Nintendo Switch 2 guide: pre-order links, release date and price analysis

Ready to buy the Switch 2 before it sells out? Here's when and where you'll be able to pre-order Nintendo's new console

➡️ Click here for our re-cap: 15 Switch 2 details you need to know about

The Nintendo Switch 2 links below will populate when the pre-orders go live (Image credit: Matt Swider / The Shortcut)

This just in: Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are going live on Wednesday, April 9 (at the links below), and the Switch 2 price is $449.99, according to Nintendo. The actual Switch 2 release is still two months away: June 5, 2025.

But you’ll want to pre-order it next week to get it on Day 1. Sounds easy, right? Well…

Our Substack saw a massive spike in subscribers flocking to us for Switch 2 info. Welcome to The Shortcut! (Image credit: Matt Swider / The Shortcut)

There’s just one problem: You’re not alone in wanting to reserve a Switch 2. Millions of gamers are eager to buy the new console, according to The Shortcut’s data, and retailers in the US that I’ve talked to worry about having enough inventory to keep up with demand. This has all of the hallmarks of another PS5 restock situation.

That’s where I come in. The Shortcut team and I are here to tell you the pre-order time, offer links to buy the Switch 2, and, for paid subscribers supporting our banner-ad-free work, a step-by-step guide to get the hottest video game system of 2025 on Day 1.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date

On April 9, you can pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 in two versions – as a standalone console and with Mario Kart 9. We now know the Switch 2 price (likely to be $449), launch games, and what the new C button does.

Note: Stores are unlikely to go live with pre-orders all at once, but once they do, the Switch 2 will likely sell out within a few hours, if not minutes.

Here are six pre-populated Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order links that I will change and point to the right location starting at 10 am ET (or whenever each pre-order is live):

• 🌟 Walmart (not live yet)

• 🏷️ Best Buy (not live yet)

• 🎯 Target (not live yet)

• 🛑 GameStop (page is live, no add-to-cart yet)

• 📦 Amazon (not live yet)

• 🍄 Nintendo Store (not live yet)

*These links will auto-populate when each pre-order goes live

April 9 gives Nintendo and US retailers more time to prep for the crushing Switch 2 pre-order demand. This means you have one week to decide if you want to spend $449.99 on the new console, which is higher than expected.