How to Get The Nintendo Switch 2 From Walmart and Best Buy: Preorders Are Closer at 11AM ET than Wal-Tube
Most major retailers launched their Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at 12AM ET on April 24th and sold out quickly — but thankfully, GameStop is doing things a bit differently. The company says it will have in-store and online pre-orders at 11AM today. In this guide, you can place your order for the Nintendo console and bundle from GameStop, with all the information you need to be one of the first to get the Nintendo Switch 2.
You can still purchase the Mario Kart World bundle at Walmart but they are no longer accepting pre-order requests for the standalone game or accessories. That being said, Walmart’s website still indicates that, if you manage to preorder a console before 8AM ET on June 4th, you should receive it before 9AM ET on June 5th.
The standard Nintendo Wii U version will retail at $4499.99, while the latest Mario Kart title will cost $499.99 in a bundle. Nintendo is on record saying the bundle will only be available through fall 2025 (or while supplies last), which is a shame, considering picking up the console / game combo saves you $30 on what is likely to be the Switch 2’s biggest launch title. You can get Mario Kart World separately for $79.99 if you don’t get the bundle.
While Best Buy will not accept online preorders for the Mario Kart World bundle, it will begin taking in-store ones at the start of regular store hours on April 24th. If you do reserve a console through Best Buy, most of their US stores will open at 12AM, 11PM, 10PM and 9PM on June 5th for you to pick it up.
Keep at it (for a time): Just because a product is listed as “sold out” on a landing page doesn’t necessarily mean’s it’s completely out of stock. If you are not in an active queue, it is still advisable to refresh the page as often as you need to, and to check the mobile app for updates.
Getting the Most Out of the GameStop Switch 2: Offered $175 off the New Switch OLED, $125 off Switch Regular, and My Best Buy Plus/Total
If you’re looking to bring the cost down, GameStop is offering up to $175 off a Switch 2 when you trade in a Switch OLED, or up to $125 off when you trade in a regular Switch. In both instances, you’ll need everything that comes with your console, including the switch, dock and Joy-Con controllers. GameStop also confirmed to Gizmodo that exact valuation will depend on the condition of your console, including whether your Joy-Cons are experiencing the dreaded stick drift.
Additionally, if you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you can currently score $20 in credit for every $150 you spend (up to $100) on Nintendo games and gear (excluding all Switch and Switch 2 hardware). That privilege will run you at least $49.99 a year, though both membership tiers also grant you access to a number of exclusive perks, including limited-time discounts and free two-day shipping.
The new Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Switch 2 feature a C-button and are magnetically attached to the console, which also makes them compatible with the new Gamechat feature. Inside the box, you’ll also find a redesigned dock, a basic Joy-Con grip, Joy-Con wrist straps, an AC adapter, a USB-C charging capable, and an HDMI cable.