Nintendo Switch 2 Restock Updates: Where to Find and Pre-order the Console at Walmart, Target, GameStop, and Best Buy

Current Nintendo Switch 2 Restock Situation

The Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders have officially opened, but securing this highly anticipated console before its June 5 release date remains challenging. A comprehensive check of major retailers including Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target reveals that the Nintendo Switch 2 is completely out of stock across all platforms. This widespread unavailability has persisted since pre-orders first went live in the United States on April 24.

Nintendo Switch 2 restock updates have become crucial information for gamers hoping to purchase the console at launch. The incredibly high demand coupled with limited supply has created a situation where most retailers sold out within hours of pre-orders opening. This scenario mirrors what happened with previous console launches but appears even more pronounced with the Nintendo Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch has been particularly complicated by several factors, including a two-week delay in the initial pre-order date, global supply chain challenges, and overwhelming consumer demand that appears to have caught even Nintendo by surprise. With the console’s release date approaching rapidly, gamers are eagerly monitoring every potential restock opportunity.

Nintendo Store Invitation System: Your Best Chance

For those still hoping to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 before release, the most promising option currently available is Nintendo’s own invitation system through their My Nintendo Store. Beginning May 8, Nintendo will start accepting pre-orders directly, though access is restricted through an invite-only system that has been accepting registrations since April 2.

Nintendo has implemented a strategic prioritization system for these invitations, giving preference to existing Nintendo Switch Online subscribers and those with substantial Nintendo Switch gameplay time. According to Nintendo’s guidelines, invites will be distributed “on a first-come, first-served basis” to customers who have maintained a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for at least 12 months and logged a minimum of 50 hours of Switch gameplay by April 2, 2025.

It’s important to note that Nintendo has recently updated the language on their pre-order page to indicate that some invitation emails may not arrive until after the console’s June 5 release date. This suggests that supply constraints are significant enough that Nintendo cannot guarantee pre-release availability even through their direct sales channel.

Retailer Status: Walmart, Target, GameStop and Best Buy

Major retailers across the United States have struggled to maintain Nintendo Switch 2 inventory since pre-orders began. Each retailer has experienced slightly different circumstances regarding their Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order process and current status.

Walmart initially opened Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders at midnight ET on April 24, with stock depleting almost immediately. Some observant shoppers reportedly managed to secure pre-orders as late as April 26, but the retailer has been consistently out of stock since then with no official announcement regarding future availability.

GameStop began accepting pre-orders both online and in physical stores at 11am ET on April 24, but quickly announced via social media that they had exhausted their allocation. Best Buy and Target experienced similar rapid depletion of their Nintendo Switch 2 inventory, with both retailers currently showing no availability and providing no concrete information about potential restocks.

Amazon represents a unique case among major retailers, as the e-commerce giant has yet to list the Nintendo Switch 2 for pre-order in the United States. This situation echoes ongoing supply issues that have affected Amazon’s Nintendo inventory more broadly in recent months, with even the original Switch model and first-party games experiencing limited availability.

Effective Pre-Order Strategies for Nintendo Switch 2

For gamers determined to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 before or shortly after launch, implementing a strategic approach to monitoring restocks can significantly improve chances of success. While availability remains extremely limited, several tactics can help position buyers to take advantage of unexpected restock opportunities.

The competition for limited Nintendo Switch 2 inventory makes preparation essential. Successful pre-orders often come down to speed and efficiency during the checkout process. Having account information and payment details saved in advance can make the difference between securing a console and missing an opportunity when brief restocks occur.

Additionally, membership-based retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club have posted Nintendo Switch 2 listings, though it remains unclear when they might begin accepting pre-orders. These alternative channels may present opportunities for members who have been unable to secure pre-orders through traditional retailers.

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories and Games Availability

While the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself remains elusive, the ecosystem of accessories and launch titles has experienced somewhat better availability. Nintendo has unveiled a comprehensive range of first-party accessories designed specifically for the new console, including the Joy-Con 2 controllers, Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the new Switch 2 Camera.

It’s worth noting that Nintendo did implement price increases for these accessories following the delayed pre-order date announcement. The Switch 2 Camera now costs $55 (up from $50), the Pro Controller is priced at $85 (previously $80), and a set of Joy-Con 2 controllers costs $95 (increased from $90). Despite these price adjustments, most accessories remain more readily available than the console itself.

The launch titles for Nintendo Switch 2, particularly Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, remain widely available for pre-order across most retailers. This suggests that while hardware constraints have impacted console availability, software production has proceeded more smoothly, giving early adopters confidence that they’ll have access to new games when they eventually secure the console.

Key Nintendo Switch 2 Features and Specifications

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant evolution of Nintendo’s hybrid console concept, with numerous hardware improvements and new features that justify the intense consumer interest. Understanding these enhancements provides context for the extraordinary demand fueling the current restock challenges.

At its core, the Nintendo Switch 2 maintains the versatile hybrid design of its predecessor but with substantial upgrades. The device features a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen supporting a 120Hz refresh rate with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, HDR10 compatibility, and a native 1080p resolution. When docked, the system can output games at up to 4K resolution on compatible televisions.

The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces several innovative features that enhance the gaming experience, including the new GameChat function that allows for built-in voice communication, eliminating the need for Nintendo’s smartphone app for voice chat. This service will be provided free to all Switch 2 users until March 31, 2026, after which it will require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Another significant enhancement is the redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers, which now attach magnetically to the console and include additional input options like the C button and mouse-like controls. The controllers retain the motion-sensing capabilities that have been a hallmark of Nintendo systems since the Wii era.

Tariff Impact on Nintendo Switch 2 Availability and Pricing

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch has been complicated by geopolitical factors, particularly the announcement of new tariffs on products manufactured in China and other countries. These developments prompted Nintendo to delay their originally planned April 9 pre-order date, ultimately pushing the US and Canadian pre-orders to April 24.

Despite the tariff situation, Nintendo has maintained the Switch 2’s original $450 starting price in the US and Canada. However, the company’s cautious wording in official statements suggests they may be leaving open the possibility of future price adjustments depending on how the tariff situation evolves.

Industry analysts speculate that Nintendo may accelerate production in Vietnam to maintain their release schedule, potentially accepting reduced profit margins or even selling the console at a loss in the short term. This approach would prioritize building market share and momentum for the new platform over immediate profitability.

The scale of demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has apparently surprised even Nintendo themselves. In Japan alone, 2.2 million people entered the pre-order lottery – a figure that far exceeds the expected launch day supply for that region. This unprecedented interest underscores the challenge Nintendo faces in meeting consumer demand while navigating complex global manufacturing and trade issues.

As the June 5 release date approaches, Nintendo Switch 2 restock updates will remain crucial information for consumers hoping to secure this highly sought-after console. Whether through Nintendo’s invitation system, surprise restocks at major retailers, or post-launch production increases, the path to ownership will likely require patience, persistence, and a strategic approach to monitoring availability.