Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Guide USA 2025: Secure Your Console Before Launch Day

The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially opened for pre-orders in the United States as of today, April 24, 2025, sending waves of excitement through the gaming community. With a launch date set for June 5, 2025, and a starting price of $449.99, the Switch 2 promises to elevate the gaming experience with a 7.9-inch 1080p display, 4K docked output, and innovative magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers.

This detailed guide is tailored for U.S. gamers, covering everything you need to know about pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2, including pricing, retailer options, launch bundles, and tips to ensure you secure your console before they sell out. Let’s get you ready to join the next generation of Nintendo gaming!

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Status: Now Live in the USA

Nintendo confirmed that pre-orders for the Switch 2 began today, April 24, 2025, in the U.S., after a slight delay from the originally planned April 9 date due to tariff concerns under President Trump’s administration.

The official launch remains on track for June 5, 2025, and the buzz is palpable—over a million viewers tuned into the Nintendo Direct on April 2, and posts on X show fans scrambling to pre-order. Retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and Amazon have already listed the console, though stock is moving fast.

The My Nintendo Store will also open pre-orders via an invitation system starting May 8 for priority users with a 12-month Switch Online membership and 50 hours of gameplay. Given the high demand, acting quickly is crucial to secure your Switch 2 before launch day.

Pricing and Bundles: What You’ll Pay in the USA

The Nintendo Switch 2’s pricing in the U.S. has been officially set, with two primary options available at launch. However, accessory prices have seen adjustments due to market conditions, as noted by Nintendo. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Pricing Table

The Mario Kart World bundle saves you $30 compared to buying the game and console separately, making it an attractive option for fans. The accessory price hikes—$5–$15 more than earlier estimates—reflect market adjustments, and Nintendo has warned of potential further increases due to tariffs. A 128GB microSD Express card, necessary for storage expansion as the Switch 2 doesn’t support older microSD cards for gameplay, retails for $54 if you need a more budget-friendly option.

Where to Pre-Order the Nintendo Switch 2 in the USA

Pre-orders are live across multiple U.S. retailers, and here’s where you can secure your Switch 2, along with tips to maximize your chances:

Retailer Options Table

To pre-order through the My Nintendo Store, you’ll need a Nintendo Account with a paid Switch Online membership of at least 12 months and 50 hours of gameplay as of April 2, 2025. Invitations will be emailed starting May 8, with a 72-hour window to complete your purchase. Add no-reply@noa.nintendo.com to your safe sender list to ensure you don’t miss the invite. Many retailers are offering launch day delivery for pre-orders placed today, but stock is limited—Best Buy and GameStop have already reported low inventory for the Mario Kart World bundle.

Key Features of the Nintendo Switch 2: Why It’s a Must-Have

The Switch 2 introduces significant upgrades over the original Switch, blending portability with enhanced performance. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Feature Highlights Table

The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for storage expansion, meaning your old microSD cards can only be used to view screenshots and videos, not for saving games. This upgrade ensures faster load times but adds to the cost of ownership.

Launch Games and Compatibility: What to Play on Day One

The Switch 2 launches with a strong lineup of games, and it supports backward compatibility for most original Switch titles, with some exceptions. Here’s what’s available:

Launch Titles Table

The only confirmed incompatible game is the Nintendo Labo VR Kit, as the Switch 2 doesn’t fit into the VR goggles. Nintendo is manually testing all Switch games for compatibility, with updates expected closer to launch. Posts on X have praised the Mario Kart World bundle, with users noting the game’s new Battle Royale mode as a standout feature.

Tips to Secure Your Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order in the USA

With high demand and limited stock, here’s how to ensure you get your Switch 2:

1. Act Fast: Pre-order today from retailers like Walmart, Target, or Amazon, as stock is depleting quickly—GameStop reported only 500 units left as of this morning.
2. Sign Up for Alerts: If your preferred retailer is out of stock, enable notifications for restocks on their websites.
3. Leverage Memberships: Use Amazon Prime, Walmart+, or Best Buy Totaltech for faster shipping and potential discounts.
4. Check My Nintendo Store Eligibility: If you qualify for the invitation wave, you’ll have a better chance at securing a console on May 8.
5. Avoid Scalpers: Stick to official retailers to avoid inflated prices on eBay, where units are already being resold for $600–$800.
6. Budget for Accessories: Factor in the cost of a microSD Express card ($54–$135) and additional controllers, as prices have risen due to tariffs.

Why the Delay? Understanding the Pre-Order Pushback

The pre-order delay from April 9 to April 24 was attributed to tariff concerns under President Trump’s administration, which could have impacted pricing and accessory costs. Nintendo adjusted prices accordingly—Joy-Con 2 controllers rose from $80 to $95, and the Pro Controller from $70 to $85. Despite the delay, the launch date remains June 5, giving U.S. gamers ample time to pre-order. However, posts on X indicate frustration among some fans, with one user noting, “Nintendo should’ve been better prepared for the demand—stock is already low!”

Final Thoughts: Get Ready for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the USA

The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a game-changer with its advanced hardware, new multiplayer features like GameChat, and a stellar launch lineup featuring Mario Kart World and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition). Pre-orders are live now in the U.S. as of April 24, 2025, and with stock moving fast, now’s the time to secure your console. Whether you opt for Walmart’s free shipping or Amazon’s Prime delivery, acting quickly ensures you’ll be gaming on launch day, June 5. Are you grabbing the Switch 2? Which game are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!