One retailer says it's the "biggest gaming pre-order ever" - but there questions over whether high prices will dent sales.

Lisa Jones has been a Nintendo fan since the company’s first major console, the NES, launched in the 1980s. “I’ve actually had every system, including the Virtual Boy,” she says. So, with Nintendo about to release its newest console, the Switch 2, Jones knew she had to own it on day one. “I took the day off just to make sure I’d get one,” she told PCMag as she waited outside a Best Buy store, sitting on the concrete while occasionally stretching. Jones was among the diehard Nintendo fans who began lining up outside the store in San Francisco, hoping to snag the console on launch day. The Switch 2 becomes available to consumers at 12 a.m. EST / 9 p.m. PST. But not everyone managed to snag a preorder, prompting some to fall back on the tried-and-true method of lining up in person.“Yeah, I’m cold,” said Doonie Love, an actor and model who was first in line at the store. He spoke to us with his black hoodie pulled over his head as the San Francisco wind blew by. (Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)Love began waiting at about 9 a.m. after failing to secure a preorder, which sold out quickly across retailers weeks ago. Although he’s a Nintendo and Pokémon fan, he actually showed up to the Best Buy on a “whim,” curious to see if people were lining up.“There’s no work today, I just needed something to do,” he said on deciding to wait in line. “I just called someone to bring a jacket, chair, and burrito," he later added. Others like Brad Reinke were ready to line up. “I took the day off. Yeah, I was totally prepared to play video games all day,” he told us while sitting in his foldable chair and eating a pasta takeout order from DoorDash. “We’re here all night so I've got to get lunch and dinner in me.” He too is a major Nintendo fan, and also bought the Switch 1 on launch day back in 2017. “I’m a big collector and I’m probably going to buy everything they have on sale.” he said. While Reinke wasn’t able to secure a preorder, he said he enjoys the experience of the “midnight releases," which attracts other devoted fans. “There’s good company, everyone’s here for the same reason, so we all have stuff to talk about,” he said.Meanwhile, another consumer named James Gualtieri was prepared to work remotely while waiting outside the Best Buy, carrying his laptop and a Wi-Fi hotspot. “I was in a (remote) meeting for half an hour, chatting with folks,” he said. Recommended by Our Editors(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)We visited the Best Buy at around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, where the line for customers without preorders was relatively small, at about 10 people. As a result, it looked like all the consumers had a strong chance of scoring the console on launch day. But Gualtieri told us Best Buy staff wouldn’t commit to confirming if everyone in line would come away with the Switch 2 since the retailer also has to prioritize preorders.  “At the end of the day, it’s not the end of the world if I don’t get one,” he said after already waiting for two hours. Fortunately, Gualtieri’s workplace is located next to the Best Buy store. “If I can’t get one, I’ll try to get in line tomorrow morning. I would really love to get one before the weekend,” he said. Meanwhile, others like Jones said it was important to snag a Switch 2 soon, rather than wait, citing the risk of Trump’s tariffs raising the price. “Get it while you can,” she said, noting Microsoft recently increased the price for its Xbox consoles.  Best Buy isn’t the only location in San Francisco to offer the Switch 2 for tonight’s release. Nintendo’s official store in the city opened last month and is slated to sell the console as well. But the product will only be available to lucky consumers who were able to snag a preorder, or “warp pass.” (Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)Hours before the sales were set to begin, the store held a prelaunch “celebration” event, giving fans a chance to demo the Switch 2. The event attracted a long line of over 80 people when it began at 1 p.m. Several Nintendo fans also dressed up for the event, including a consumer named Annie, who cosplayed as the Zelda character, and said “I came here from Mexico.”"When I was a child I play the Nintendo so much with my friends," Annie added, while also showing off a Zelda tattoo. Another consumer named Greg H. also looked forward to tonight’s launch, having scored a warp pass to buy the Switch 2 from the official Nintendo store in San Francisco. “There is this nostalgic factor of waiting up until midnight to pick up the console,” he said while standing at the prelaunch event with a Nintendo N64 bag. “There’s also a communal aspect, where you meet a lot of people with the same interest.”(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)

