Switch 2 Pre-Order UK: Where, When & How to Secure One

You’ve got your eye on the Nintendo Switch 2, and so has half the UK. Between conflicting retailer updates, a sudden US delay, and whispers of paused orders, the pre-order process has felt more like a puzzle than a purchase. This guide cuts through the confusion with the latest confirmed details on when, where, and how to secure your console, plus what to do if you missed the first wave.

UK Pre-Order Start Date: April 8, 2025 (invite-only); open to all May 15, 2025 ·
Launch Date: June 5, 2025 ·
Known Retailers: My Nintendo Store, Smyths Toys, Argos, Very, Currys, ShopTo, The Game Collection, Amazon ·
Price (Standard Edition): Not yet confirmed by Nintendo ·
US Pre-Order Status: Delayed indefinitely due to tariffs

Six key facts, one pattern: availability is fragmented but improving. Below is a quick-reference table of the confirmed data so far.

When Can You Pre-Order the Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK?

Official pre-order start date: April 8, 2025

Nintendo opened pre-orders for the Switch 2 on April 8, 2025 through the My Nintendo Store UK. Initially, access was limited to users with an invite code. According to Nintendo (via the official store), the invite-only phase was designed to manage early demand.

Invite-only phase and open availability

As of May 15, 2025, the My Nintendo Store lifted the invite requirement, opening pre-orders to all registered users. This move came after several weeks of restricted access. TechRadar reported that the UK market now has “multitude of retailers with active stock,” contrasting with the US situation.

Pre-order duration and expected ship window

Nintendo has stated that pre-orders will remain open until launch day on June 5, 2025. Customers who pre-order can expect shipment around that date, though exact delivery windows vary by retailer. The My Nintendo Store lists standard delivery within 2–3 days of release.

The biggest unknown is pricing. Nintendo has not announced the UK retail price for the standard Switch 2 console. Rumours suggest a figure around £350–£400, but nothing is confirmed. TechRadar notes that without a price, many shoppers are holding off.

The implication: pricing clarity could shift demand overnight, so early orders may be the safest bet.

Where and How to Pre-Order the Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK

My Nintendo Store UK: direct pre-order

The official Nintendo store remains the most reliable option. Pre-orders are open to all members since May 15. You’ll need a Nintendo Account, but no invite is required. The store lists the console alongside launch titles and accessories.

Smyths Toys: online and in-store options

Smyths Toys UK has a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 category. According to Smyths Toys, pre-orders are available for click and collect or home delivery. The retailer also stocks games and accessories, including the Pro Controller at £74.99.

Argos: online pre-order and delivery

Argos lists the Nintendo Switch 2 console for pre-order with fast home delivery. Pro Controller and other accessories are also available. Argos is a solid backup if the Nintendo Store is out of stock.

Amazon UK: expected availability

Amazon UK has confirmed pre-order availability as of week five, according to TechRadar reports. While the product page may not be front and centre, setting up a stock alert is wise. Historically, Amazon has been a major Nintendo hardware seller.

• Very: active pre-orders (Very (UK department store))
• Currys: active pre-orders (Currys (UK electronics retailer))
• ShopTo: active pre-orders (ShopTo (UK game store))
• The Game Collection: six bundle options (The Game Collection (UK specialist retailer))
• EE Store: currently out of stock
• John Lewis: console sold out, accessories available (John Lewis (UK department store))
• eBuyer: listed as ‘coming soon’ (eBuyer (UK tech retailer))

The pattern: while the Nintendo Store and major chains are reliable, smaller retailers offer alternative routes but may have limited stock.

Are Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Delayed or Paused?

Reports of pre-order pauses at some retailers

In mid-April 2025, several UK retailers paused pre-order pages for the Switch 2, sparking confusion. TechRadar confirmed that some stores temporarily halted new orders, though most have since resumed. The My Nintendo Store UK continued accepting orders throughout.

Who is to blame? IGN Daily Fix analysis

IGN’s Daily Fix YouTube series covered the delay, asking “Switch 2 Pre-Order Delay: Who’s To Blame?” The piece pointed to US tariff uncertainty as a major factor. Meanwhile, the US pre-order delay was officially attributed to “potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” as GamesRadar reported from Nintendo’s statement.

Current status: open at Nintendo Store, unclear elsewhere

As of late May 2025, the My Nintendo Store UK pre-orders are running smoothly. Other retailers have mixed stock: Smyths and Argos show availability, but John Lewis and EE are sold out. The US pre-orders remain delayed with no new date announced.

