Hunt for Nintendo Switch 2 Continues: Restocks Appearing but Vanishing Fast

Gamers across the globe are still facing an uphill battle to get their hands on the highly sought-after Nintendo Switch 2. Launched earlier this month on June 5th, Nintendo's new hybrid console, priced at $449 / £395, or $499 / £429 bundled with Mario Kart World, proved an instant sensation, selling out entirely during its pre-order phase. Since then, consistent availability has remained elusive, making it a frustrating chase for eager buyers.

Much like the early days of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the Nintendo Switch 2 has entered the realm of "restock nightmares." While major retailers are indeed replenishing their inventory, these precious restocks are often snatched up within minutes of becoming available. Last week, both Best Buy and Walmart in the U.S. reportedly received fresh shipments, igniting hope for many, though these too quickly disappeared.

For those in the United Kingdom, the situation appears slightly more favorable, even if the console isn't a permanent fixture on store shelves. Restocks across the pond seem to be more frequent and tend to last for hours, sometimes even several days, offering a slightly less frantic purchasing experience. If you're based in the UK and determined to snag a Switch 2, the good news is that it's a more attainable goal, though it still demands vigilance.

Current Restock Landscape (as of June 18, 2025):

United States:

Online: Currently, online stock for the standalone console is extremely limited or non-existent at most major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Newegg. Costco reportedly had stock for members recently.

In-Store: GameStop and Staples have indicated recent in-store restocks, making a physical visit to your local store potentially your best bet. However, stock is likely to be very limited, so act fast.

Amazon US has finally started listing first-party Switch 2 games directly, hinting that console restocks may follow soon, possibly even during their upcoming Prime Day 2025 event.

United Kingdom:

More Promising: UK retailers appear to have more consistent, albeit still transient, stock.

The My Nintendo Store, Game, ShopTo, and EE (for existing customers) have shown recent availability.

Amazon UK, Smyths Toys, Argos, JD Williams, and Very have also seen restocks, though these sold out quickly.

Tips for Securing Your Nintendo Switch 2:

For those dedicated to acquiring the new console, here are some strategies, honed by years of tracking hard-to-find gaming items:

Monitor Live Restock Trackers: Follow dedicated live blogs and stock trackers from reputable tech news outlets. These are often updated in real-time, providing immediate alerts when stock appears.

Enable Notifications: Sign up for email or app notifications from major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop, Target, and Amazon.

Check Social Media: Follow accounts dedicated to console restocks on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). These accounts often break news fastest.

Prepare Your Accounts: Have accounts set up and logged in with your preferred retailers, with payment and shipping information pre-saved. This can save crucial seconds when a restock goes live.

Consider Bundles (Carefully): Sometimes, retailers release bundles that include a game or accessories. While these cost more, they might stay in stock longer than the standalone console due to their higher price point.

Be Quick: When a restock is confirmed, don't hesitate. These consoles sell out rapidly.

Check In-Store: For some retailers, checking physical store inventory or calling ahead can yield results, especially for those who prefer to avoid the online scramble.

The Nintendo Switch 2, with its enhanced features like a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen, 1080p resolution, 4K output when docked, and new Joy-Con 2 controllers, has clearly captured the attention of the gaming community. As demand remains incredibly high, persistence and quick action will be key for anyone hoping to join the next generation of Nintendo gaming.