It's finally here. Credit: Nintendo Best places to buy the Switch 2 online Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart Switch 2 console $449 at Walmart Buy the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle at Walmart Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499 at Nintendo Buy the Switch 2 at Best Buy Switch 2 console $449.99 at Best Buy Buy the Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle at GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 at GameStop Eight years after the launch of the original, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally being released in midnight launch events around the country. At the same time, gamers around the United States are checking retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and even Costco in search of the next-generation console.On social media platforms like X, Reddit, and YouTube, gamers are sharing photos and videos of long lines and excited crowds outside stores like GameStop and Target. And some lucky gamers are already showing off their successful purchases. While there are dozens of Switch 2 games and accessories available for purchase, gamers looking for the console itself have two options: Get the base Switch 2 console for $449.99 or opt for the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99. Of course, both are in short supply, even as Nintendo forecasts selling 20 million units in the next 12 months. You May Also Like The first customers to get their hands on Switch 2 consoles were the lucky players who placed a preorder through GameStop or Best Buy. Both retailers hosted midnight ET launch events around the country, which gave people the chance to pick up their preorders in person. In addition, these retailers will be selling limited supplies of consoles on a first-come, first-served basis, according to their websites. Mashable recently received a Switch 2 review unit, and we'll be sharing more first impressions soon. Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! However, even though the Switch 2 has been officially released, that doesn't mean online inventory will be available right away. Nintendo is only allowing purchases for customers with active, paid Switch Online memberships. And Target previously announced that it wouldn't start selling the console online until Friday (June 6). However, retailers like Best Buy and Walmart promised to start selling the console online promptly at midnight.When preorders officially went live on April 24, gamers promptly crashed retailer websites, and history may repeat itself for launch day. But if you want to try your luck at placing an online order, head to the retailers and start smashing that refresh button like you're playing Super Smash Bros. Related Stories You can check the latest Switch 2 stock at the following online stores:If those links don't work, you can also look for the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, Costco, and Staples. Timothy Beck Werth Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth is the Tech Editor at Mashable, where he leads coverage and assignments for the Tech and Shopping verticals. Tim has over 15 years of experience as a journalist and editor, and he has particular experience covering and testing consumer technology, smart home gadgets, and men’s grooming and style products. Previously, he was the Managing Editor and then Site Director of SPY.com, a men's product review and lifestyle website. As a writer for GQ, he covered everything from bull-riding competitions to the best Legos for adults, and he’s also contributed to publications such as The Daily Beast, Gear Patrol, and The Awl.Tim studied print journalism at the University of Southern California. He currently splits his time between Brooklyn, NY and Charleston, SC. He's currently working on his second novel, a science-fiction book.

Switch 2 turned up on our doorstep this afternoon and here's what you can look forward to if you plug yours in at just past midnight tonight - including one warningTech21:32, 04 Jun 2025Updated 21:32, 04 Jun 2025Here's what Nintendo sent usAfter months of writing about the Nintendo Switch 2 daily (and getting very excited for Mario Kart World), it was a bit of a strange feeling to have the console dropped off at my doorstep earlier today.While I had preordered, Nintendo sent out the console and some peripherals, so I'm in a position to tell you what you can expect if you're attending a midnight launch, or if you're currently queuing outside your store.‌Looking for a more detailed preview of the hardware? You can find that here, and we've also got hands-on impressions of Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch Welcome Tour.‌Mario Kart World is Nintendo's big Switch 2 launch title(Image: Nintendo)When powering on your Switch 2, you'll need to connect to the internet to download the all-important firmware update that turns it from a pricey paperweight into a nifty console.The console will also introduce you to some of its features and prompt you to add a MicroSD Express card (doing so will format it so it's ready for use).Article continues belowYou can complete the setup with any version of the Switch 2 controllers, and you'll be prompted to start a system transfer from your original console if you have one.We'd recommend doing so, because it'll transfer your saved data to your new system, but it does come with an inconvenience tied to our biggest Switch 2 bugbear so far: painfully slow download speeds.Logging into the console and updating the firmware took about 20 minutes, but downloads move glacially slow.‌Add to that the console trying to download everything from your Switch 1 at once, and I had to spend a few minutes closing downloads down.Even the more modestly-sized games like Puyo Puyo Tetris were dragging on my gigabit Wi-Fi, although I'd imagine it's down to the 'pipes being clogged' as far as servers go.Still, if you're planning to play anything tonight, you might want to stick to physical media for a bit.Article continues belowWhile the Joy-Con are great, I'm massively impressed by the Pro Controller. We'll have a full live blog running most of the day tomorrow to talk more about Switch 2 on its official launch day, but I'll be leaning towards the more traditional pad for my Zelda playthroughs and more.For now, though, I'm pretty pleased I have a physical copy of Mario Kart World to keep me going until Sony's State of Play tonight. Don't forget to check out our predictions.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌

