Securing a nintendo switch 2 console has proven incredibly challenging since its highly anticipated launch on June 5, 2025. Despite millions of units reportedly sold, overwhelming demand continues to far outpace the limited supply hitting shelves and online stores. For many hopeful buyers, finding the standard $449 / £395 console or the $499 / £429 bundle with Mario Kart World feels like a constant battle.
This guide is your dedicated resource, offering live updates, expert tips, and direct links to major retailers in both the US and UK. Our goal is to help you navigate the unpredictable landscape of Switch 2 availability and maximize your chances of scoring this sought-after hybrid console at its official retail price, steering clear of inflated third-party markups.
Why Is Nintendo Switch 2 stock So Scarce?
The difficulty in finding the Nintendo Switch 2 mirrors the initial launch struggles of previous consoles like the PS5. Several factors contribute to this ongoing scarcity:
High Demand Meets Limited Supply
Nintendo’s latest console is a must-have item for many gamers. Its hybrid design, new features, and enhanced performance over the original Switch generate immense interest. Manufacturers are working to increase production, but the initial supply simply cannot keep up with global demand right now. This imbalance is the primary driver behind consoles selling out in minutes whenever they appear.
Sporadic Restocks
Instead of large, consistent shipments, retailers receive inventory in smaller, unpredictable drops. This makes it difficult for consumers to anticipate availability, adding to the rush when stock finally appears. The pattern since the June 5 launch has been one of quick sell-outs following brief online or limited in-store appearances.
Retailer Specific Strategies
Different stores employ varied methods for selling the console. Some prioritize online sales that disappear instantly. Others opt for in-store only drops or reservation systems. Nintendo itself uses an invite system based on player loyalty. These diverse approaches, combined with bots and resellers, make the hunt complex.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Finding Stock
Finding a Nintendo Switch 2 requires preparation, persistence, and speed. Our restock experts recommend the following strategies:
Bookmark This Page: Keep this guide open and refresh frequently for the absolute latest updates posted by our team.
Know the Price: Be aware that the official prices are $449 / £395 for the console and $499 / £429 for the Mario Kart World bundle. Avoid paying significantly more from unofficial resellers, which can exceed $700+.
Create Retailer Accounts: Sign up for accounts with major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop. Save your shipping and payment information for rapid checkout.
Sign Up for Alerts: While not always perfect, sign up for email or app notifications from retailers if available.
Consider Retailer Memberships: Services like Walmart+ often provide early access windows for high-demand items like the Switch 2. A monthly membership ($12.95/month) or the annual plan ($98/year) could be worthwhile if Walmart is a primary target. Note that free trials may not qualify for early access.
Check In-Store Stock: Websites might show local store availability, or calling stores directly can sometimes reveal hidden stock. GameStop and Target have recently had limited in-store units.
Be Ready to Act Fast: When stock drops, especially online, you’ll likely only have minutes to complete your purchase before it sells out.
Nintendo Switch 2 Retailers: Where to Check Now (US)
Online stock for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States has been particularly challenging to secure. Recent activity has been sporadic, with consoles selling out almost instantly. Checking in-store availability at local branches might offer better odds for some buyers.
Walmart
Walmart saw a significant online restock on June 25. This drop offered a one-hour head start for paying Walmart+ members starting at 9 p.m. ET, with general access following at 10 p.m. ET. Stock sold out quickly during this window. Rumors suggest another potential restock around mid-July, possibly tied to events like the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked on July 9. Always be cautious of extremely high prices from third-party sellers on Walmart’s marketplace.
Nintendo Switch 2: Check Stock at Walmart
Mario Kart World Bundle: Check Stock at Walmart
Walmart+ Membership: Sign Up at Walmart
Best Buy
Best Buy’s last significant online restock was on June 11, followed by a smaller drop on June 23. Both sold out rapidly, sometimes requiring in-store pickup. There are rumors of a planned in-store restock at select Best Buy locations starting on July 1. You can use the Best Buy website to check participating stores in your area for potential availability during regular store hours.
Nintendo Switch 2: Check Stock at Best Buy
Target
Target had online restocks on June 6 and June 12, which vanished quickly. More recently, limited in-store availability has been reported in various locations across the US (e.g., Philadelphia, New York City area). Checking the Target website for “show in-stock stores” based on your location is advisable, though online reservations might not be possible.
