In one of the most hyped-up hardware launches in recent memory, the Nintendo Switch 2 video game consoleis set to land on store shelvesthis Thursday, June 5. Serving as the successor product to the ever-popularoriginal Switch, the second-generation model arrives with a far superior set of internal specifications, a bigger, higher resolution display panel, and the all-new flagship Mario Kart World title by its side.
Nintendo and key third-party retail partners officially opened the Switch 2 pre-order floodgates on April 24,after a brief period of delay. The pre-order situation proved volatile for some, plagued with storefront crashes, long queuing systems, and inconsistent waiting experiences. Others, meanwhile, were able to secure a unit without a hitch.
If you happened to have missed out on the Switch 2 pre-order window, and if you find yourself itching to fire upMario Kart Worldon release day, then there’s still hope. Each big box retailer in the US maintains its own policy with regard to online sales, in-person purchases, midnight launches, and so on. Thankfully, it looks like non-pre-order Switch 2 units will be available at most retailers for a limited timeframe on June 5.
Here’s the lowdown on what to expect from major US brick and mortar stores when they open their doors on Thursday morning (or, in some cases, right as the clock strikes midnight). Regardless of which avenue you spring for, be sure to take proactive measures, like signing up for notifications and alerts, following social media pages for updates, and acting quickly when stock does officially make its way in-store.
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Nintendo Switch 2
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How to secure a Switch 2 unit from GameStop
Midnight refers to 3:00 PM over in GameStop land
Uniquely, GameStop’s Nintendo Switch 2 midnight launch is actually beginning at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, June 4 at many of the company’s US outlets. Of course, a large allocation of available Switch 2 units will have already been reserved under existing pre-order sales, but that’s not to say that some stock won’t be kicking around for eager pre-orderless fans. I’d advise partaking in the 3:00 PM launch event in-person, and arriving early, to increase your chances of nabbing a yet-to-be-claimed Switch 2 unit.
GameStop also runs a trade-in program, allowing you to part ways with older games in exchange for credit on Switch 2 hardware, peripherals, and games. Over on the online side of things, GameStop has announced that extra Switch 2 units will be available “while supplies last” on launch day – an unsurprisingly nebulous statement if ever there was one.
Without this feature I’m not sure the Nintendo Switch 2 is even worth it
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a major drawback.
How to secure a Switch 2 unit from Best Buy
Did somebody say ‘commemorative coin’?
As is the case with GameStop, physical Best Buy locations are expected to be carrying a limited amount of Switch 2 stock for early adopters who missed out on the chance to pre-order the console in advance. Some Best Buy locations will be hosting their own midnight launches, while others will simply be opening the next morning during regular business hours. I’d recommend phoning your local store to inquire about details.
Notably,Best Buy is offering a limited-time collectible cointo commemorate the Switch 2 launch, which will be distributed to early adopters in-store on launch day. The coin itself features the Nintendo Switch 2 branding on one side, and embossed ‘Best Buy 2025’ text on the other.
In terms of the online Best Buy storefront, the retailer’s website features a prominent-yet-ambiguous ‘coming soon’ banner, with no further details on if and when additional non-pre-order stock will be listed for purchase.
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How to secure a Switch 2 unit from Walmart
The Switch 2 is about to conquer your local Walmart’s electronics department
In a similar vein to the other major US retailers carrying the Nintendo Switch 2, Walmart is hosting a mix of midnight launch events and morning launch events, depending on store location. While the company’s online storefront is plagued by ‘Coming Soon’ syndrome, spare stock not allocated for pre-order purposes will likely be available for in-store purchase right at launch.
Comparatively, Walmart stores tend to open and close earlier and later than most other big-box retailers, and so I’d suggest double-checking the opening time at your local store (it might be as early as 6:00 AM, so don’t forget to set your alarm well in advance).
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How to secure a Switch 2 unit from Target
Target an early in-store visit to increase your odds of securing a unit
Target has confirmed it won’t be hosting any Nintendo Switch 2 midnight launch events, opting to instead run launch operations between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM local time. The retailer is reportedly planning to enact a ticket system, in which it distributes tickets to fans waiting in a queue.
While this ensures that at least some fans will be able to get their hands on a Switch 2 sans pre-order, in-store is the only option available here: Target won’t have any additional online stock available at launch. Though, as ever, this is subject to change on a whim, and so it’s worth keeping tabs on official social channels for any and all updates as they arrive.
