If you want to get new video game hardware at launch, you typically need a pre-order. Historically, most major brick and mortar retailers only get a set number of pre-orders and a much smaller number of first-come, first-serve stock that they can sell to walk-ins. When the PS5 was released, for example, many GameStops only got a handful of them to sell outside of pre-orders. For the Switch 2, however, it appears that Nintendo is gearing up to meet the incredible demand.
First, let’s make one thing abundantly clear: getting a console will not be a given. You should not assume that you can go to your closest local retailer on launch day without issue. You should also expect some wait times in line even if you have a pre-order, so plan accordingly.
With that said, there’s reason to be optimistic if you don’t have a pre-order, or if you’ve been unlucky enough to see your existing pre-order canceled.
At Best Buy, the retailer says that “nearly all” of its stores will hold midnight releases, and “most” stores will have additional inventory if you don’t have a pre-order. To be specific, stores will open at 12 p.m. ET, 11:01 p.m. CT, 10:01 p.m. MT, and 9:01 p.m. PT. Best Buy will also hand out commemorative tokens for those who do attend midnight releases. While your best bet is to call your store and inquire about stock, retail workers have shared images that seem promising. At one store, for example, they’ve got 250 consoles; 200 are reserved while 50 are available for anyone to buy. Another report hailing from a “small” store shared similar numbers. Stock will likely vary depending on the size of the store and the location; one retail worker located in a densely populated area shared pictures of their store receiving 350 units.
Graphic: Polygon; Source images: Nintendo; Inkee Wang for Polygon
GameStop will also have midnight releases, but the festivities will technically begin a day before on June 4 at 3 p.m. local time. The retailer has not shared what, exactly, will be happening during this time beyond apparently giving out one can of Red Bull per customer. Though we don’t have stock estimates, it’s worth noting that GameStop is heavily marketing the Switch 2 release specifically to people who don’t have pre-orders, outright telling people to try their luck anyway.
At Target, there won’t be midnight releases but the company encourages people to line up before their store opens in a “designated” area outside, where workers will dispense tickets. Tickets will be doled out ten minutes before the store opens, and customers will be limited to one console per person. Like any other retailer, stock will likely be impacted by location and size of the store, but retail workers are still sharing encouraging numbers. At one store, a Target employee claimed that their store will have 50 consoles and 60 bundles available to purchase. Another Target employee cautions customers that they expect their stock to be gone within the first 30 minutes of opening.
Walmart may be at the epicenter of the ruckus surrounding canceled pre-orders, but the retailer may also be your best chance at having some transparency for what you can expect at your local store. Some people are finding that the Walmart website shows exactly how many units their store will receive, with at least one location apparently slated to get 125 units of the Mario Kart World bundle.
Photo: Nintendo
Personally, I input my area code on the Walmart website and couldn’t see anything as of Tuesday. The screenshot displaying the stock count is from someone who had the Switch 2 in their cart, however, which might explain the discrepancy. Right now, since the Switch 2 is unavailable to pre-order, you can’t put it in your cart. Either way, numbers will likely differ from store to store — one retail worker at Walmart says their location will only have nine units for sale outside of pre-orders. Another worker in that thread noted that their location will get around 77 units, but that 80% of them are reserved already. The OP does say that it’s typical for stores to get canceled orders or no-shows, which can increase the number of consoles available for purchase. The stores have to set those consoles aside at first to give people a chance to pick them up, though.
At Costco, things sound promising. For one, it’s the retailer least likely to see long lines, as you need a membership to shop there. And there’s no such thing as a pre-order at Costco, which means it’s a free-for-all. Numbers at stores sound similar to other retailers; one worker shared a picture of a store that received 50 units. Another reply in that thread notes their location has 48 units. Scalpers beware, though: Costco has a limit of one console per customer every seven days.
No matter where you decide to go, check in with your local retailer to see when you can start lining up if that’s your plan of attack. Make sure to bring snacks, a way to stay warm, and something to pass the time if you’re going at midnight. Be prepared to arrive at least couple of hours early if you don’t have a pre-order, if not more if you are located in a big city. Scope things out in person and make an assessment. While many major retailers appear to be slated to receive dozens of units, it doesn’t make sense to be the 100th person in line at GameStop. And don’t be afraid to try multiple locations in search of your bounty.
Nintendo’s expecting to sell millions of Switch 2 units, which requires them to ship millions of consoles. If all else fails, sit tight: you’ll probably be able to buy a console at some point, even if it’s not exactly on launch day. Resist the FOMO! Games like Mario Kart World look fun, but much of what Switch 2 will have available at launch are upgraded games you might have already played.
