The hunt for the new Nintendo Switch 2 console continues to be incredibly challenging since its launch on June 5th. High demand means that any available inventory disappears at lightning speed, particularly when buying online in the US. While the UK has seen slightly better, more frequent restocks historically, even there, finding the console readily available is currently difficult.
Securing the standard Nintendo Switch 2 (priced at $449.99 / £395.99) or the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99 / £429.99) requires diligence and knowing exactly where and when to look. Avoid paying inflated prices from third-party resellers, which can exceed $700 or more – stock does appear at MSRP if you’re fast and prepared.
Latest US Nintendo Switch 2 Stock Updates
The US market remains the toughest for finding Switch 2 stock. Retailers have often prioritized stocking physical stores over online inventory since launch, making the hunt difficult for those not near a participating location.
Walmart: A highly anticipated online restock occurred on the evening of June 25th. This event was crucial, offering early access exclusively to Walmart+ members starting at 9 pm ET, with public access theoretically opening at 10 pm ET. However, stock sold out almost instantly during the Walmart+ window. Reports suggest that despite potentially having significantly more inventory than launch day, 99% of the stock was claimed within roughly 30 minutes. If you’re serious about future Walmart drops, signing up for a Walmart+ membership (or its free trial, if applicable for early access as it was for this drop) appears almost necessary.
Antonline: Also held a restock on June 25th around 1:30 pm ET. This inventory primarily consisted of pricier bundles (starting around $609.95 and going up to $699.95), which began selling out throughout the day. Bundles can sometimes be an easier way to secure a console, as their higher cost deters casual buyers and scalpers.
Other Major US Retailers: Many remain sold out online.
Best Buy: Recently shifted from primarily in-store stock to showing “out of stock” online, though they did have a brief restock of the Mario Kart bundle on June 23rd that required in-store pickup, lasting unusually long (over two hours).
Target: Limited in-store stock has been reported in select locations. Checking local store availability online or by phone is recommended.
GameStop: Largely focused on in-store only stock recently.
Amazon US: Remains unusually quiet with no significant stock updates since launch.
Costco: May have stock available online, but typically requires a membership for purchase.
My Nintendo Store (US): Uses an invitation system based on user activity (like paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for 12+ months and 50+ gameplay hours as of a certain date) to allocate stock directly, helping combat scalping.
Keep checking links for Sam’s Club, Newegg, and Verizon as inventory status can change rapidly.
Where to Check for US Switch 2 Stock:
Walmart: [Check Stock] (Monitor for future drops, Walmart+ recommended)
Antonline: [Check Stock] (Monitor for bundle availability)
Best Buy: [Check Stock] (Check online status and local stores)
Target: [Check Stock] (Check local stores)
GameStop: [Check Stock] (Check local stores)
Amazon US: [Check Stock] (Monitor for updates)
Costco: [Check Stock] (Membership required)
My Nintendo Store: [Check Stock] (Via Invitation system)
Sam’s Club: [Check Stock]
Newegg: [Check Stock]
Verizon: [Check Stock]
Latest UK Nintendo Switch 2 Stock Updates
Finding a Switch 2 in the UK has generally been slightly less painful than in the US, with more frequent, though still brief, restocks. However, the market is currently experiencing a bit of a dry period.
My Nintendo Store UK: As of recent checks, the official store has been noted as having the standalone console in stock with relatively fast delivery (1-2 working days). Inventory can fluctuate, so check back often.
EE: Offers the Switch 2 as part of a contract bundle (requiring an existing phone or broadband contract, ~£20 upfront then £22/month for two years, includes console, Mario Kart World, 12-month NSO + Expansion Pack, data passes). This is one of the few places with consistent availability.
Ebuyer / ShopTo: These retailers are currently accepting pre-orders or backorders for the console and/or Mario Kart bundle, but delivery is not expected until mid-July or later.
The Game Collection: May have specific, more expensive bundles available for faster delivery, similar to Antonline in the US, providing another route if you’re willing to buy extras.
Other retailers like Amazon UK, Currys, Very, Argos, John Lewis, Smyths Toys, HMV, and GAME have had stock drops but are currently showing as sold out online or with limited in-store availability. Keep monitoring their pages. The pattern of recent large drops followed by quiet periods suggests inventory might be tight until the next major shipment, potentially arriving in July.
Where to Check for UK Switch 2 Stock:
My Nintendo Store UK: [Check Stock]
EE: [Check Stock] (Contract bundle)
Ebuyer: [Check Stock] (Pre-order for July)
ShopTo: [Check Stock] (Back order for July)
The Game Collection: [Check Stock] (Expensive bundles)
Amazon UK: [Check Stock]
Currys: [Check Stock]
Very: [Check Stock]
Argos: [Check Stock]
John Lewis: [Check Stock]
Smyths Toys: [Check Stock] (Check in-store)
GAME UK: [Check Stock] (Check in-store)
JD Williams: [Check Stock]
HMV: [Check Stock]
Tips for Boosting Your Chances
- Be Prepared: Create accounts with major retailers and ensure your payment and shipping information is up-to-date for rapid checkout.
- Use Direct Links: Navigate directly to the product page instead of relying on general searches.
- Monitor Closely: Follow stock tracking accounts on social media and set alerts where possible. Availability windows are often incredibly short.
- Consider Bundles: While pricier, bundles can sometimes remain in stock longer than standalone consoles.
- Check In-Store: Don’t rely solely on online availability. Call or visit local stores for retailers like Target, GameStop, Best Buy, and Smyths Toys.
- Leverage Memberships: Walmart+ was crucial for the recent US drop. Consider signing up for a free trial or paid membership if you target Walmart. The Nintendo Store US uses an invitation system based on NSO membership.
Nintendo Switch 2: What to Expect
If you manage to secure a console, here’s a brief look at what the Switch 2 offers:
Enhanced Hardware: Features a new custom Nvidia chip, a significant increase to 12GB of RAM, and a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen supporting 1080p handheld resolution, HDR, and a 120Hz refresh rate in portable mode. It also boasts DLSS upscaling for potentially improved visuals on compatible titles and supports 4K output at 60fps when docked.
Storage: Supports MicroSD Express cards for expanded storage up to 2TB, essential for larger titles like Cyberpunk 2077 (nearly 60GB). Official Samsung and SanDisk cards are available.
Accessories: Launches with official accessories like the Switch 2 Pro Controller (with features like a headphone jack and back buttons), Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Camera (the official one aims for 1080p, while a HORI alternative is 480p), carrying case, and more.
Launch Lineup & Enhanced Titles: Kicked off with Mario Kart World (the new racing game) and features enhanced “Switch 2 Edition” versions of popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild (promising graphical and performance boosts), Kirby and the Forgotten Land (with a new story mode, “Star-Crossed World”), and demanding ports like Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. The system also benefits from performance updates for many older Switch games and introduces a brand new GameCube library via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, featuring games like Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur II.
Pricing: While console MSRP didn’t change due to US tariffs, some accessories increased by $5. The Mario Kart World bundle offers a $30 / £40 saving compared to buying the game separately and is expected to only be available through Fall 2025.
Public Reception: Initial reaction has been mixed for some, with the $150 price increase over the original Switch’s launch price questioned by some, especially alongside increased game prices.
Finding the Nintendo Switch 2 is undoubtedly challenging right now, but persistent monitoring of retailer sites, understanding retailer-specific tactics (like Walmart+), and being ready to act quickly are your best strategies for hopefully securing the console.
