Missed the Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder? Your Guide to Tracking Restocks
▼ Summary
– The initial wave of Nintendo Switch 2 preorders quickly sold out at major retailers, making it difficult for gamers to secure the $449.99 console before its June 5th launch.
– Confirmed restocks have been rare, with brief availability reported at Walmart on April 26th, leading to concerns about acquiring the console without paying inflated reseller prices.
– Nintendo offers a preorder lottery through the My Nintendo Store, prioritizing dedicated players with specific criteria, but invites do not guarantee a console and may arrive after the launch date.
– To track retailer restocks more effectively, gamers are advised to follow inventory tracking accounts on social media, such as those by Jake Randall, Matt Swider, and Wario64, for timely updates.
– The Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger, higher-resolution display and improved performance, priced $150 higher than the original, with enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay in demanding titles.
The initial wave of Nintendo Switch 2 preorders arrived – and vanished – with the speed many anticipated. On April 24th, major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart briefly opened the gates for Nintendo’s next-generation console, only for listings to flip to “out of stock” or “coming soon” within hours. For hopeful gamers, securing the $449.99 console ahead of its June 5th launch became an immediate challenge.
Since that initial scramble, confirmed restocks have been exceptionally rare. Reports indicated a brief window of availability at Walmart on April 26th, but widespread opportunities have been scarce. This scarcity leaves many wondering about the best approach to acquiring the Switch 2 without resorting to marked-up reseller listings.
While hitting refresh on retailer websites is an option, it’s often inefficient. Thankfully, there are more structured ways to stay informed.
The My Nintendo Store Lottery
Nintendo is offering an alternative path directly through its own online storefront, the My Nintendo Store. The company is sending out preorder invitations via email in waves, which started May 8th. However, there’s a specific set of criteria designed to prioritize dedicated players over scalpers. To be eligible for an invite, users need:
- An active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership that has existed for at least 12 months.
- A minimum of 50 gameplay hours registered to that account.
If you meet these requirements, you can register your interest on Nintendo’s website. Receiving an email invite doesn’t guarantee a console, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis once the link is clicked. Users typically have a 72-hour window to complete their purchase if inventory is available. Nintendo has cautioned that due to high demand, some invites might arrive after the June 5th launch date, making this route less certain for day-one availability.
Smarter Restock Tracking
For those aiming for retailer restocks, relying solely on official “notify me” buttons can be frustrating, as alerts often arrive too late. A more proactive approach involves following dedicated inventory tracking accounts on social media platforms.
Accounts like those run by Jake Randall and Matt Swider on X (formerly Twitter) have built reputations for providing timely restock information. Another highly recommended tracker is Wario64 (also on X and BlueSky), known for covering a wide range of gaming deals and stock alerts. While these accounts cover more than just the Switch 2, their speed often gives followers an edge when limited stock appears.
A Glimpse of the Hardware
The buzz around the Switch 2 isn’t just about scarcity. Priced $150 higher than the original 2017 Switch, the new console boasts tangible improvements. Early impressions highlight a larger, higher-resolution 7.9-inch 1080p display with HDR and 120Hz support, offering a significant visual upgrade. Performance also appears noticeably enhanced, with reports citing smoother frame rates in demanding games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and faster loading in new titles like the bundled Mario Kart World (available in a $499.99 package).
While securing a Nintendo Switch 2 before its June 5th arrival remains challenging, persistence and utilizing the right tracking methods offer the best chance. The direct-from-Nintendo invite system provides a potential, albeit possibly delayed, alternative for eligible long-time players. For everyone else, keeping a close eye on reliable online trackers seems the most viable strategy for now.
