If you want to get new video game hardware at startup, you usually need to pre-order. Historically, most major brick and mortar retailers have far fewer pre-orders and their initial stock, which can be sold to walk-in. For example, when the PS5 was released, many Gamestops only had a handful to sell without pre-orders. However, with the Switch 2, Nintendo appears to be preparing to meet incredible demand.
First, let’s make one thing rich and clear. You are not given to get the console. Don’t assume you can go to the local retailer closest to launch day without publishing. Also, even if you have a pre-order, you should expect time to line up, so plan accordingly.
That being said, there is a reason to be optimistic if you don’t have a pre-order or if you’re unlucky enough to see an existing pre-order being cancelled.
With Best Buy, Retailers have “almost all” stores retain their midnight releases, and “most” stores have additional stock if they don’t have pre-orders. Specifically, the store will open at 12pm, 11:01pm, 10:01pm, 9pm and 9:01pm ET. Best Buy will hand out commemorative tokens for those participating in the midnight release. Your best bet is to call your store and ask about stocks, but retail workers share images that look promising. For example, one store has 250 consoles. The 200 is reserved, but anyone can buy the 50. Another report from the “small” store shared similar figures. Stock may vary depending on store size and location. One retail worker in a densely populated area shared a photo of a store receiving 350 units.
Graphic: gripyajoystick; Source Image: Nintendo; Inkey One for gripyajoystick
GameStop There will also be a midnight release, but the festival will technically begin one day before 3pm local time on June 4th. Retailers don’t share exactly what will happen during this period, beyond offering one can of Red Bull per customer. There are no stock estimates, but it is worth noting that GameStop is doing a lot of marketing for the Switch 2 release to those who don’t have a particularly pre-order.
With the targetalthough there will be no midnight releases, the company is encouraging people to line up before stores open in “specified” areas where workers distribute tickets. Tickets are fired 10 minutes before the store opens, and customers are limited to one console per person. Like other retailers, stocks can be affected by store location and size, but retail workers still share a number of encouragements. In one store, Target employees claimed that their store could purchase 50 consoles and 60 bundles. Another target employee warns that the customer expects stock to run out within the first 30 minutes.
Walmart You may be in the epicenter of cancelled pre-orders in the surrounding Ruckus, but retailers may be their best chance to have some transparency about what you can expect from their local stores. Some people find that on the Walmart website it shows exactly how many units the store will receive.
Photo: Nintendo
Personally, I entered my area code on the Walmart website, but couldn’t see anything like it was on Tuesday. The screenshot showing the stock count is from someone who had switch 2 in the cart, but that might explain the inconsistency. Currently, Switch 2 cannot be pre-ordered, so it cannot be added to your cart. In any case, numbers may vary from store to store. A retail worker at Walmart says there are only nine units sold at the location except for pre-orders. Another worker in that thread pointed out that their location earns around 77 units, but 80% of them are already booked. The OP says that it is typical for stores to get cancelled orders or no shows, and can increase the number of consoles available to buy. However, stores must first place these consoles aside and give people the opportunity to pick them up.
At Costcothings sound promising. For one, retailers are most likely to see long lines as they require membership to shop there. And there’s nothing like pre-orders at Costco. In other words, it means that it is all freedom. Store numbers are similar to other retailers. One worker shared a photo of the store where 50 units were received. Another reply to that thread points out that there are 48 units at their location. However, females should be careful: Costco has one console limit per customer every 7 days.
Wherever you go, check in with your local retailer to see when you can line up whether it’s a plan for an attack. If you’re going in the middle of the night, bring a snack, have a way to stay warm and something to spend time. If you don’t have a pre-order, be prepared to arrive at least a few hours earlier. Exclude things directly and perform evaluations. While many major retailers appear to be planning on receiving dozens of units, it makes no sense to be the 100th person on GameStop. And don’t be afraid to try multiple places in search of your blessing.
Nintendo expects to sell millions of Switch 2 units, so it needs to ship millions of consoles. If everything else fails, sit firmly. Even if the release date is not accurate, you will probably be able to purchase the console at some point. Resist FOMO! Games like Mario Kart World It looks fun to look at, but much of what Switch 2 is available when it’s released is an upgrade game you may have already played.