The Nintendo Switch 2 is real. Finally, after months of rumors and speculation (and a recent flurry of leaks), Nintendo has confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in gaming, its next console is a numbered successor to the best-selling Nintendo Switch and will launch in 2025.
Naturally, Nintendo fans across the globe are now asking one simple question: “Where do I pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2?” And it's a question we can't definitively answer just yet. While Best Canada appeared to have leaked a date this week (April 2), according to Insider Gaming, Switch 2 pre-orders may not begin until Wednesday, April 9.
It seems a surefire bet when the date does roll around Nintendo fans will snap up the stock quicker than Mario can complete a lap of Rainbow Road, so to ensure you don’t miss out, we’re already tracking everything related to Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in this guide. Be sure to bookmark and check back regularly, as we'll be updating it with the latest details and those all-important retailer links very soon.
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders — latest updates
As of March 31 at 1:30 p.m. ET, there isn't a confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date. But that doesn't mean we haven't had some hints.
A (since deleted) Best Buy blog post reads “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 will open on April 2nd." The retailer notes the pre-order window will "give you the chance to secure your console early."
At first, it seemed like this was the confirmation we've been craving, however, Tom Henderson at Insider Gaming threw a spanner in the works with a report suggesting Switch 2 pre-orders begin April 9.
Henderson's scoop comes via "internal emails and documents" from a major U.S. retailer which the high-profile leaker claims to have seen (though no proof has been provided). So, at this stage, we're still waiting for Nintendo to speak on the record and confirm a date.
My advice at this point is to be ready to go starting April 2. If you want to grab a Switch 2 pre-order, you'll need to be ready just in case.
Register your interest in Switch 2 pre-orders now
Best Buy is letting shoppers register interest to "receive information about when you can pre-order." Meanwhile, GameStop has launched its Switch 2 listing page where you can "sign up to be notified when Switch 2 is available." These signs up are free they're worth doing now.
Over in the U.K., gaming retailer ShopTo is offering the same option, but it costs a penny (£0.01). Presumably, this is to prevent reseller bots from signing up multiple times. But the good news is your penny will be taken off the price should you opt to purchase Switch 2 at launch.
Will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders sell out?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is likely to be pretty popular when it eventually goes up for pre-order later this year. In fact, it wouldn't be a surprise if the initial demand outstrips the available launch supply. But there's good news for anybody fearing another situation akin to 2020's PS5 restock nightmare.
Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, confirmed in an interview with the Japanese press plans to put "measures" in place to prevent scalping and that "[Nintendo is] making preparations." While there's no doubt resellers will still be sniffing around the console at launch, at least Nintendo is aware of the potential issue and looking for solutions.
Nevertheless, launch stock may be limited, and the launch period will see the biggest spike in demand, so if you really want to get hold of a Nintendo Switch 2 at release, lock in a pre-order when they go live.
What is the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of those tech products that is exactly what it sounds like, it's a successor to the best-selling Nintendo Switch console offering the same hybrid of a handheld and a home console.
The biggest upgrade is expected to be its beefier internal components — though these haven't been detailed as of yet — but it's also a larger unit with a bigger display, and jumbo-sized Joy-Con controllers. It also packs a reworked dock, and a snazzy color scheme that combines black, blue and orange.
Plus, speaking of those new Joy-Cons, the controllers will connect to the Switch 2 via a magnetic system, which looks like a big improvement over the first Switch's cumbersome rail connectors. Oh, and the back kickstand has been overhauled and appears more functional and user-friendly.
While we're still waiting to see just how much extra power the Switch 2 offers over its predecessor, on the surface, it certainly looks like a sizable upgrade. And there's no doubt it's going to be a best-seller.
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