Nintendo Switch 2: Check Stock at Target
GameStop
As a dedicated video game retailer, GameStop is expected to receive stock frequently, although recent availability has leaned towards in-store only. Checking your local GameStop brick-and-mortar store is a good strategy. Their website often directs users to a store locator rather than offering online purchase options for the console itself.
Nintendo Switch 2: Check Stock at GameStop
Antonline
Antonline has been notable for offering Switch 2 bundles more consistently than standalone consoles, although these are often at a higher price point, bundling accessories and games. A restock occurred on June 25 at 1:30 p.m. ET, primarily featuring these pricier bundles, which also began selling out within hours. Keep an eye on their listings for potential bundle opportunities.
Nintendo Switch 2: Check Stock at Antonline
Other US Retailers
My Nintendo Store: Utilizes an invite system for eligible loyalty program members. You must meet specific criteria (like 12+ months of paid Nintendo Switch Online, 50+ hours playtime on Switch 1) and register interest to potentially receive an invitation to buy. Visit My Nintendo Store
Amazon US: Has not been an official launch retailer for the console. A listing page briefly appeared last week but was removed. Stick to official retailers to avoid questionable third-party sellers and inflated prices on Amazon. Check Amazon
Newegg: Has product pages but no stock currently. Avoid third-party sellers listing consoles at extreme markups. Check Newegg
Sam’s Club: Occasionally lists the console or bundles, but stock is intermittent and often limited to members. Check Sam’s Club
Costco: Has carried the Mario Kart World bundle for members. Stock is unpredictable. Check Costco
BJs, Dell, Verizon: These retailers have had limited or brief stock in the past but are generally sold out. Keep checking if they are convenient options. Check BJ’s, Check Dell, Check Verizon
Nintendo Switch 2 Retailers: Where to Check Now (UK)
The stock situation in the United Kingdom has generally been less severe than in the US, with restocks sometimes lasting for several hours or even days. However, recent days have also seen stock vanish from many UK retailers.
Very: Recently released several bundles, providing a good opportunity for UK buyers. These bundles may have a short waiting period for delivery. Check Stock at Very
My Nintendo Store (UK): The official store recently had stock available. Log in with your Nintendo Account to attempt a purchase. Visit My Nintendo Store UK
Smyths Toys: Reports indicate Smyths is expecting more units in “July 2025” (likely meaning July 2024). This suggests stock could be incoming soon. Check Stock at Smyths
EE Store: Offers the Switch 2 bundled with Mario Kart World as part of a 24-month contract (£20 upfront, then £22/month). This is a longer-term commitment but provides immediate access. Check Stock at EE
Ebuyer.com: Taking pre-orders for the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle. Expected fulfillment is towards the end of July 2025 (likely 2024), but delivery dates are not guaranteed and orders are first-come, first-served. Pre-order at Ebuyer
Amazon UK: Has seen intermittent restocks. Keep monitoring their product pages. Check Amazon UK
Argos, Currys, ShopTo, The Game Collection, John Lewis, GAME: These retailers have all had stock appear and sell out recently. Check their websites regularly. Check Argos, Check Currys, Check ShopTo, Check The Game Collection, Check John Lewis, Check GAME
Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and Bundles
The official suggested retail price for the standalone Nintendo Switch 2 console is $449 / £395.
The official bundle including a digital copy of the popular launch title Mario Kart World is $499 / £429. This represents a slight discount compared to buying the game and console separately (Mario Kart World is priced at $79 / £74).
Retailers often create their own bundles, combining the console with accessories, extra controllers, or other games. While these can be convenient, always calculate the total cost and compare it to buying each item individually at MSRP to ensure you are getting a fair deal and not just paying an inflated price disguised as a bundle. Avoid bundles from third-party sellers listing at exorbitant costs.
Must-Have Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories
If you manage to secure a console, consider these essential accessories to enhance your gaming experience:
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84 / £74): Widely considered a significant upgrade for comfortable, precise play, especially when docked. Features include a headphone jack, a new ‘C’ button, and customizable back buttons. Generally easier to find in stock than the console itself.
Where to check: Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop (US); Argos (UK)
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 ($94 / £84 per pair): Updated Joy-Cons for multiplayer or spares.
Where to check: Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop (US)
MicroSD Express Card (256GB Samsung ~$59): Crucial for expanding the console’s storage beyond the built-in capacity, as Switch 2 games can be large (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 is nearly 60GB). Note that the Switch 2 only supports the newer, faster microSD Express standard, not older microSDXC cards.
