The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially launched, and just like its predecessor and consoles before it, finding one in stock at its standard retail price is proving incredibly difficult. Launched on June 5th at $449.99 for the console alone and $499.99 for the popular bundle featuring a digital copy of Mario Kart World, demand has far outpaced supply. In fact, the Switch 2 has reportedly sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days, making it the fastest-selling Nintendo hardware ever globally.
This overwhelming demand has led to frustratingly quick sell-outs and the inevitable rise of third-party resellers asking for significantly inflated prices. We’re tracking where the Nintendo Switch 2 might be available and offering advice on how to navigate the hunt and avoid paying exorbitant fees.
The Current Stock Situation: Beware of Price Gougers
As of June 13th, the situation remains challenging for most buyers seeking the Nintendo Switch 2 at its official MSRP ($449.99 console / $499.99 bundle). While some retailers might list the console as “in stock,” this often comes with a major catch.
Walmart: Currently lists the Nintendo Switch 2 console and the Mario Kart World Bundle as “in stock,” but primarily through third-party sellers. These resellers are listing the bundle for as high as $749, far above the $499.99 retail price. We strongly advise against purchasing from these price gougers. Official restocks directly from Walmart are rare and sell out instantly.
Other Retailers: Stock has appeared sporadically at other major retailers since launch, but these drops have been brief. Target had online stock on June 6th and again briefly on June 13th but is now sold out. Best Buy saw an online restock on June 11th which vanished quickly. GameStop and Best Buy have primarily focused on limited in-store availability following midnight launch events.
The consensus across retailers is clear: official stock at MSRP is hard to come by online, and when it appears, it sells out within minutes.
Why is the Nintendo Switch 2 So Hard to Find?
The primary reason for the persistent stock shortages is unprecedented demand. The console’s launch has been a massive success, quickly becoming Nintendo’s fastest-selling hardware globally. This high sales volume, coupled with initial production levels, simply means there aren’t enough units to go around yet. Tariffs may also play a role, though demand is the dominant factor.
The difficulty in securing a unit was evident even before launch day. Retailer websites like GameStop, Target, and Walmart reportedly crashed on April 24th when preorders first opened, highlighting the immediate surge in consumer interest.
Where to Check for Nintendo Switch 2 Restocks
While online stock is unpredictable, keeping a close eye on major retailer websites is your best bet. Avoid impulse buying from third-party sellers asking exorbitant prices (we’ve seen listings well over $600, $800, and even $899). Patience and persistence are key.
Here’s a breakdown of where to look:
My Nintendo Store (Nintendo Online): Purchasing directly from Nintendo is possible but has unique requirements. You need an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online account that has been paid for at least 12 months, and you must have registered at least 50 hours of gameplay on your previous Switch console. Eligible members can “register interest” and may receive an email invitation link to purchase.
Walmart: Keep checking the product page, but be extremely cautious of third-party listings with inflated prices. Look specifically for “Sold and shipped by Walmart.”
Target: Monitor their online listings. While currently sold out online, they’ve had brief drops. On launch day, some physical stores used a queuing/reservation ticket system.
GameStop: Online stock is scarce, but many stores have tools to check local availability. They also offered midnight launch events and a “Transfer and Trade” service for existing Switch owners. Sign up for email updates if possible.
Best Buy: Online purchasing for high-demand items requires a My Best Buy account, confirming location, adding to cart, and completing checkout within a strict 10-minute window. Online stock is currently unavailable, but check regularly.
Costco: This retailer had the Mario Kart World bundle in stock for members on June 5th but quickly sold out. Keep checking online, potentially for member-only bundles. (Limit one per membership every seven days).
Staples: Select stores reportedly had limited stock on launch day on a first-come, first-served basis. Online stock is currently listed as “Out of stock.”
Amazon: Amazon is not an official Nintendo retailer for the console itself in the US, making any consoles listed likely from potentially dubious third-party resellers. Avoid buying the console here. Amazon does sell Switch 2 launch games and accessories.
