As Friday comes to a close on the East Coast of the United States, retailers have remained surprisingly quiet regarding Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.
Despite the high demand and excitement since pre-orders went live, there has been no noteworthy stock replenishment from major retailers.
Consequently, we are now observing an increase in listings on eBay, some sellers trying to profit from the scarcity while others aim to deter scalpers.
The expectation is that we might see a restock as early as next week, or potentially this weekend, offering hope for those still wishing to secure a pre-order for the Switch 2, featuring the new Mario Kart World game.
Historical patterns from prior UK pre-orders suggest that retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop may soon reopen pre-orders, and TechRadar will continue to monitor the situation closely.
If you’re one of the fortunate ones with a confirmed pre-order, you’ll be glad to know that accessories for the console are still available to pre-order.
For example, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is listed at $84.99 at Best Buy and is expected to ship on launch day.
Additionally, redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers are available for $94.99.
Unfortunately, stock of the Switch 2 itself is currently sold out in both the US and UK, but there is a strong belief that restocks will occur next week in the US.
Jacob Krol from New Jersey reports that the stock situation for the Switch 2 in the US is less than optimistic.
A sweep of key retailers revealed that stores like Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target have exhausted their supplies of the consoles as of now.
Similar to the prediction for UK stock, there is little optimism for a restock on a busy Friday evening, with many retailers likely waiting for the weekday lull in online shopping to announce new inventory.
Previously successful stock drops may have left room for those still seeking a pre-order to perhaps find an alternative option.
For UK shoppers, particularly noteworthy is that the cheaper bundles at The Game Collection have sold out, but there is still an alternative listing that remains available, featuring the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle and several games for £624.95.
Although overpriced, it offers substantial value if you are keen on the included items.
Meanwhile, the practices surrounding pre-orders have raised concerns about so-called “code-in-box” releases that continue to persist.
Some upcoming titles, including a port of Split Fiction for the Switch 2, are reportedly embracing this format, which leaves consumers with a digital code rather than a physical product.
Over the last few days, speculation has grown that retailers may begin to roll out bundles as a strategy to sell additional accessories and games alongside the console itself.
These bundles can often serve as a better value option for eager consumers, especially if they consist of items that the customer would likely purchase anyway.
Thus, as excitement mounts for the Switch 2, Dash has resumed coverage, pointing out that no major changes have emerged regarding US stock but emphasizing that things could change anytime.
Nintendo recently shared significant pricing details for upgrading existing games to the Switch 2 edition.
Minor upgrades, such as performance and image quality enhancements, will typically cost around $9.99 or £7.99.
At the same time, more significant content expansions for titles will result in pricier upgrades around $19.99 or £16.99.
For many gamers, the hope is the rest of the weekend may offer a breakout opportunity for stock replenishment.
Alerts will remain live, ensuring that those who have not yet locked in a console have a shot at new listings that may appear.
For consumers who prioritized pre-ordering among major retailers, additional options for accessories and games are still available at competitive prices.
Platforms like eBay have also been rife with listings, predicated on individuals attempting to profit from the high demand for the console.
Navigating this landscape could require discernment, especially if potential buyers wish to avoid paying overinflated prices and opting for more cost-effective bundle deals.
Attention has also turned to sector-exclusive listings where only in-store pre-orders are currently accepted, with specific announcements indicating some retailers are still finalizing their inventory processes.
The Game Collection’s stock situation appears to have diminished, but plenty of opportunities still exist to bring in new items as supply rebounds.
Reports coming from various retailers are promising discussions about how stock reallocation has worked and suggestions to keep checking frequently as demand remains high.
In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order landscape remains dynamic, with TechRadar and other sources continuously updating stock statuses across the US and the UK.
As retailers prepare to restock and potential consumers look to secure their place in line, securing a console on launch day may prove increasingly competitive.
We will provide updates on this stock situation over the coming days leading up to the launch, so stay tuned!
image source from：https://www.techradar.com/live/news/nintendo-switch-2-pre-orders-us-april-stock-buy-uk
