Finally, US Switch 2 pre-orders are nearly live! After a bit of a wait, Nintendo only recently confirmed that US pre-orders will start on April 24 - that's tomorrow!
What a time to be alive! And what a tortuous wait that was for our American (and Canadian) readers. Up until now, we've only been able to cover the UK pre-order situation, but we're in touching distance of everyone being able to get in on the action.
Right now, the US situation is all quiet ahead of pre-orders starting tomorrow - only a matter of hours - but we're getting in ahead of time to offer all the best information and retailer links so you can both get in position early, and strike fast when things kick off.
In the UK, we've seen what retailers can do when they can go weapons hot on pre-orders with a relatively steady stream of stock at multiple retailers. That's no longer the case in the UK, however, as stock is hard to come by with only flashes of stock appearing at Amazon so far today (April 23).
As a quick reminder, a Switch 2 console by itself will cost $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.99, and the official bundle that throws in a digital copy of Mario Kart World will sell for $499.99 / £429.99 / AU$769.99.
However, with US pre-orders opening soon, we're going to be casting a wider net across both sides of the Atlantic in order to help you get your Switch 2 pre-order locked down. Given we've tracked stock shortages for years now and are experts in how to find the best deals or rarest tech, you can have confidence in all the links and information we have here.
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders - US Quick Links
NOTE: US Switch 2 pre-orders go live on April 24 - that's tomorrow!
- Walmart: pre-orders live at midnight ET on April 24
- Amazon: pre-orders live soon - no page yet
- Target: pre-orders live at midnight ET, April 24
- GameStop: stock going live at 11am on April 24
- My Nintendo Store: register for an invite to preorder
- Best Buy: pre-orders going live at midnight ET, April 24
- Newegg: no announcements yet
- Antonline: no announcements yet
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders - UK Quick Links
- Amazon: bundle and console pre-orders out of stock
- Argos: stock sold out
- Very: pre-orders sold out
- The Game Collection: sold out
- EE Store: out of stock
- My Nintendo Store: pre-orders by invitation are live
- Currys: pre-order in-store and register for updates
- John Lewis: console out of stock
- ShopTo: pre-orders currently sold out
- ebuyer: stock 'coming soon'
- JD Williams: stock sold out
- HMV: sold out
- Game: console pre-roders out of stock
- Smyths Toys: pre-orders out of stock
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders - US Quick Links
NOTE: Remember that US Switch 2 pre-orders will begin tomorrow, April 24, at varying times, which we've included below where appropriate.
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders - UK complete pre-order listings
I've been at the coal face of gaming hardware launches for more than half a decade including those infamous PS5 and Xbox Series X stock shortages, as well as countless graphics card releases, and special edition hardware launches. I've been hardened by those experiences, however, and they've also ensured I know a thing or two about presenting all the pertinent information and links to you in the most efficient way so you can make your own pre-order as soon as possible.
Just checking in on UK listings to see about any potential restocks - unfortunately, but rather expectedly, nothing yet.
There are plenty of accessories to get a hold of though, and while they aren't nearly as exciting as the handheld itself, it may be a good idea to order pieces of your setup over time so it's ready to go when you finally do land a Switch 2.
We may see more stock in the UK around the time US pre-orders go on sale, so be sure to check back in as we update our live blog.
Check out our Switch 2 hands-on review!
If you haven't already, do be sure to check out our Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on review! TRG Hardware Editor Rhys Wood got to spend four hours with the Switch 2 early, and the console absolutely blew him away.
From the upgraded display to the revamped controls, the Switch 2 isn't just an upgrade, but a reimagining of the original.
Read it here: I spent four hours with Nintendo Switch 2, and it hasn't just exceeded my expectations – it's blown them away
Our brilliant Computing Editor Christian Guyton also had some thoughts to share on Switch 2 pre-orders:
"I also won't be pre-ordering, but it's not that I don't want a Switch 2 - it's more that my partner would kill me if I spent that cash right now, considering I already own an Asus ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and so many unplayed, purchased-on-sale Steam games that I literally had to make a spreadsheet to keep track of them all. Yes, I am a normal and well-adjusted person, thanks for asking.
On the flip side, you can bet that I'll be rushing out to secure a Switch 2 the moment a new mainline Pokémon game is announced. Before you crucify me for that, I know they're aimed at kids, and I know that the quality of the series has practically fallen off a cliff in recent years. Sure, it would be great if Game Freak and Nintendo took the opportunity of a shiny new platform with boosted processing power to make a Pokémon title that actually feels like it was developed sometime in this decade, but I'll be honest here; you show me a spooky little dude called Grabbaghast or some similar nonsense, and my wallet is already open.
