Finding the Nintendo switch 2 console has proven exceptionally challenging since its release on June 5th. Dedicated shoppers in the United States have faced consistent stock shortages, making opportunities to purchase the highly sought-after system incredibly rare. However, a significant chance is arriving soon: walmart has confirmed a major online restock of the Nintendo Switch 2 tonight, June 25, 2025, starting at 9 PM Eastern Time (6 PM Pacific). This event is anticipated to be one of Walmart’s largest Switch 2 drops since its launch. But, securing your console during this crucial window comes with a notable condition you need to be aware of.
What You Need to Know: The Walmart Switch 2 Restock Details
Walmart’s confirmed online restock for the Nintendo Switch 2 kicks off tonight, June 25th, at precisely 9 PM ET. This timing is critical for anyone hoping to finally get their hands on the console. However, for the crucial first hour of availability – from 9 PM ET until 10 PM ET – access to the stock will be exclusively limited to members of Walmart+. Only customers with a paid Walmart+ subscription will be eligible to add the console to their cart during this initial period. Free trial members of Walmart+ are specifically excluded from this early access privilege. Experts who track console availability closely indicate that this one-hour window is likely your absolute best chance to secure a console, as demand is expected to far outstrip supply once again.
Is Walmart+ Worth It for the Switch 2? Breaking Down the Cost
The requirement for a paid Walmart+ membership to gain early access raises a key question for many prospective buyers: Is the subscription cost justified? A standard Walmart+ membership costs $13 per month or $98 for a full year if you opt for the annual plan. Considering the official price of the Switch 2 at Walmart starts at $449, spending an extra $13 for a single month’s access might seem negligible, especially when compared to the exorbitant prices often charged by third-party resellers on platforms like Walmart’s marketplace, which have been seen reaching almost $800.
For those who aren’t regular Walmart shoppers but desperately want the console, the monthly $13 fee is likely the most cost-effective route to bypass the general access chaos. Choosing the annual $98 plan only makes financial sense if you plan to utilize the other Walmart+ benefits frequently over the next year. Think of it this way: the difference between the annual and monthly cost over a year is about $85, which could almost pay for a new Switch 2 game like “Mario Kart World” (priced at $79.99 at Walmart).
Beyond early access to highly coveted items like the Switch 2, a Walmart+ membership offers other perks. These include free delivery from your local store (potentially same-day) and free shipping on online orders with no minimum purchase (excluding certain items). Members also receive discounts on fuel purchases and get a complimentary subscription to Paramount+. Some sources even suggest the early access window, by requiring a paid membership, acts as a beneficial deterrent against automated purchase bots and scalpers who might be less willing to pay the monthly fee for each attempt.
Console Options and Pricing at Walmart’s Restock
During tonight’s restock, Walmart is expected to offer at least two versions of the Nintendo Switch 2 console. The baseline standalone console will be available for its standard retail price of $449 (or $449.99 depending on specific listing). Additionally, the popular bundle featuring the Nintendo Switch 2 console packaged with the digital copy of the “Mario Kart World” game is also scheduled to be available. This bundle is priced at $499 (or $499.99).
Many experts recommend considering the “Mario Kart World” bundle if available. It often represents a slight saving compared to buying the console and the game separately, and sometimes retailers may have larger stock volumes of bundles than standalone units. Both options are expected to sell out rapidly.
Your Best Chance to Score a Switch 2: Tips for Success
Securing a Nintendo Switch 2 during this high-demand event requires preparation and speed. The most crucial step is ensuring you have an active, paid Walmart+ membership before the 9 PM ET drop time. If you only have a free trial, you must convert it to a paid membership to gain early access.
Logging onto the Walmart website about 10 to 15 minutes before the 9 PM ET start time is highly recommended. Have your payment information saved and be ready to refresh the product page exactly when the clock strikes 9 PM ET. Add the console or bundle to your cart immediately and proceed to checkout as quickly as possible. Due to the limited one-hour window and anticipated massive demand, there is a very high likelihood that all stock will be depleted well before general access opens at 10 PM ET. Simply put, waiting until 10 PM to try and buy if you aren’t a Walmart+ member is highly unlikely to result in success. Reports from previous Walmart restocks, particularly with high-demand consoles, suggest delivery times can be surprisingly fast, potentially arriving within a few days, especially with Walmart+.
Why Finding a Switch 2 is Still So Difficult
The current stock situation for the Nintendo Switch 2 mirrors the challenges seen with other console launches in recent years. Global supply chain issues and immense consumer demand mean retailers receive limited inventory, which sells out almost instantly upon becoming available. While the UK market has seen some fluctuations in stock, the situation in the United States has been particularly constrained, with online restocks being infrequent and often favouring exclusive access programs like Walmart+. Many other major US retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and GameStop, frequently show the console as out of stock online, sometimes prioritizing very limited in-store drops (like a confirmed event at select Best Buy locations set for July 1st). This pattern reinforces the significance of tonight’s confirmed major online restock at Walmart – it’s a rare opportunity in a landscape of scarcity. Given this context, it’s also crucial to strongly advise against purchasing from scalpers listing consoles at drastically inflated prices; waiting for official restocks like this one is the best approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact date and time for the Walmart Switch 2 restock?
Walmart has confirmed that a major online restock for the Nintendo Switch 2 will occur tonight, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, starting at 9 PM Eastern Time (ET). This corresponds to 6 PM Pacific Time (PT).
Do I need Walmart+ to buy the Switch 2 from Walmart’s restock?
To get early access during the crucial first hour of the restock (9 PM ET to 10 PM ET), you absolutely must have a paid Walmart+ membership. Free trial members are not eligible for this exclusive purchase window. While general access might technically open at 10 PM ET, it is considered highly unlikely any stock will remain by then due to high demand.
How much does Walmart+ cost, and is it worth it just for buying the Switch 2?
A paid Walmart+ membership costs $13 per month or $98 per year. If your primary goal is securing the Switch 2 during tonight’s restock, paying the $13 for one month’s access is likely the most cost-effective way to gain early entry. The annual plan ($98) is more cost-effective per month but is only worth it if you plan to use the membership benefits (like free delivery, gas discounts, Paramount+) frequently over the full year.
Conclusion
Tonight presents a vital opportunity for hopeful Nintendo Switch 2 owners in the US. Walmart’s confirmed online restock at 9 PM ET on June 25th is one of the most significant chances to acquire the console since its launch. However, the key to success lies with a paid Walmart+ membership, granting exclusive access for the first hour when stock is most likely available. If you’re determined to avoid inflated scalper prices and beat the rush, securing your Walmart+ membership now and being ready right at 9 PM ET is your best strategy. Don’t miss this critical window to potentially add the Nintendo Switch 2 to your collection.
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