Finding the Nintendo switch 2 console at its official retail price feels like a challenging quest for many gamers. Since its launch on June 5th, demand has dramatically outpaced supply. While securing the system isn’t easy, restocks are happening. This guide provides the latest information on where to look and essential tips to boost your chances of buying the Switch 2 without paying inflated scalper prices.
The excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is huge. Following its highly anticipated debut, the console quickly became the fastest-selling system ever, moving over 3.5 million units in just its first four days. Priced at $449.99 for the standalone console and $499.99 when bundled with the hit game Mario Kart World, the official price offers great value. Unfortunately, persistent stock shortages mean paying much more from third-party resellers is common. Patience and knowing where to look are your best strategies.
Where to Find Nintendo Switch 2 Restocks Now
Major retailers are the primary source for legitimate Nintendo Switch 2 inventory at MSRP. Stock appears online and in physical stores but sells out rapidly. Monitoring retailer websites constantly is key. Checking their apps and signing up for email or social media alerts can also help.
Best Buy: Upcoming In-Store Restock Confirmed
Best Buy has been a significant point for recent restocks. They had online availability on June 11th and June 23rd following the June 5th launch. These online drops often required in-store pickup and sold out quickly. Crucially, Best Buy has a confirmed in-store restock event scheduled for Tuesday, July 1st. This restock will be available at numerous locations across approximately 45 US states. This provides a strong opportunity to potentially purchase a console in person, avoiding online queue frustrations. Check the Best Buy website or app for participating stores near you and their opening hours.
Walmart: Recent Online Drops & Membership Perks
Walmart saw a recent online restock on June 25th. Notably, this drop initially offered early access to Walmart+ membership subscribers before opening to the general public about an hour later. While currently sold out online at MSRP, Walmart also sells the console in brick-and-mortar locations. Inventory varies significantly by store, so checking your local store’s stock status online or calling ahead is recommended. Be extremely cautious of third-party sellers on Walmart’s marketplace listing the console for hundreds of dollars above MSRP; these should be avoided.
Target: Sporadic Online and In-Store Availability
Target also participated in launch day sales, including some dedicated in-store queues. Online restocks have occurred intermittently, with reported drops on June 6th (around 3:30 AM ET) and June 12th (around 2:30 PM ET). These online restocks lasted only a couple of hours or less before selling out. In-store sightings have also been reported, such as in Philadelphia on June 24th. Keep an eye on Target’s website for potential future online drops and check local store stock availability, although online seems less frequent than in-store sightings currently.
GameStop: Focus on In-Store Inventory
As a specialist gaming retailer, GameStop is expected to receive regular stock. While online availability has been limited or out of stock recently, with listings directing users to find a store, GameStop primarily handles Switch 2 sales through its physical locations. Checking with your local GameStop store directly or visiting in person might yield results. GameStop also offered preorder pickups and launch events. They even provide services to trade in your original Switch and transfer data, which could be useful if you secure a new console.
Membership-Based Retailers: Bundles Pop Up
Retailers requiring membership, like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s, have seen sporadic availability of Nintendo Switch 2 bundles since launch. These bundles often include Mario Kart World or a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. While currently out of stock online at most of these stores, they are worth monitoring if you are a member. Membership programs sometimes offer purchase limits (e.g., one per membership) to deter scalping. Keep checking their websites for online bundles or check your local club for potential floor stock.
Other Potential Retailers: Monitor Closely
A few other retailers have carried the Switch 2 briefly or are expected to in the future. Verizon briefly had the console available on launch day, though it required Verizon service and stock quickly vanished. Newegg has listed the console but without direct sales from Newegg itself; third-party sellers are listing units at vastly inflated prices, which is not recommended. Antonline has occasionally appeared with console bundles at MSRP and has been noted as being more active recently. Staples also sold the console at select stores on launch day. While less consistent than the major players, these retailers are worth adding to your watch list.
Why Amazon Is Not Selling the Switch 2
Curiously absent from the list of retailers is Amazon US. Reports, including one from Bloomberg on June 30th, indicate that Nintendo is currently not officially supplying the Switch 2 console to Amazon US. This is reportedly due to an ongoing dispute between Nintendo and Amazon related to Amazon continuing to allow third-party sellers to sell unauthorized, trans-shipped games. While some Switch 2 games and accessories have begun appearing on Amazon, the console itself is not officially listed, and any listings found are likely from high-priced resellers. Avoid attempting to buy the console from Amazon US for now.
Buying Directly from Nintendo: The Invite System
Nintendo offers a direct purchase option through its My Nintendo Store, but it utilizes an invite system rather than open sales. To even be eligible to register interest, you must meet specific criteria: have had a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months and have logged a minimum of 50 hours of playtime on your original Switch console as of April 2nd. Meeting these criteria allows you to register your interest for a potential email invitation to purchase the console or a bundle. However, this system has been slow, with many eligible users waiting weeks or months for an invite. It’s worth signing up if you qualify, but don’t rely on it for immediate purchase.
