TECHNOLOGY
Grab Your Nintendo Switch 2: The Hunt for Stock
USATue Jun 17 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, but finding one in stock is a challenge. Since its launch on June 5, the console has been flying off the shelves both online and in stores. The $450 console has seen brief restocks at major retailers like Target and Best Buy, but these didn't last long. If you're still on the hunt, your best bet might be to visit a physical store. Retailers like Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop have been selling the console in-store, and some are even directing online customers to check local stock. The Switch 2 has been a hot commodity, with millions of units sold in the first week alone.
The online shopping experience has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Best Buy initially didn't sell the console online during launch week, but they did have a brief restock on June 11. Walmart and Target have also had short-lived online restocks, but inventory has been limited and prices have been inflated. GameStop, on the other hand, has been directing customers to check in-store availability. Membership-based retailers like Costco and Sam's Club have also had the console in stock, but availability has been inconsistent. Verizon briefly had the console available for their customers, but that window has closed.
Amazon and Newegg have been quiet on the Switch 2 front. Amazon hasn't listed the console or its launch games, and Newegg hasn't given a timeline for when it will start selling the device. Nintendo, meanwhile, is using an invite system for the Switch 2, requiring a year of Switch Online membership and 50 hours of playtime on the original Switch. It's a slow process, but it's worth a shot if you qualify. The Switch 2's launch games and accessories have been more readily available, with most retailers stocking them. The console itself, however, remains the holy grail for many gamers.
The Switch 2's launch has been a testament to its popularity, but it's also highlighted the challenges of supply and demand in the retail world. Retailers have struggled to keep up with the demand, leading to brief restocks and inflated prices. It's a tough time to be a gamer on the hunt for a Switch 2, but with a bit of patience and persistence, you might just snag one. Keep an eye on local stores and online listings, and you might get lucky. The Switch 2 is out there, and it's worth the hunt. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one, you will be able to enjoy the latest games and accessories that have been released alongside the console.
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questions
How effective is the Nintendo Switch 2 invite system in managing demand and inventory?
Could the high demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 be due to people mistaking it for a fancy new blender?
Could major retailers be colluding to restrict the availability of the Switch 2 to certain regions or customer groups?