Real talk, though: the Switch 2's most intriguing feature for me personally is the much-touted 'mouse mode'. The original Lenovo Legion Go had a similar feature, but it seems like Nintendo's iteration is better-designed (the Legion Go's weird hybrid mouse-joystick was... not very good) and knowing Ninty's first-party games, we'll see some interesting implementations of the mouse controls in the next big Mario or Kirby game - and of course, it could well be the best way to enjoy the hotly-anticipated Metroid Prime 4."
Nintendo Switch 2 stock at Sam's Club
It looks like Sam's Club is getting in on the Switch 2 action here in the US, too. At the moment, searching "Nintendo Switch 2" pulls up a few different listings - the most enticing of which is of course the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle.
Scrolling down to the reviews section, there are a few excited Switch 2 sharing their thoughts on the console. One of which asks Sam's Club to limit Switch 2 sales to one per customer to combat the rampant scalping and reselling that we've seen lately. This is always a problem with new tech nowadays, and it's all the more reason to get in quick and early.
Make sure to check back in with Sam's Club tomorrow to see if you can get your hands on a Switch 2!
Our esteemed Components Editor, John Loeffler, had some thoughts to share when asked if he's interested in pre-ordering the Switch 2:
"I probably won’t pre-order since the Oblivion Remaster just dropped and I’ll likely be playing that for the next year. But once I’m done with that, I’ll definitely be picking up a Switch 2 in 2026 so I can play The Duskbloods, which is about as close to a Bloodborne sequel as we’re likely to get any time soon.
The fact that I’ll get to play other cool games like the new Metroid Prime 4 is a huge bonus, but as a Soulshead since the day Demon’s Souls first launched on the PS3, The Duskbloods is what sells me on this console. There are very few game studios I trust implicitly to consistently produce fantastic games, but FromSoft is pretty much at the top of that list next to Rockstar.
They’ve never failed to disappoint me, and for me at least, that one game will be worth the price of the entire console once it’s available.
Unless they announce an Eternal Darkness remaster at launch, in which case, they can have my money immediately."
If you're anything like me, you're just as excited about the return of old Nintendo tech as you are about the Switch 2's new upgrades.
The GameCube is one of my favorite all-time consoles. I couldn't get enough Super Smash Bros Melee, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, or Pokémon Colosseum as a kid. So I was pretty hyped to hear all of my favorites were coming back on the Switch 2.
If you want to enjoy them in all of their 2001/2002 GameCube glory, you'll need a GameCube controller. You can only pre-order one of these if you're a Nintendo Switch Online member, and at the moment, it doesn't seem to be available in the United States. That said, this will likely change as pre-orders begin rolling out in full.
On the bright side, our UK friends can head straight to the Nintendo Store for a pre-order.
Pre-order for £58.99 at: My Nintendo Store
It looks like Newegg actually has a "hidden" listing for the Switch 2. If you simply search "Nintendo Switch 2," nothing comes up, but if you search "Switch 2" and tick the "Switch 2 Console" and "Switch 2 Bundle" boxes on the left navbar, you'll see a 'coming soon' listing for the standalone Switch 2.
For now, there's nothing we can do but wait. But this means Newegg will definitely be getting some Switch 2 stock in, and is absolutely worth keeping an eye on.
Be ready, be fast
Nintendo has confirmed that US pre-orders for the Switch 2 will start on 4/24 at 12am ET | 4/23 at 9pm PT.
If the US interest is anything like the UK's, and I imagine it will be, stock will sell out incredibly fast. If you want to secure a Switch 2, you'll need to be ready and be quick about it. Almost all initial UK pre-order stock sold out well within 24 hours, and all subsequent restocks have been picked bone dry.
All of the retailers in the list above are excellent choices to have bookmarked, but we'll also keep you up to date on any new developments in Switch 2 stock.
And a hello from the US!
Howdy folks, Marcus Mears III, TechRadar's Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor here to take over our Switch 2 coverage from the US.
With US pre-orders just around the corner, and some semblances of stock in the UK cropping up, there's plenty to talk about - stick around!
It's goodbye from me, for now!
Right, I have to head off and prepare for tomorrow's mega day of US Switch 2 pre-orders, and my esteemed colleague Marcus will be taking over our live coverage.
He'll be posting about what to look out for as we head toward US pre-order day, as well as keeping tabs on UK stock!
Bye for now, troops, catch you soon!
In the meantime, consider going Pro...
While we continue to wait for UK stock to return and for US stock to begin tomorrow, remember that a number of the official Nintendo Switch 2 accessories are up for preorder right now.