Where to check: Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop (US); GameStop offers a slightly cheaper alternative.
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($54 / £49): Required for the new GameChat feature in supported online games like Mario Kart World. The official camera is 1080p. Third-party options exist (e.g., Hori Piranha Plant Camera, $59, but only 480p), as do compatible webcams from Logitech (most models work except Brio 4K).
Where to check: Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop (US); Currys (UK).
Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Wheel (Pair) ($24 / £20): Enhances racing game experiences like Mario Kart World.
Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case ($84 / £74): Protects your console and accessories when on the go.
Key Nintendo Switch 2 Games
A strong launch lineup and exciting upcoming titles make the Switch 2 highly desirable. Many games feature enhancements over their original Switch counterparts.
Mario Kart World ($79 / £74): The marquee launch title, often bundled with the console. Supports up to 24 racers and new gameplay mechanics.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition ($79 / £74): Enhanced port with improved visuals, performance (targeting 60fps handheld, 1440p docked), and exclusive “Zelda Notes” app integration (voice navigation, item sharing).
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ($79 / £74): Enhanced port of the original masterpiece, looking and running better on new hardware.
Note: Owners of original Switch versions of Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild can upgrade to the Switch 2 Enhanced Editions for $10 each, or for free with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition ($69 / £60): Offers a robust open-world RPG experience on the go, includes the Phantom Liberty DLC.
Donkey Kong Bananza ($69 / £60): Launches July 17, featuring new terrain deformation mechanics.
Street Fighter 6 ($59 / £50): Includes exclusive Switch 2 content like Local Wireless One-on-One and Avatar Matches.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Star-Crossed World ($79 / £70): Enhanced edition with graphical and performance improvements (1080p handheld, 1440p docked, 60fps).
Drag x Drive ($19.99): Launches August 14, a lower-priced title highlighted for its unique Joy-Con “Mouse Mode” controls.
Most of these games are readily available for purchase online at major retailers.
Avoiding Pitfalls: Scalpers, Used Consoles, and Screen Concerns
The high demand for the Switch 2 regrettably fuels the scalper market. Resellers buy consoles in bulk using bots and attempt to flip them at massive profits online. Always aim to buy from official retailers at MSRP. Patience is key, as restocks do happen periodically.
Be cautious if considering a pre-owned Switch 2. Reports have surfaced of Nintendo permanently banning (bricking) consoles used with illegal flash cartridges like the MIG Switch. If you buy a used console that was previously modified in this way, you risk being unable to access any online services (Error Code 2124-4508). Always buy from reputable sources or directly from retailers.
Independent tests have also raised questions about the 7.9-inch LCD screen’s pixel response time, with figures varying between 17ms and 33ms. Some users might perceive this as motion blur in handheld mode. While potentially slower than the original Switch’s screen (21ms) or faster gaming displays, whether the average player notices this in typical gameplay remains to be seen. Consider reviews and personal preference if the display is a major factor for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Nintendo Switch 2 console so hard to find in stock right now?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is experiencing severe stock shortages due to extremely high consumer demand significantly exceeding the initial manufacturing supply since its launch on June 5, 2025. Restocks are sporadic and sell out rapidly, often within minutes, across major retailers in both the US and UK. This mirrors the difficulty seen with other major console launches in recent years.
Which retailers are the best places to check online for Nintendo Switch 2 restocks?
In the US, key retailers to monitor frequently include Walmart (especially for Walmart+ members with early access), Best Buy, Target, GameStop, and Antonline (often for bundles). For UK buyers, check Very, My Nintendo Store, Smyths, EE Store (contract bundles), Ebuyer (pre-orders), Amazon UK, Argos, and Currys. Setting up accounts and refreshing product pages is crucial.
Is it worth buying a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle or waiting for the standalone console?
Buying a bundle, especially the official $499 / £429 Mario Kart World bundle, can sometimes be easier than finding the standalone $449 / £395 console, as bundles may stay in stock slightly longer. While costing more upfront, bundles often include a major game or useful accessories. Evaluate the bundle’s contents and compare the total price to the individual MSRPs to ensure value. Avoid overpriced bundles from unofficial sellers.
Stay Alert for Your Chance
The hunt for the Nintendo Switch 2 can be frustrating, but persistence pays off. Retailers continue to receive shipments, and by staying informed, prepared, and ready to act quickly, you significantly increase your chances of securing a console. Keep this page bookmarked, check the retailer links frequently, and good luck with your Switch 2 stock search!