Tips for Tracking Restocks:
Check Frequently: Stock can appear at any time, often without warning. Check retailer websites multiple times a day.
Sign Up for Alerts: Register for email or text alerts from retailers if they offer them.
Create Accounts & Save Payment Info: Have accounts ready with major retailers (like My Best Buy) and payment/shipping information saved to speed up checkout when stock appears.
Avoid Scalpers: Do NOT pay inflated prices from third-party resellers on platforms like Walmart, Amazon Marketplace, or eBay. Official restocks will happen at MSRP.
Check In-Store: For retailers like GameStop and potentially Staples or Target, use online tools or call ahead to check physical store availability.
Extending Gameplay: Battery Life and Charging
Despite improved performance, the Nintendo Switch 2’s handheld battery life is roughly three hours at best, similar to demanding use on the original Switch. This is an expected trade-off for the more powerful hardware. Fortunately, the console charges via a standard USB-C port, meaning you don’t need Nintendo-specific chargers initially.
To keep gaming on the go, a portable power bank is highly recommended. Look for power banks with a good capacity (at least 10,000mAh for one full charge) and a decent power delivery (PD) output (20W or higher is good).
Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh, 30W PD): A solid overall choice, compact with a built-in USB-C cable for convenience.
INIU Portable Charger (20,000mAh, 22.5W): Offers higher capacity for multiple charges, though slightly slower output than the Anker. Includes multiple ports.
VEEKTOMX Mini Power Bank (10,000mAh, 20W USB-C): Prioritizes portability, lightweight and compact, great for slipping into a case.
Accessories & Games: Easier to Find
While the console itself remains elusive, accessories and games are much easier to find and stock up on while you wait.
Accessories:
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99): A highly praised controller often cited as potentially one of the best gaming pads. Features a headphone jack, a new “C” button, and mappable back buttons.
MicroSD Express Cards: Essential for storage expansion on the Switch 2, as they are the only compatible type. Look for licensed options like the Samsung 256GB card ($59.99) or potentially more affordable alternatives like the onn brand 256GB card ($35 at Walmart).
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($54): The official 1080p camera for the new GameChat feature.
Carrying Case & Screen Protector ($39.88): Screen protectors are highly recommended as the plastic screen can be prone to scratches when docking.
Joy-Con 2 Controllers ($94), Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip ($39.99), Joy-Con 2 Wheel set ($24): Updated versions of the classic controllers and accessories.
Nintendo GameCube Controller ($64.99): Compatibility may vary by game.
Games:
Mario Kart World ($79): The main launch title, featuring an open-world mode, new power-ups, and up to 24 drivers. Note that some early impressions found the open-world mode underwhelming.
Donkey Kong Bananza ($69): An upcoming title scheduled for July 17th, featuring destructible terrain.
“Switch 2 Edition” Titles: Enhanced ports of popular games are available, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition ($79), The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition ($69), and Kirby and the Forgotten Land Star-Crossed World ($79). These are expected to feature graphical and performance improvements (like Kirby potentially running at 60fps with higher resolution) and new content (Zelda adding “Zelda Notes” voice assistance via the app).
Street Fighter 6 1-2 Fighters Edition ($59): A port featuring exclusive Switch 2 content like local wireless matches.
Early Impressions: A Big Step Forward
Early reviews and hands-on impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 highlight it as a significant upgrade over the original. The console features a noticeably larger 7.9-inch display and boasts more powerful specs, described by some as comparable to a PS4 or Xbox One, allowing it to handle more demanding titles. Reviewers note improved graphical fidelity, HDR support, and frame rate increases in enhanced games. While there might be “a couple of annoying setup quirks” and it’s “not perfect,” the console is generally seen as a strong evolution and the best hybrid console available.
Stay Updated
The hunt for the Nintendo Switch 2 at its retail price is ongoing. We will continue to update this page with the latest stock sightings and tracking information. Keep checking the retailer links above, be patient, and good luck securing your console!