Our favorite one to recommend - and something we see as nigh-on essential - is the Switch 2 Pro Controller. It's widely available to pre-order but here are some quick links to consider using right now to bag yours alongside the console itself.
- US - Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller pre-order: $84 at Walmart
- UK - Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller pre-order: £74.99 at Amazon
Nintendo confirms pre-order times at retailers - available "while supplies last"
Nintendo of America has posted on X / Twitter stating - or confirming, really - that pre-orders will indeed start at some select retailers at 12am ET on April 24 / 9pm PT.
When you click on the link provided though, it does also state - perhaps concerningly - that it'll be "while supplies last"...
I reckon we could see some serious interest tomorrow with fierce competition...
Pre-order #NintendoSwitch2 from select retailers starting 4/24 at 12am ET | 4/23 at 9pm PT.Check with your selected retailer for more details.https://t.co/EtLyBqcxfJ pic.twitter.com/esRaDsyN4yApril 23, 2025
How best to get prepared for US stock drops...
We will post about this more than once in the run-up to US pre-order stock dropping live, but there are definitely some measures and steps you can take during the rest of today in order to get yourself in prime position.
My colleague, Rhys, has written up an immensely helpful quickfire guide with seven things you can do before and as stock goes live.
From updating and maintaining retailer accounts, to keeping it right here with our live pre-order coverage, there's plenty in the below article to get your teeth into.
Is the upgrade worth it for you?
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts loads of advantages over the original Nintendo Switch, including a better, larger screen, significantly increased graphical power, and new features like the Joy-Con 2 mouse mode.
If you're currently weighing up whether the Nintendo Switch 2 is worth the upgrade, then consider reading our detailed comparison below while we wait for US pre-orders to kick off in earnest tomorrow.
Our comparison article goes through the price, specs, design, features, and more, using a combination of thorough research and our own hands-on testing of both consoles.
What are you hoping for, and how are you going to play it?
What are our US readers hoping for tomorrow? How are you planning to go about nailing your unit?
Let us know by tagging us in a post on X / Twitter and for a chance to appear in our live coverage!
What happened about the US price of the Switch 2?
When Nintendo delayed US pre-orders die to US tariff uncertainty, we all thought we'd be staring at a big ol' price hike right in the face.
Luckily that's been confirmed to not be the case for the console itself, but the accessories were not so lucky...
In short, almost all the Switch 2 accessories got a five dollar price rise, which is not inconsiderable, especially given the knock on effect this may have on Switch 2 pre-order bundles. The full list of price changes is as follows:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: was $79.99, now $84.99
- Joy-Con 2 controller pair: was $89.99, now $94.99
- Switch 2 Camera: was $49.99, now $54.99
- Switch 2 Dock Set: was $109.99, now $119.99
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: was $34.99, now $39.99
- Joy-Con 2 Strap: was $12.99, now $13.99
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set: was $19.99, now $24.99
- Switch 2 Carry Case + Screen Protector: was, $34.99, now $39.99
- Switch 2 All-in-One Carry Case: was $79.99, now $84.99
- Switch 2 AC Adapter: was $29.99, now $34.99
What about the UK?
While the excitement and anticipation in the US will be reaching fever pitch given the delay to Switch 2 pre-orders in North America, what's the latest in the UK?
The UK has had its pre-order window open since the Switch 2 Direct on April 2, with plenty of retailers going live and offering stock regularly. As of right now, stock is unavailable everywhere, but today we have seen stock at Amazon UK available for purchasing, for a short while, anyway.
Everywhere else has been quiet, but we always recommend sitting on the links of previous stock drops, so here it is.
- Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World: £429.99 at Amazon UK (out of stock)
We know some specific times for US pre-orders
A huge detail for those in the US is that, as well as the date of April 24, we also know the exact time that Switch 2 pre-orders are dropping at a few retailers.
Sometimes with stock drops or pre-orders, we only get a date, so we are left guessing as to the actual time - could it be midnight? What about business hours? Luckily, that's not the case this time, and we know the times at the following retailers:
- Walmart: Live at midnight ET on April 24
- Target: Live at midnight ET, April 24
- GameStop: Live at 11am on April 24
- Best Buy: Live at midnight ET, April 24
Hello!
Here we are again, fellow Switch 2 pre-order stock hunters - but with one key difference...
Nigh is the time for US Switch 2 pre-orders to go live, and we're only hours away from stateside gamers to lock down their Switch 2 console ahead of the machine's June 5 launch.
I'm a seasoned gaming hardware stock chaser and finder, and I am here to guide you through the potential chaos and give you all the best information and links that you need to have the best chance of securing your unit.
Let's begin with what we know so far as we clockwatch until the calendar ticks over to April 24...