UK shoppers have more options than ever, yet the lack of an official price and the US delay create an undercurrent of uncertainty. The most prepared buyers will lock in an order now rather than wait for clarity.

The catch: global allocation could shift if US demand surges once pre-orders open, potentially draining UK stock.

Do You Have to Pay Upfront for a Switch 2 Pre-Order?

My Nintendo Store UK payment policy

According to Nintendo, payment for pre-orders is taken at the time of order placement for the full amount. This is standard for Nintendo’s direct store.

Retailer-specific deposit requirements

Other retailers vary. Smyths Toys typically requires full payment upfront, while Argos charges only when the item ships. Very and Currys may offer payment options like Buy Now Pay Later. Always check the individual retailer’s terms before completing a pre-order.

Refund and cancellation terms

Nintendo Support states that pre-order cancellations are possible before the item ships. Each retailer has its own policy: Argos allows cancellation up to dispatch, while Smyths Toys requires cancellation within 14 days. If you’re unsure, contact customer support directly.

Missed the Pre-Order? How to Still Get a Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK

Monitor My Nintendo Store UK for restocks

The My Nintendo Store UK continues to accept pre-orders as of May 15, so if you missed the early window, you can still place an order there. Stock levels are healthy, according to TechRadar reports.

Set alerts for Smyths Toys, Argos, and Amazon

Use stock alert services or follow retailer social channels. Smyths Toys and Argos have shown consistent availability, while Amazon may add more units closer to launch. eBuyer lists the console as ‘coming soon’ — worth watching.

Consider second-hand market or bundles

If retail pre-orders are exhausted, third-party sellers on eBay or Facebook Marketplace may have units, often at a premium. Alternatively, The Game Collection offers six bundle options that might still be in stock after individual console pre-orders sell out.

How to Pre-Order the Nintendo Switch 2: Step-by-Step

1. Create a Nintendo Account if you don’t already have one. Visit the Nintendo UK official store and register.
2. Choose your retailer. My Nintendo Store is the safest bet, but Smyths Toys, Argos, Very, Currys, ShopTo, and Amazon are also accepting orders.
3. Select your edition and accessories. Decide whether you want the standard console, a bundle, or extras like the Pro Controller (£74.99).
4. Complete checkout. Enter your payment details — be aware that some retailers charge upfront, others at dispatch.
5. Confirm your order. Save the order confirmation email. Note the estimated delivery window (around June 5, 2025).

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Timeline

• April 8, 2025 – Pre-orders begin on My Nintendo Store UK (invite-only) (Nintendo UK (official store))
• Mid-April 2025 – Reports of pre-order pauses at some UK retailers
• May 15, 2025 – My Nintendo Store UK opens pre-orders to all users without invite
• April 9, 2025 onward – US pre-orders delayed indefinitely due to tariffs (GamesRadar (gaming news outlet))
• June 5, 2025 – Nintendo Switch 2 launch and shipment to customers

What We Know vs. What’s Still Unclear

Confirmed facts

• Pre-orders started April 8, 2025 (invite-only) and opened to all on May 15, 2025 (Nintendo UK (official store))
• Smyths Toys and Argos accept pre-orders (Smyths Toys (UK toy retailer), Argos (UK catalogue retailer))
• Launch games include Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza
• Launch date is June 5, 2025 (TechRadar (gaming and tech news outlet))
• US pre-orders delayed (GamesRadar (gaming news outlet))
• Pro Controller price £74.99 at multiple retailers (Argos (UK catalogue retailer))

What’s unclear

• Exact UK retail price
• Whether Amazon UK will maintain pre-order stock
• If pre-order pauses at all retailers have been fully resolved
• Final delivery date for pre-orders (exact shipping varies)
• Duration of US pre-order delay
• Long-term availability of limited editions

What Industry Sources Say

“Nintendo Switch 2 can now be pre-ordered from the My Nintendo Store UK without an invite.”

— Video Games Chronicle (gaming news outlet), May 15, 2025

“Switch 2 Pre-Order Delay: Who’s To Blame?”

— IGN Daily Fix (gaming video series), April 2025

While UK pre-orders are broadly open, the US delay creates a supply chain cloud. Nintendo’s cautious stance suggests that global allocation could shift, affecting UK restocks if demand surges unexpectedly.

The implication: for UK shoppers, the safest path is to pre-order now through the My Nintendo Store or a trusted retailer like Smyths Toys or Argos. Waiting for a price announcement or a potential Black Friday deal risks losing the June 5 launch window. The US pre-order mess shows that tariffs and market conditions can upend plans overnight. Secure your Switch 2 today, or risk waiting until autumn.

Frequently asked questions