Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Frenzy: Price, Stock Updates & UK Retailer Fallout Ahead of June 5 Launch
[May 31, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]
We’re just days away from the global launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and the hype is reaching a fever pitch. If you’ve been trying to lock down a Switch 2 pre-order, you’re not alone — and if you’ve been unsuccessful, well… you’re also not alone.
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The Switch 2 Is Almost Here
Mark your calendars: June 5, 2025 is the big day. That’s when Nintendo’s next-gen hybrid console finally hits store shelves — or at least the few shelves that still have stock left. This successor to the original Nintendo Switch isn’t just a hardware upgrade, it’s a statement. With a launch price of $449 / £395 for the standard console, and $499 / £429 for the bundle that includes Mario Kart World, the Switch 2 is positioned to carry on the legacy of one of gaming’s most successful platforms.
And yes, let’s talk about that Mario Kart World bundle for a moment. While digital versions are an option, fans of boxed editions are facing a price tag of £74.99 in the UK — a number that’s raised some eyebrows among longtime Nintendo gamers. But judging by how fast pre-orders disappeared, that price hasn’t done much to slow down demand.
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Pre-Orders: Where We Stand Now
If you’re in the United States, chances are you saw those early pre-orders vanish faster than a blue shell in Rainbow Road. Major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, and Target opened orders last month — and sold out in minutes. A few minor restocks have trickled in since then, but they’ve been gone before most of us could even refresh the page. The good news? All three retailers have confirmed launch day restocks, so your next chance is just around the corner.
Now, if you’re in the UK, the situation has been… a bit more forgiving, but also a little murky. Pre-orders did sell out initially, but multiple retailers restocked over the past few weeks — and some even left inventory up for days. The catch? Many of these consoles are only available in expensive bundles, driving up the total cost. It’s been a balancing act for UK buyers between availability and value.
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The Game UK Controversy: What Happened?
And then there’s the elephant in the room — Game UK. The beloved high street chain made headlines after cancelling some Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders just days ahead of launch. For customers who thought they had a console secured, this last-minute news sparked understandable frustration.
In a social media post, Game acknowledged the situation, stating:
“We understand how disappointing this is, especially for those who have been eagerly awaiting their order.”
While the company hasn’t explained why the cancellations occurred, it added that it’s “currently working hard to reinstate as many affected pre-orders as possible.” Still, for customers counting on their day-one delivery, the damage may already be done.
One user described the situation as “outrageous”, echoing a sentiment shared widely across gaming forums and social media. This isn’t just about one order — it’s about broken trust during what should be one of gaming’s most exciting weeks of the year.
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Missed Out on a Pre-Order? Here’s What You Can Do
If your Switch 2 pre-order was cancelled — or you haven’t managed to grab one at all — don’t panic just yet. There’s still a chance you could walk away with a console on launch day.
Smyths Toys, for example, has confirmed that they’ll be holding back a limited number of consoles for in-store customers when doors open on June 5. It’s a throwback to the midnight launches many of us remember from the PS2 or Wii days. Sure, it’s a bit old-school, but for many, it might be the most realistic way to grab a Switch 2 on day one.
My advice? Call your local store ahead of time, find out if they’ll be participating, and be prepared to line up early. I know — it’s not ideal, but when demand is this high, a little persistence can go a long way.
Also, keep a close eye on retailers’ social media accounts, Discord restock channels, and Switch 2 tracking threads. Sometimes, restocks hit without warning, and being plugged into the community can give you the edge.
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Why This Isn’t New: A Look at Nintendo’s Launch Legacy
Let’s be honest — if you’ve followed Nintendo console launches in the past, this chaos probably doesn’t surprise you. Remember the Wii in 2006? People were lining up overnight in the cold just for a chance to grab one. Fast forward to 2017, and the original Nintendo Switch became the fastest-selling console in U.S. history at launch.
Nintendo has a track record of creating buzz and scarcity, whether intentional or just the result of overwhelming demand. And it’s not just them — look at Sony’s PlayStation 5. That console was nearly impossible to find for three years, and thousands of gamers sat in virtual queues hoping their number would finally be called.
What we’re seeing now with the Switch 2 — from sky-high demand to frustrating retailer hiccups — is very much in line with how major gaming hardware launches have played out for over a decade.
Final Thoughts: Stay Sharp, Stay Informed
So where does that leave you, the eager gamer who just wants to get their hands on the Nintendo Switch 2?
Here’s the honest truth: if you haven’t secured a pre-order yet, your chances are slimmer, but not gone. With launch day restocks confirmed at key U.S. retailers, and UK stores like Smyths holding inventory back for walk-ins, there are still windows of opportunity.
Stay alert. Be flexible. And most importantly, don’t fall for overpriced listings from scalpers — especially now that we know some official restocks are coming.
If you’re one of the lucky few who already has a pre-order locked in, congratulations. You’re about to experience what could easily be Nintendo’s biggest console release since the original Switch — and you’ve earned some bragging rights in the process.
And if you’re still hunting, don’t give up. The excitement, the anticipation, the thrill of launch day — it’s all part of the ride.
