The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has officially hit the shelves in the U.S., retailing for $450.
The console became available for purchase at midnight ET on June 5, with various retailers offering both online and in-store options.
As expected, online inventory ran out quickly, leaving many potential buyers scrambling for alternatives.
Reports indicate that shoppers have had greater success acquiring the console by physically visiting retail locations rather than relying solely on online sales.
Several Engadget staff members managed to purchase a Switch 2 at their local Target and GameStop without having pre-ordered the device.
For those still seeking to buy a Switch 2, it is advisable to check various nearby retailers, including Target, GameStop, Walmart, and Best Buy, as these are the four official vendors listed by Nintendo.
### Where to Buy the Nintendo Switch 2
Walmart opened online sales for the Switch 2 at midnight ET on June 5.
However, both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle quickly went out of stock.
While the online selection has dwindled, Walmart continues to sell the Switch 2 at its brick-and-mortar stores, though inventory is limited and may vary by location.
The experience at Target has also been mixed, as the retailer began selling in-store units on June 5, warning of limited supply.
Despite this, anecdotal evidence suggests that some customers still found success, like Engadget’s Billy Steele, who was able to secure a Switch 2 in Greensboro, NC around 4:15 PM ET on Thursday.
Target briefly restocked its online inventory around 3:30 AM ET on June 6, but that stock soon vanished.
GameStop, which hosted launch events on Wednesday, also advertised in-store availability.
Engadget’s Cherlynn Low reported being able to purchase the console at a GameStop store in the New York City area on Thursday morning.
Inventory at GameStop has varied significantly, reflecting the population of each store’s location.
As for online availability, the standard console and the Mario Kart bundle are currently out of stock on GameStop’s website.
Interestingly, a more expensive $625 bundle with Mario Kart World, a microSD Express card, and additional accessories has had more frequent stock fluctuations but is also currently sold out.
Best Buy held its own launch events and indicated limited stock will be available at its retail outlets starting from June 5.
However, they are not selling the console online during the launch week.
Membership-based retailers might offer some purchasing opportunities as well.
Costco is offering a Mario Kart World bundle, which includes a 12-month subscription to Switch Online, while Sam’s Club has listed a similar bundle that does not include the online subscription.
Note that membership is required to check inventory at these stores.
BJ’s was also an option early on Thursday, but they have since run out of stock.
Verizon briefly had the Switch 2 available exclusively for customers with service on June 6, but that stock has now run dry as well.
Amazon has yet to list the Switch 2 or its first-party titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.
Notably, Amazon did not provide pre-orders for the console, and its future availability remains uncertain.
Newegg has featured the Switch 2 on its site for several weeks but has not started its sales.
Given the current situation, the Mario Kart World bundle has been available in more online venues than the standalone console, which is $50 cheaper.
Since Mario Kart is the flagship launch game for the Switch 2 and retails at $80 separately, this bundle might not represent the worst value during this launch period.
### Nintendo’s Direct Sales Strategy
Nintendo has taken a unique approach by offering the Switch 2 through an invite-only system.
This system is explicitly for Switch Online members who have maintained their membership for at least 12 months and logged a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay on the original Nintendo Switch by April 2.
While this can be a potentially fruitful route if eligible, many who signed up in April still await their invites while others are experiencing delays in the arrival of their orders.
### Summary of Retail Listings
Here’s a comprehensive rundown of where you can find the Nintendo Switch 2 and its Mario Kart World bundle:
**Where to Buy Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle:**
– Walmart
– GameStop
– GameStop ($625 bundle with various accessories)
– Best Buy
– Target
– Costco (membership required)
– Sam’s Club (membership required)
– BJ’s (membership required)
– Verizon (service required)
**Where to Buy Switch 2:**
– Walmart
– GameStop
– Best Buy
– Target
– BJ’s (membership required)
– Verizon (service required)
### Nintendo Switch 2 Games and Accessories
Along with the console, Nintendo has released a variety of Switch 2 accessories, including controllers, carrying cases, and cameras designed for the system’s new GameChat feature.
These accessories and launches generally became available on June 5, similar to the console itself.
Noteworthy launch titles, such as Mario Kart World and the Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, are also available, while another significant release, Donkey Kong Bananza, is set for mid-July with pre-orders open.
As of Friday afternoon, most Switch 2 games are widely available, though stock for accessories can vary.
Nintendo’s official Switch 2 carrying cases appear to be the most elusive items at present.
**Pricing for Select Games and Accessories:**
– Mario Kart World ($80)
– Donkey Kong Bananza ($70)
– Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB) for Nintendo Switch 2 ($60)
– Joy-Con 2 bundle ($95)
– Switch 2 Pro Controller ($85)
– Switch 2 Camera ($55)
– Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case ($85)
This information should serve as a reference for those eager to grab the latest hardware and accessories from Nintendo.
While stock remains limited and varies by location, avid gamers might find success with patience and diligent searches at local retailers.
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