Nintendo Switch 2: Every Major Retailer's Plans for Launch Day

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release on June 5, and almost every major retailer in the US has a game plan for launch day. For example, Walmart has already confirmed it will have Switch 2 stock available on June 5 from 12 AM ET (online and in-store).

Let's sift through the rest of the plans, from midnight launch events to pre-planned out-of-stock signs. Here's what you need to know going into the Switch 2 release day.

Switch 2: Speedy Stock Check

Walmart: Available From June 5, 12 AM ET

Walmart is taking a straightforward route for the Switch 2 launch. Consoles will be available both in-store and online starting June 5, with online sales going live at 12 AM ET. That gives customers a solid shot at ordering from home if they're quick when the clock hits midnight.

In-store stock will also be available, but there are no signs of a midnight launch event. Stores are expected to open at their usual times, so if you're planning to shop in person, you'll need to get there early to have a chance at walk-in inventory.

If you preordered through Walmart, your console is expected to arrive by 9 AM local time on June 5... assuming it hasn’t been quietly cancelled. Given Walmart's spotty track record during big launches, it’s worth double-checking your order status ahead of time.

Best Buy: In-Store Launch Events

Best Buy is planning a full-scale retail rollout for the Nintendo Switch 2, with special late-night store openings across the US on launch night (see if your store is participating here).

This gives fans a chance to pick up their pre-orders (check your email for collection instructions) or try their luck at securing a system on release night (confirmed, but extremely limited stock per location).

Participating locations will open their doors precisely at 12 AM ET on June 5, with doors unlocking earlier in other time zones: 11 PM CT and 9 PM PT for a two-hour window dedicated to Switch 2 sales and pickups.

Unlike some retailers, Best Buy won’t have Switch 2 hardware available online at launch. Consoles will only be sold in stores for the time being. Games and accessories, however, will be available both online and in-store.

Best Buy is also offering a limited-edition commemorative coin at these launch events, available to anyone picking up or purchasing a Switch 2 in person. The coin features dual branding from Nintendo and Best Buy and is expected to be in short supply.

Target: In-Store June 5, Online June 6

Target is taking a more straightforward approach to the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. There is no midnight event planned, and stores will open at their regular hours on June 5. Consoles will be available in-store that morning, with additional online inventory opening up on June 6.

To help manage demand, Target will use a ticketing system for both in-store and online sales. These tickets, which may be distributed physically or digitally, will be handed out in the lead-up to opening.

Distribution will stop once tickets run out or ten minutes before the store opens. If you want to buy in person, arriving early is strongly recommended.

That gives you two clear options. Head to your local store early on launch day and hope to claim a ticket, or wait until the next day and try ordering online once restocks go live.

GameStop: Launch Line Starts at 3PM Local Time

GameStop is allowing its customers to line up as early as 3 PM local time for it's Switch 2 launch events.

Even if you didn’t preorder the console, GameStop promises there will be additional Switch 2 units available when doors open at midnight. There's still no word on additional online stock, however.

It’s important to note that not every GameStop store will participate in this early lineup or midnight opening, so checking in with your local store ahead of time is essential.

Switch 2: Top Tips to Secure The Bag

When a new piece of elusive gaming hardware goes back in stock at a retailer, there’s no telling how long it will be available.

We’ve seen sought-after hardware sell out in seconds, and it's been no different for Switch 2 so far.

So, with demand at stratospheric levels for preorders, here are some key tips to improve your chances of getting the console at launch.

1. Expect demand to be high across the board, this will not be easy.
2. Keep this preorder guide ready with the retailer links above.
3. Follow IGN Deals on X and Bluesky.
4. Log in to retailer accounts: Walmart, Best Buy, etc.
5. Have a credit card saved in your account.
6. Be ready for virtual queues, site crashes, and checkout hiccups.
7. Subscribe to our IGN Deals Email Newsletter.
8. Opt into push notifications.

Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Where to Preorder

Nintendo Switch 2 is already building a stacked library of games, blending shiny new exclusives with upgraded re-releases of fan favorites.

Heavyweights like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) and Mario Kart World ($79.99) are leading the charge, both available to preorder right now, alongside enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, fine-tuned for the new hardware.

There's also a new version of Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land currently up for Switch 2 preorder, alongside some new third-party selections like Cyberpunk 2077 and Sonic X Shadow Generations.

Where to Preorder Switch 2 Games

Every Switch 2 game that is available to lock in is listed above, with all the retailer links you’ll need right there as well. We've also broken out a list of just the Switch 2 launch games available to buy if you're looking for games you'll be able to play right away.

For those who already own the games, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will cost $9.99 to upgrade from the original Switch 1 game to Switch 2 (or for free if you've already purchased the base game and are a Nintendo Online subscriber).

While Nintendo has also quietly confirmed the cost of upgrading Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree to Switch 2: It's £16.99 / €19.99 / $19.99.

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories: Where to Preorder

Nintendo hasn’t touched the price of the Switch 2 console itself, but almost every accessory has crept up in cost. In a recent update, the company confirmed that several Switch 2 peripherals will “experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions.” Read: Tariffs mean that pretty much everything is a little more expensive now.

Expect to pay an extra $5 for the main accessories, including the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the much-hyped camera add-on. The Dock Set sees the biggest jump, climbing $10 to $119.99.

Still, if you’re planning to pick up the full ecosystem at launch, above is the full list of accessories currently up for preorder, price hike or not, alongside every retailer you can preorder from just below as well.

Where to Preorder Switch 2 Accessories

Switch 2 Amiibos: Where to Preorder

We’ve also got a new batch of Nintendo Amiibo ready for Switch 2. Fans of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Street Fighter 6 can preorder a handful of brand new Amiibo from those games.

The side-scrolling carousel above has all the new Amiibo in it, but if any of them are sold out when you click to buy or you want more details, check out our full guide on everything available.

Best Switch 2 Deals

While there are plenty of games and official accessories to preorder right now ahead of release, there are also some great Switch 2 deals already floating around. Mainly, there are quite a few deals on items like carrying cases, screen protectors, and some other accessories for the console.

If you're in the Switch shopping mood, whether to pick up some added protection for the console or scoop up a power bank to keep it charged up, we're here to help.

We've found some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 deals available at the moment below. Stock up now and set yourself up for success when you get your brand new console.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Senior Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.