Nintendo Switch 2 hits stores Thursday. What to know about the release
FILE-The Nintendo Switch 2 hybrid video game console is displayed at the Nintendo New York store on June 4, 2025. (Photo by DAVID DEE DELGADO/AFP via Getty Images)
The Nintendo Switch 2 debuts on Thursday as fans prepare to flood stores to get their hands on the highly anticipated game console.
Several major U.S. retailers are selling the console in stores given the consumer demand. Best Buy and Game Stop held midnight release events Thursday for pre-order pickups and limited inventory, Axios reported.
A hectic pre-order process in April left some consumers frustrated after the consoles quickly sold out.
Nintendo Switch 2 released in stores
Local perspective:
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p and maintains the same thickness of the original Switch, according to Nintendo.
The new game console is an upgrade to the original Nintendo Switch and has social features intended to engage players into online gaming. And it’s highlighted by a higher resolution screen and vivid graphics.
RELATED: Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date set after delay over tariffs
Nintendo also plans to roll out new software for the Switch 2 later in 2025, including "The Legend of Zelda" games, a Pokémon title, and a Kirby game, as well as offerings from other software companies, the Associated Press reported.
Target
Target recently announced in a company release that the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will be available in Target stores Thursday and then will be available on its app and website Friday, June 6.
GameStop
GameStop posted on Instagram that more Nintendo Switch 2 units will be available in-store and online at launch "while supplies last."
RELATED: Nintendo delays Switch 2 pre-orders in US over tariffs, but June launch remains on track
Walmart
Walmart posted on X Nintendo Switch 2 consoles hit store shelves starting Thursday at midnight ET online and in Supercenters.
Supercenters and Walmart stores open at 6 a.m. local time on Thursday. The retailer shared that it has a limited number of consoles, and they vary by store locations.
Costco
Costco is selling the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle which will be available to purchase Thursday, adding that there is a limit of one transaction per membership with a maximum of one unit per seven days.
Staples
Staples is also selling the Nintendo Switch 2, but consoles will vary by location and availability may vary and is on a first-come, first serve basis, according to the company’s website.
How much is the Nintendo Switch 2
Big picture view:
The Nintendo Switch 2’s baseline launch price is $449.99 in the U.S., which is substantially higher than the original Nintendo Switch’s $299 price. According to the Associated Press, U.S. preorders for the Switch 2 were delayed for several weeks so the company could assess the potential impact of tariffs.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by company social posts/releases from Target, GameStop, Staples, Walmart, Costco, Axios, and the Associated Press. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.