Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Live UK: Amazon Out of Stock, Argos Still Live

Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have now started in the UK, with Argos back in stock, and Amazon and Nintendo expected to go live anytime today as well.

Apr 8, 2025 - 17:45

Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Live UK: Amazon Out of Stock, Argos Still Live

Amazon UK opened preorders to everyone looking to preorder the Switch 2 today, dropping its previous invite-only system, but it is now out of stock. Argos is also back with a fresh round of Switch 2 preorders back in stock today, April 8, in the UK, including not just the console, but games and accessories too.

If you missed out last time, now’s your chance to lock one in without the faff. But, note that the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle is currently out of stock at Argos. For the latest updates on new drops, bundles, and restocks, be sure to follow @IGNUKDeals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.

Meanwhile, Nintendo's official UK preorders also began today, with retailers like EE, GAME, and Smyths experiencing rapid sell-outs. Unfortunately, this has already led to scalpers appearing on eBay with inflated prices. Currently, Amazon and Argos seem to be the most reliable options for securing a Switch 2 in the UK.

Amazon won't charge you until your console ships, making it a low-risk way to guarantee your purchase. While some users initially saw a June 7th delivery estimate, Amazon support has clarified this is an error, and the current plan remains for launch day delivery on June 5th.

What We Said in Our Switch 2 Preview

Here's what Logan Plant had to say in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 preview: "Switch 2 is a more premium product and the price tag reflects that. It’s also a better version of a great thing, and it’s trying to pull off a bunch of cool new tricks at the same time, like mouse controls. Obviously we’re both buying Switch 2 on day one, and I did really love our hands-on time with the console. But I’ll be honest and say I have some concerns about if the general public is willing to adopt a $450 Nintendo console with an $80 Mario Kart."

"It’s a big ask for a company that traditionally targets families and younger players, and I feel like the high cost of entry limits the Switch 2’s potential to take off in the way its predecessor did. But for those of you that do decide to take the plunge, you’ll be getting what’s shaping up to be a great hybrid console that makes a ton of worthwhile improvements on the original Switch and adds some fun bells and whistles for good measure."

35% Off NSO Expansion Pack Memberships

GameCube games coming exclusively to the Switch 2's exclusive online library is one of the best features of the new console. To make those membership costs just that little bit easier, UK retailer ShopTo has NSO at 35% off right now, and there's an extra 5% when you use code SPRING at checkout. As you get your Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in, this is an absolute bonus bargain to consider.

While some Nintendo Classics catalogues are unlocked with the base online subscription, you'll also need the Expansion Pack to play GameCube titles on Nintendo Switch 2. What's more, while you can subscribe to a monthly model for just Nintendo Switch Online, the Expansion Pack is only available on the 12-month plan, so make a note when purchasing. So, if you're the only Nintendo Switch players in your household, you can buy the individual Online + Expansion Pack plan for £24.55 or the Family Membership for £43.55 with the promo code SPRING.

Switch 2 US Preorders Delayed Amid Tariff Uncertainty

In a surprise move, Nintendo has delayed the start of Switch 2 preorders in the United States, just days before they were set to go live. The decision comes in response to ongoing tariff concerns and what the company described as "evolving market conditions"—a direct reference to the revived threat of Trump-era import duties on electronics.

Preorders were originally scheduled to begin on April 9 in the US, but Nintendo has now put them on hold indefinitely. While no new date has been provided, the company has reassured fans that the Switch 2’s global release date—June 5, 2025—remains unchanged.

The official statement Nintendo shared with IGN: "Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”

For now, the preorder freeze applies exclusively to the US market. UK preorders remain on track, with no changes to pricing or availability. In fact, retailers like Amazon UK are actively sending out preorder invitations, all the while launch-day stock is already starting to dry up across major outlets.

Nintendo had announced that the Switch 2 is priced at $449.99 USD, while the Mario Kart World bundle—which includes the full game—is set at $499.99 USD. Mario Kart World will also be sold separately for $79.99 USD.

Switch 2 UK Preorder News

If you're not keen on paying upfront, Amazon still remains your best option in the UK. When available to buy retailers like Argos require immediate payment, but Amazon won’t charge a penny until dispatch—making it a safer bet if you're budgeting ahead of June. How the invites work merely seems to be a ballot system where invitees are selected at random.

For preorders at the Nintendo Store, where access is limited to long-time Nintendo Switch Online subscribers with high playtimes and shared usage data, Amazon’s invite system is far more accessible. It appears to operate on a simple ballot, meaning anyone has a fair shot—regardless of play history or membership status. Currys and Smyths are also expected to offer more preorder opportunities later through email alerts and queue systems, similar to their successful PS5 launch approach.

With Currys and Smyths, it looks like it will simply be a case of sending out an email when preorders are opened, followed by a queued ordering system. This was the method Currys used when taking PS5 preorders, and it worked without any site crashes at least. This means you could be in for a longer wait from these alternative retailers, but it's a lot less frustrating if you're certain you don't meet the strict requirements to order from Nintendo directly.

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