Actionable Tips for Securing a Console
Given the difficulty, here are key strategies based on retailer behavior and past restock patterns:
Monitor Retailer Websites Relentlessly: Stock appears and disappears in minutes. Have retailer pages open on your computer or phone and refresh frequently.
Check Local Store Inventory: Many retailers prioritize in-store stock or online orders for in-store pickup. Use retailer websites or apps to check local store availability regularly.
Be Ready for Early Mornings/Late Nights: Online restocks often happen during off-hours (early morning ET or late night ET), catching many casual shoppers off guard.
Create Accounts and Save Payment Info: Retailers like Best Buy require an account. Having your account created and payment/shipping information saved beforehand can save precious seconds during a frantic checkout process.
Join Membership Programs: Walmart+ and Costco/Sam’s Club memberships can offer early access or exclusive bundles.
Consider Bundles: The Mario Kart World bundle ($500) costs $50 more than the standalone console ($450), but since the game retails for $80, it’s not a bad deal and bundles sometimes have better availability than standalone units.
Avoid Scalpers: Do not pay significantly above the $450 or $500 MSRP from third-party sellers on marketplaces like Walmart or Newegg. More stock will eventually become available at official prices.
Games and Accessories for the Switch 2
While the console remains scarce, securing games and most accessories is significantly easier. Many retailers have stock of the Switch 2’s launch titles and peripherals.
Key games available include Mario Kart World ($80), The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, and Donkey Kong Bananza ($70), which is set for release in mid-July but often available for preorder. Enhanced versions of existing games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land Star-Crossed World and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition showcase the Switch 2’s improved performance and graphics capabilities, such as higher frame rates and resolutions. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition* even uses unique features like “Zelda Notes” via the Switch app for voice-assisted navigation.
Accessories like the updated Switch 2 Pro Controller ($85), Joy-Con 2 controllers ($95 bundle), and Switch 2 Camera ($55) are largely available. The Camera enables features like GameChat video chat. Other peripherals like the Joy-Con Charging Grip ($40) and Wheels ($25) are also relatively easy to find. A critical accessory for many users will be a new storage card; the Switch 2 exclusively uses microSD Express cards, offering much faster speeds but requiring a new purchase even if you have existing microSD cards. The official 256GB Samsung microSD Express card is priced around $60. Nintendo’s official carrying cases ($40-$85) have been a bit spotty in stock, so you may need to look for third-party alternatives initially. The official Switch 2 Dock Set ($120) and the new Nintendo GameCube Controller for Switch 2 ($65) are primarily available direct from Nintendo, though the GameCube controller requires a Switch Online membership.
Nintendo Switch 2 Enhancements Overview
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings notable upgrades over its predecessor. It features a larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display, a significant jump from the original’s 6.2-inch 720p screen. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers utilize a magnetic attachment system and include new features like a headphone jack on the Pro Controller V2 and customizable back buttons. Overall, the console boasts beefier horsepower and improved system software, leading to better performance and graphics in compatible titles. New “game-changing” social features have also been highlighted. While not a revolutionary leap for everyone, The Verge’s review noted it’s “exactly good enough” and a clear improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Nintendo Switch 2 console so hard to buy right now?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is difficult to purchase primarily due to extremely high consumer demand significantly exceeding initial manufacturing supply. This situation is common with new console launches and is exacerbated by resellers (“scalpers”) using bots to buy stock quickly and then selling it at inflated prices far above the official MSRP ($449.99). Potential factors like tariffs might also play a minor role in supply chain issues.
Which retailers are the best places to check for Nintendo Switch 2 stock?
Major US retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop are the most reliable sources for official stock at MSRP. Best Buy recently confirmed a significant in-store restock for July 1st. Walmart and Target have intermittent online drops and varied in-store availability. GameStop tends to have stock more frequently in its physical stores. Membership clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club sometimes offer bundles. Avoid Amazon US currently due to a dispute, and be wary of third-party sellers on platforms like Walmart or Newegg charging inflated prices.
Can I buy the Nintendo Switch 2 console directly from Nintendo?
Yes, Nintendo sells the Switch 2 directly through its My Nintendo Store in the US, but it uses a special invite system. To register for a chance to receive an invitation to purchase, you must have had a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months and have logged at least 50 hours of playtime on an original Switch console as of April 2nd. The invite system is slow, and receiving an invitation is not guaranteed, so this is not the fastest way to get a console.
The Hunt Continues
Securing a Nintendo Switch 2 remains challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Restocks are occurring more frequently now than immediately after launch. By staying vigilant, monitoring the key retailer channels mentioned (especially keeping the confirmed Best Buy July 1st in-store date in mind), being prepared to act fast, and leveraging retailer-specific strategies like membership programs or checking local inventory, you significantly improve your odds. Remember to always aim for the official $449.99 or $499.90 MSRP and avoid paying scalpers. Patience, persistence, and quick reflexes are your best allies in bringing the powerful new Switch 2 home.
