TheNintendo Switch 2remains one of the most sought-after gaming consoles of 2025, with fans eagerly hoping to get their hands on the next generation of hybrid portable gaming. Following theSwitch 2’s summer launch, early demand quickly outpaced supply, leaving many would-be buyers refreshing digital storefronts and signing up for stock alerts with fingers crossed.
WithSwitch 2 pre-orders being tumultuous, players looked toward this week’s alleged restocks across major North American retailers. Hope briefly returned this week, but as excitement surged, confusion set in. Those hoping for a clean, straightforward purchase encountered unexpected obstacles that jeopardized their ability to obtain the console. What appeared to be a restock turned out to be an experience that either left hopeful players empty-handed or placed consoles way above the MSRP as the only purchasing alternative. For many players eager to snag Nintendo’s next-gen console, this recent supposed restock of the Nintendo Switch 2 brought more confusion than relief.
North American Retailers Are Struggling to Keep the Literal Definition of a Restock… a Restock
Despite theSwitch 2’s successful launch, finding a unit at MSRP from a trusted retailer remains a nearly impossible feat for most bright-eyed gamers. While one store is technically “restocking,” what customers are often getting is just listings from third-party sellers, leading to inflated prices, low availability, and widespread consumer frustration. Meanwhile, other stores are simply struggling to meet demand.
Walmart: Third-Party Listings Replace Real Inventory
Walmart’s website may indicate that both the Switch 2 and theSwitch 2 Mario Kart World Bundleare currently in stock, but a closer look reveals that all consoles are being sold through third-party sellers, not directly by Walmart itself. As a result, prices that should reliably be between $450 and $500 have jumped to $700–$800, with estimated delivery windows varying widely from several days to several weeks. This situation creates a misleading sense of availability for customers who assume Walmart has restocked the console directly, only to realize they’re stuck with reseller markups and fewer consumer protections.
Target: Still Out of Stock Online
Target has yet to offer a meaningfulrestock of the Switch 2 since June 6,and the console remains currently unavailable online. Unlike Walmart, Target hasn’t opted for listing the console with third-party vendors, meaning many fans checking Target’s site are met with a simple “out of stock” notice and no clear timetable for restocking. While this makes Target a safer bet for those seeking to do business with a reputable vendor, it does not solve the supply issue. For a retailer known for its reliable invetory of electronics, the silence has become frustrating for customers trying to stick with a trusted vendor.
Costco: 404 - Switch 2s are MIA, Even for Members
Costco, often a go-to for value-driven tech purchases, has not listed the Switch 2 recently. Many shoppers turn to Costco for electronics due to its membership, which seems to promise a more selective barrier to entry. But this time, the wholesale retailer’s barrier did not matter. It remains a non-option for everyone, member or not.Costco stood out in the Switch 2 raceby announcing that a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle, including Mario Kart World and a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online with an Expansion Pack upgrade would be available exclusively for its members.
GameStop and Best Buy: Limited to Local Availability
GameStop and Best Buy’s online listings are sparse, but reports indicate that some stores may still have Switch 2 and Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle stock available locally. Unfortunately, availability varies widely by region, and even then, most locations received only a handful of units, many of which were scooped up on release day and following days. Without a centralized stock alert or preorder system in place, calling a local GameStop or Best Buy remains the only option for those willing to fetch their console in person. Luckily,those buying a Switch 2 at GameStop won’t have to worry about staplesanymore.
Reseller Dominance Is a Familiar, Frustrating Trend
The pattern is all too familiar: a popular hardware launches, third-party sellers swoop in, and fans are forced to choose between waiting indefinitely or paying double the price. From 2020’s predatory scalping practices in the midst of a global pandemic to recentPlayStation Pro’s scalping mishaps, the Switch 2’s launch is repeating the mistakes of past console releases without meaningful intervention from retailers or Nintendo. Until a wide-scale restock occurs and official sellers regain control of their own supply chains, customers will remain in this limbo.
No Sign of Relief
For players hoping to purchase a Switch 2 ahead of summer vacations, birthday gifts, or simply as another addition to their gaming repertoire, the restock limbo is becoming a significant problem. Rumors suggest more stock could trickle in as part of a mid-summer push, but Nintendo has yet to offer any clear roadmap. Until then, the best option may be to check local stores, such as GameStop or Best Buy, for regional availability, as some stores may still receive restocks independently of online listings. And withAmazon joining the Nintendo Switch 2 craze, hopefully, the playing field will be leveled soon. Otherwise, most players will need to remain vigilant or give in to the urge to overpay for consoles that may be unreliable or overpriced.
A Familiar Frustration
Nintendo’s supply and scalper issues have plagued nearly every hardware release in the past decade. The issue has become so notorious thatdevelopers have had to devise strategies to combat scalpersin the past. Yet, with no actual plan to combat opportunistic third-party pricing, Switch 2’s early stock struggles are being exacerbated by inconsistent retail listings. While interest in the console remains high, Nintendo’s ability to meet that demand may have faltered, with resellers reaping the rewards of high demand. Until the company or its major retail partners offer consistent access, the dream of grabbing a Switch 2 at retail price remains just out of reach for many gamers.
Nintendo Switch 2
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on June 04, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
