Nintendo fans, mark your calendars! The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for pre-order at both Walmart and Target starting in the early hours of April 24, right at the stroke of midnight Eastern Time. This upcoming console, set to hit retail shelves on June 5, is anticipated to be in high demand, so securing a pre-order is crucial for those eager to get in on the action from day one.
Originally, fans were expecting to snag their pre-orders earlier, but due to trade policy changes, the dates got bumped to April 24. Now, with the dates confirmed, major players in the retail space like Walmart have detailed their plans for the big day. They aim to ensure that Nintendo enthusiasts have a clear path to ordering their next gaming adventure.
Pre-orders at Walmart are synchronized with Target, going live simultaneously on their websites. While it’s currently unclear if you can place orders in-person at Walmart’s physical stores, it’s wise to log on and be ready. Setting a reminder wouldn’t hurt, either—after all, you don’t want to miss out just because you forgot to wake up!
If you’re strategizing on how best to secure your console, consider another angle: having both Walmart and Target’s pre-order pages ready might be the winning move. Online traffic could cause some snags, and no one wants to be left in the digital dust when it’s time to place their order.
But don’t worry if you miss these online pre-orders—GameStop will also open its pre-orders on April 24. Their online orders will start at 11 am ET, and they’ll kick off in-store availability the same day when doors open. Calling ahead might give you a better idea of their schedule. Plus, both GameStop and Best Buy plan to host midnight openings when the console officially launches on June 5.
As for what, exactly, you’ll be spending your money on, there are a couple of options. You can opt for the standard bundle priced at $449.99, or if you’re a Mario Kart enthusiast, the $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle offers good value, essentially saving $30 compared to buying the game separately.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is indeed designed for both fun and functionality, boasting impressive specs like a 256GB internal storage that can be expanded with a MicroSD, and visual capabilities of 1080p in handheld mode and 4K when docked. It also integrates seamlessly with the Nintendo eShop for your gaming needs.
So, get your game face on and prepare to join the new era of gaming with Nintendo’s latest innovation—just don’t hit the snooze button on April 24!