If you've got a Switch 2 preorder coming in hot and you want to expand the storage capacity right off the bat, then Walmart has a deal that you don't want to miss. For a very limited time, the Onn 256GB Micro SDXC Express Card is back in stock at a rock bottom price of $35.99. This listing went up in May, but I haven't seen it in stock for shipping until today. As a comparison, the official Samsung 256GB MicroSDXC Express card is currently listed for $59.99 at Target.Update: This deal might not be available for delivery for all zip codes. You can still choose in-store pickup.Onn 256GB MicroSDXC Express Memory Card for $35.99Nintendo Switch 2 CompatibleNintendo Switch 2 CompatibleOnn 256GB Micro SDXC Express Card$35.99 at WalmartOnn is Walmart's privately owned house brand, so you won't find this memory card sold anywhere else. MicroSDXC Express cards are much faster than standard MicroSDXC cards and the Onn model is no different, with speeds of up to 800MB/s write and 600MB/s read. More importantly for gamers, the Switch 2 is compatible with and can take full advantage of the capabilities of the MicroSDXC Express format.Check out these other Switch 2 accessories ahead of release3-Pack amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch 22-Pack amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector (Matte) for Nintendo Switch 22-Pack amFilm Auto-Alignment OneTouch Tempted Glass Screen Protector (Matte) for Nintendo Switch 2amCase Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2I'd strongly suggest you pick up, at the very least, a screen protector and case to protect that $450 investment. These amFilm screen protectors and cases from Techmatte are guaranteed to fit your Switch 2 console. They're pretty inexpensive to start with, but some coupon codes sweeten the deal all the same. Especially for screen protectors, you want something affordable so that you can cheaply replace it if it every gets cracked under use. AmFilm (TechMatte) is one of the best selling screen protectors on Amazon; I've used several myself over the years on various electronics and they work just as well as any other screen protector on Amazon.These amFilm screen protectors and cases from Techmatte are guaranteed to fit your Switch 2 console. They're pretty inexpensive to start with, but some coupon codes sweeten the deal all the same. Especially for screen protectors, you want something affordable so that you can cheaply replace it if it every gets cracked under use. AmFilm (TechMatte) is one of the best selling screen protectors on Amazon; I've used several myself over the years on various electronics and they work just as well as any other screen protector on Amazon.The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Out on June 5Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are shipping out on June 5. If you weren't able to secure yourself one of these early units, select retailers have mentioned that there will be more available on launch day. Follow our Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide for stock updates as soon as they go live. If you were able to secure a preorder, then check out the list of officially licensed Switch 2 accessories that are already up for preorder, including the all-new Switch 2 Pro controller.Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

Update, June 5th: Walmart, GameStop, and BJ’s Wholesale Club have seemingly sold out of their available Switch 2 inventory, at least online. Target is set to open online preorders on June 6th; however, it’s also possible that some retailers still have units available in-store.The Switch 2 is here. Nintendo’s latest console launches in the US on June 5th, bringing with it more processing power, a larger 7.9-inch LCD display, and an all-new racing title in the form of Mario Kart World. Preorders for the $449 hybrid console sold out ahead of launch; however, if you’re looking to grab one now, rest assured that a handful of retailers have announced availability, both in-store and online.RelatedSo far, Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target have all confirmed that they will have limited console stock on Thursday, June 5th (or earlier, depending on your location). The same retailers will also have the new Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Switch 2 camera, first-party carrying cases, and other launch-day accessories.We’ll be publishing a ton of Switch-related coverage in the coming days — including our full Switch 2 review — but in the meantime, we’ve rounded up all the details you need to know if you want to attempt to secure a console on day one. After all, there’s no telling what post-launch availability will be like, despite Nintendo’s attempts to build up an inventory of its next-gen portable system to meet demand.In this articleRetailer landing pagesWalmartYou can snag a Switch 2 at Walmart Supercenters starting on June 5th at 12AM ET / June 4th at 9PM PT, while supplies last. Online orders are now open, although, as expected, stock is limited and subject to availability. In terms of what’s on offer, Walmart’s launch day slate includes both the standalone Switch 2 ($449) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499), along with games and the following accessories:GameStopGameStop previously confirmed that it will have additional Switch 2 stock available both in-store and online when the console launches on June 5th. In-store launch events — including in-store pickups — have already begun, as have online orders.As of right now, the retailer is offering both the standalone console ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99), as well as games like Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ($79.99). You can also purchase the following accessories both in-store and online:Best BuyAs detailed on Best Buy’s landing page for the Switch 2, “most stores will have a limited inventory of systems, games, and accessories for in-store purchase” beginning on June 5th at 12:01AM ET / June 4th at 9:01PM PT. Best Buy previously stipulated that it anticipated people lining up ahead of the console’s midnight release, including those who previously preordered the standalone console ($449.99) or the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99) and are showing up for in-store pickup.Several games and accessories are currently available for purchase online; however, the retailer previously specified that it will not be accepting online orders for the console itself during launch week.Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99)Joy-Con 2 controllers ($94.99)Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($54.99)Hori’s Piranha Plant Camera ($59.99)Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set ($24.99)Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector ($39.99)Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case ($84.99)Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express Card ($59.99)BJ’s Wholesale ClubSurprisingly, BJ’s Wholesale Club has opened online preorders for both the standalone Switch 2 console ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99). Like other BJ’s purchases, it requires a premium Club membership, which starts at $60 a year and grants you access to free same-day deliveries, up to 25 percent off grocery store purchases, and other rewards perks.TargetIf you can wait until the morning or later this week, Target has confirmed that it will offer both the standalone Switch 2 ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99) in-store on launch day, with online orders opening in the “early morning” on June 6th. Consoles will be limited to one per guest, and according to its FAQ, there will be a “designated queuing location” for customers to line up before stores open on June 5th. Target employees will distribute physical or digital tickets either until all tickets have been claimed or 10 minutes prior to opening. If you do manage to obtain one, your console purchase is guaranteed.As expected, Target will offer “additional software, amiibo and accessories” while supplies last. The retailer wasn’t clear on which accessories will be available on June 5th, though based on prior preorder availability, we expect the following:Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99)Joy-Con 2 controllers ($94.99)Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($54.99)Hori’s Piranha Plant Camera ($59.99)Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set ($24.99)Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector ($39.99)Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case ($84.99)Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express Card ($59.99)Other retailersIf you don’t anticipate having any luck with any of the aforementioned retailers, there are a handful of alternatives that might have Switch 2 stock on June 5th. Costco, Staples, Sam’s Club, Antonline, and Newegg are all expected to offer Nintendo’s latest console online at some point, as evident by their respective landing pages for the Switch 2.There is no word on whether they will have in-store availability; however, Costco’s website indicates that the console will be available for purchase starting on June 5th at an undisclosed price.Costco (membership required): Mario Kart World bundle (with Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack)Staples: Standalone console ($449.99) / Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99)Sam’s Club (membership required): Mario Kart World bundleAntonline: Standalone console ($449.99) / Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99)Newegg: Standalone console ($449.99) / Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99)See More:

