- The Nintendo Switch 2 is on sale, but selling out fast. Here are some ways you still might be able to get one on or around launch day, before prices potentially go up.
Eight years after it shook up the gaming world with the launch of the Switch, Nintendo is hoping lightning will strike twice with the debut of the Switch 2.
The new console went on sale Thursday at midnight and has quickly sold out in many locations. By all signs, that demand should remain strong for quite some time. That could make it hard to get your hands on one in the near term.
Hard doesn’t mean impossible, though. While you’ll have to put in some work, there are ways to improve your odds of getting Nintendo’s latest console.
Online is hit-or-miss
Major retailers are currently sold out of their online inventory. Walmart, GameStop, and BJ’s Wholesale Club all show “out of stock” notices on their websites. You might have a shot at Target.com on June 6, when that retailer begins online sales, but they’re certain to go fast. And some Costco members can pick up a bundle that includes Mario Kart World (at a slightly higher price than the $499 Nintendo announced in April, but the bundle includes an additional item: a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack membership).
Make the rounds
In-store sales began at midnight for many retailers, and in larger cities, many of those stores are already sold out of their stock. If you live in (or not too far from) a smaller city, though, you might have a better chance than you think to find a Switch 2. Nintendo front-loaded as many consoles as it could to get ahead of the Trump tariffs, so shortages at some stores aren’t as bad as many would expect, based on historical console launches. Stock is limited, though, so the sooner you head to the nearest Best Buy, Target, or other brick-and-mortar big-box store, the better your chances.
The websites of several retailers will guide you to which locations have the Nintendo Switch 2 in stock—and how many are left in its inventory.
Look outside the (big) box
It might be instinct to look for a Switch 2 at stores that have a thriving video game section in their physical locations, but the Switch 2 is a big enough event that other retailers are hoping to ride the coattails. It’s worth checking at stores like Staples and Newegg (both online and in person) to see if they have the system in stock.