintendo history, and for those who missed out on the pre-order window (it was a midnight drop and a blink-and-you-miss-it ordeal), all hope is not lost. Retailers will receive an allotment of systems ahead of the drop. We’ll go through which retailers will have units to purchase on the day of the release so that you can grab one for yourself. This could be the last time for a while you have a chance to get your hands on one, so you’d better be on the ball.
Walmart
Walmart had a pretty smooth drop the first time around (that’s where I carted mine), so I’d anticipate a similarly not-too-stressful ordeal on the release date. The Switch 2 will go back in stock at midnight EST, as well as limited units for in-store purchase. Select stores in the Pacific, Mountain, Hawaii, and Alaska regions will be open at 9 p.m. PT on June 4 for in-person sales.
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Nintendo Switch 2 System
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle
Shop Nintendo Switch 2 Products at Walmart
GameStop
As they do for a bunch of their big drops, GameStop will be planning a midnight release party. If you don’t want to deal with the hectic nature of in-person lines and potential fisticuffs, you can try nabbing one on the site at midnight EST.
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Nintendo Switch 2
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle
Shop Nintendo Switch 2 Products at GameStop
Best Buy
Best Buy is also notorious for its midnight video game drops, and the electronics retailer will also be hosting an in-person, on-location drop at midnight EST. They are said to have limited stock in stores, so you’ll have to line up pretty early. If not, you can always try your hand at securing one when the clock strikes 12.
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Nintendo Switch 2
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle
Shop Nintendo Switch 2 Products at Best Buy
Target
Target is also one of the more reliable retailers when it comes to securing online products. The ordering process is generally smooth, and Switch 2 bundles were available for a few minutes after the initial preorder. Although this may not sound like a long time, it is actually significant in the grand scheme of things. While there won’t be a midnight event, devices will be available at stores on June 5. Unlike the other retailers, however, Target won’t have Switch 2s on its site until June 6.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Console
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle
Shop Nintendo Switch 2 Products at Target
Costco
To the surprise of virtually no one, Costco’s Mario Kart World Bundle is the most cost-effective. The entire package is just $525 (it may be even less in certain warehouse locations) and comes with:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Console
- Mario Kart World Download
- 12-Month NSO+Expansion Pack Individual Membership
Obviously, the kicker here is that you need a Costco membership to purchase. And like some of the recent Costco drops, it might be difficult to secure on its website and/or app. The bundle will also be available in the warehouse, so you can also decide to go to one of its many brick-and-mortar locations to see for yourself.
Will Amazon Have the Switch 2?
Surprisingly, however, Amazon is the only site that doesn’t have a Switch 2 listing up and running. This shouldn’t be totally unexpected, though, as the online retailer didn’t take pre-orders for the Switch 2, either. Still, we expect the device to eventually make its way onto the site, as early as launch day. In the event they do start selling the Switch after it drops, here’s a link to Amazon’s Nintendo Store. Refresh away!
Shop Nintendo Switch 2 at Amazon
This, obviously, is a developing situation, and in the age of scalpers, it’s better to act swiftly and decisively. If you regret your decision not to make the midnight preorder, make sure you bookmark this page and canvas each retailer’s site to ensure you have another opportunity to secure a unit. While it’s probably not always the greatest principle, in this case, it’s better to buy now and think later.
Tim Kohut is the Deals and Trends Editor for Popular Mechanics, Men’s Health, Best Products, and Runner’s World. He has extensive product review and gear coverage expertise, particularly in tech, home, auto, and health. Tim was previously the Deputy Commerce Editor of The Drive and a Commerce Editor at BGR. He’s also overseen gear coverage and strategy at Popular Science, Bob Vila, Outdoor Life, and Field and Stream. He has a strong affinity for cats, Batman, and early 90’s Nicolas Cage films, in that order.
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