People hoping to score Nintendo’s new console this week are finding them on resale websites—at several hundred dollars over the retail price of $450.

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $500 See at Walmart See at Target See at Best Buy See at GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 $450 See at Walmart See at Target See at Best Buy See at GameStop Nintendo's new console has arrived, and you have another chance to buy it on launch day. The $500 Mario Kart World Bundle is in stock at Walmart and BJ's Wholesale Club.You can also buy it at GameStop, but the retailer has made one of its custom bundles with additional accessories for $625. It includes the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, Wheel Set, and Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card--all of which Walmart restocked as standalone purchases at midnight. Shop Walmart's launch restock Quick Look: Nintendo Switch 2 Store PagesAll Switch 2 Products:WalmartBest BuyTargetGameStopConsole Bundle:WalmartBest BuyTargetGameStopConsole:WalmartBest BuyTargetGameStopAccessories:WalmartBest BuyTargetGameStopGames:WalmartBest BuyTargetGameStopNintendo Switch 2 Launch at WalmartNintendo Switch 2 Launch at WalmartNintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle -- $499Nintendo Switch 2 -- $449Nintendo Switch 2 Games at WalmartNintendo Switch 2 Accessories at WalmartAll Switch 2 Hardware & Games at WalmartOnline restock at 9 PM PT / 12 AM ETWalmart restocked the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle at 9 PM PT / 12 AM ET. The retailer also replenished its stock for numerous sold-out accessories as well as gear that was never available to preorder (Joy-Con 2 Controllers).Continue Reading at GameSpot

Nintendo Switch 2 - Joy-Con 2 (2-Pack) $94 at Walmart See at Walmart See at Target See at Best Buy Joy-Con 2 Left - Light Blue $54 at Walmart See at Walmart See at Target See at Best Buy Right Joy-Con 2 - Light Red $54 at Walmart See at Walmart See at Target See at Best Buy The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a pair of Joy-Con 2 Controllers, but if you want to race around Mario Kart World's open world alongside three friends, you may want to pick up an extra set of the revamped controllers. Strangely, Joy-Con 2 preorders never opened at most major retailers, but Walmart's online midnight launch event includes Joy-Con 2 pairs as well as individual right and left Joy-Con Controllers. Walmart has also restocked the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip and Wheel Set for Mario Kart World.Switch 2 Controllers & Joy-Con 2 Gear Restocks:Continue Reading at GameSpot