In a much-anticipated announcement, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are slated to commence at Walmart on Thursday, April 24th, starting just past midnight at 12 a.m. ET. Gamers and console enthusiasts should note that the pre-order strategy is crucial as the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to fly off the shelves relatively quickly once it hits stores on June 5th. So, if you’re eager to get your hands on this next-gen console at launch, making an early reservation is wise.
Originally, pre-orders were planned for April 9, but due to the ripple effects of tariffs imposed during Trump’s presidency, Nintendo had to reschedule them for April 24. The buzz around these pre-orders is palpable, with major retailers laying out their plans, and Walmart joining this wave by confirming when fans can start placing their orders.
If you’re planning to place your pre-order with Walmart, you’ll want to stay up late on April 23, as they’ll start taking orders at 12 a.m. ET, 11 p.m. CT, or 9 p.m. PT, depending on your time zone. Coincidentally, Target will be kicking off their pre-orders at the same moment. It’s worth emphasizing that these pre-orders will only be available through Walmart’s website, and there’s no word yet on whether physical stores will take them. Marking your calendar and perhaps setting your alarm might be necessary to ensure you don’t miss out.
A clever tactic to secure your Nintendo Switch 2 might involve opening both Walmart and Target’s pre-order pages simultaneously—in case one of these websites experiences crashes due to high traffic. Bear in mind, if both websites experience technical hiccups, missing out momentarily might be inevitable. Luckily, Walmart and Target are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to places offering pre-orders for the Switch 2.
If Walmart and Target don’t work out, GameStop plans to launch their Switch 2 pre-orders at 11 a.m. ET on the same day. For those who prefer the experience of shopping in-store, check when your local GameStop opens on April 24th by giving them a quick call. Furthermore, both GameStop and Best Buy are hosting midnight launches, allowing fans to snag their consoles immediately on June 5th.
Buyers ready to lock in their Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will have a couple of enticing options: a standard bundle for $449.99 or a Mario Kart World bundle at $499.99, which offers a $30 savings considering the game itself retails at $79.99. So, plan wisely and prepare to embark on your next gaming adventure with the Nintendo Switch 2, equipped with cutting-edge features and irresistible bundle deals.