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A cheaper storage option
Nintendo is currently selling an officially licensed 256GB microSD Express Card from Samsung for $60. However, if that price is too steep, Walmart is selling a 256GB microSD Express Card from onn for $35. Our very own Anthony Spadafora just bought one for himself and will share his thoughts on it soon!
No new stock (for now)
The Nintendo Switch 2 was back in stock at Walmart just a couple of hours ago, but the console is now sold out everywhere. We just did another check of retailers and have come up dry, which is disappointing but not entirely unexpected. Though the Switch 2 has generally been easier to find than a PS5 was at its launch, you’re still in for a challenge. Regardless, we’ll let you know the instant any retailer has restocked Nintendo’s latest console.
Walmart appears to be sold out of Switch 2 now
That was a strange (and seemingly quite brief) Switch 2 restock at Walmart.
For a few minutes there, the mega-retailer appeared to have Switch 2 consoles in stock, but it’s now once again sold out. The Walmart listing page now directs shoppers to a third-party seller charging $899. Not exactly a bargain to jump on!
Now, I love my Nintendo Switch 2, but you certainly don’t want to spend almost $900 for one. So, like I said below, don’t be tempted to pick up an overpriced console via a reseller, be patient and wait until retailers restock at the standard $449 price.
Walmart has been one of the most consistent retailers for restocks even during the pre-order period, so here’s hoping the next drop of stock isn’t far behind. I’m keeping a close eye on the retailer for now, just in case this surprise drop returns again today.
Still strange pricing at Walmart
Currently, I’m not seeing a normal price for the Switch 2 at Walmart, and it’s now priced at $889. I mean, I suppose that’s less than the $899 price tag I saw before, but nowhere near what you should be paying for a Switch 2. It should be $449 or $499 for the Mario Kart World bundle, and nothing more.
Again, we detest scalping here at Tom’s Guide, so stay away from this price! More restocks should arrive soon, so stay tuned.
Switch 2 now in stock at Walmart
The Switch 2 is now in stock at Walmart, but be warned, it appears to be in such high demand that it’s messing with the listing page.
We just wanted you about avoiding resellers when buying a Switch 2, but here’s another friendly reminder: look at the price before putting it in your cart! When scrolling around looking for more stock, Walmart popped up with the “Add to cart” button available. But paying $899 for a Nintendo Switch 2? No thanks, its $449 price tag is high enough.
Now that would be a shocking price hike, but refreshing the page takes it back down to its $449 cost. Either way, the Switch 2 is in stock at Walmart, so get buying!
One Switch 2 game to put on your radar
Fancy yourself a Nintendo Switch 2 after reading our review? Well, there still isn’t any stock available (yet), but here’s a game you’ll want to put on your radar — especially if you’re a fan of dishing out Hadoukens.
Street Fighter 6 on the Switch 2 is a blast, which may come as a surprise since the Joy-Con controllers aren’t exactly ideal for fighting games. That’s why you’ll want to get yourself a Switch 2 Pro Controller, as we’ve found it truly shines when pulling off specials or supers in the game.
The Switch 2 offers the Year 1-2 Fighters Edition, too, meaning you’re getting a bunch of new (and definitely worthwhile) characters to play from its varied roster. That includes Akuma, M. Bison and The King of Fighters’ Terry.
If you’re banking on getting a Switch 2, Street Fighter 6 is worth putting on your radar.
My Nintendo Switch 2 review is LIVE
Wondering if the Nintendo Switch 2 is worth all the effort of chasing restocks? Then you’ll want to check out my full Nintendo Switch 2 review, which just went live.
If you don’t have time to dive into my (lengthy) write-up, then here’s the cliff notes. I gave the console an Editor’s Choice award, and said, “Nintendo Switch 2 takes what worked about its best-selling predecessor and makes impactful upgrades across the board. From the excellent, and noticeably larger, 7.9-inch display to the more powerful internal specs, Switch 2 is a full leap forward, and the best hybrid console you can buy.”
Yup, I’m seriously impressed with what Nintendo has cooked up, and think this console has a very bright future ahead of it. In fact, my only major point of criticism, beyond the poor battery life, is the lack of launch games. But this lackluster library issue will naturally resolve itself over time, and in a few months won’t be a problem.
PSA: Avoid Switch 2 re-sellers
Over the weekend, I received a very friendly email from a reader pointing out a number of Switch 2 listings on resale sites. Of course, these had a HUGE mark up.
I’m just here to give you a reminder to avoid resellers. Here at Tom’s Guide we detest scalping, and we’re on a dedicated mission to help you secure a Switch 2 at a fair price (i.e. MSRP), and while it can be tempted to just fork out the extra to get a Switch 2 right now, in the long run, it’s not worth the extra cost and only supports the practice.
While the Switch 2 is currently sold out, it won’t be forever, and more restocks will come. So, be patience, and keep following our updates, and you’ll have a Nintendo Switch 2 console without having to cough up a silly amount of cash. Win-win.
Switch 2 in stock at EE but there’s a catch (UK)
Over in the U.K., you can pick up a Nintendo Switch right now, but it comes with some strings. EE is offering the Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle with 12 months of Switch Online as part of a 24-month contract.
Essentially, you put down £20 today, and then pay it off in £22 installments over the next two years. This means over the course of the contract, you will pay more than if you bought the items individually upfront. To me, it’s just not a very attractive deal.
It’s doubly unappealing when you consider Switch 2 restocks have been regular in the U.K., so I expect the console will reappear at another retailer where you can just buy it for the standard RRP of £395 standalone or £429 with Mario Kart World bundled.
If you desperately want a Switch 2 secured right this moment, or the contract aspect works better for your budget, then you might want to consider it, but if not, I advise waiting for future Nintendo Switch 2 restocks.
Pro controller is worth the price
One of my biggest takeaways over the past few days of testing out the Nintendo Switch 2 is that the Pro controller might just be one of the best gaming pads ever.
This controller is the only way I want to play Switch 2 on the TV, the Joy-Con 2 grip has gone back in the box, and I don’t see it emerging again for a very long time. Yes, the Pro controller is just that good. The grip is perfect, and the sticks feel so darn tactile.
Prior to launch, I rated this as a worthwhile extra but maybe not an essential one, but after using it for myself, I can say anybody who takes their Switch gaming seriously needs to pick up a Pro controller. It is a little pricey, but it justifies that cost for me.
Switch 2 stock sweep – here’s the state of play in the U.S.
Okay, so I can save you some time already, the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently sold out across retailers in the U.S. If you just wanted a straight answer, there you go.
Personally, I’m not hugely surprised it’s been a slow start to the week on the restock front, after all, Switch 2 launch week saw a flurry of availability, and this was always likely to be followed by a quieter period while retailers build back up inventory.
Let’s hope that Nintendo is getting more units to suppliers and retailers can replenish their allocation quickly. If I had to guess, I would predict that restocks towards the end of the week, or early next week, or most likely, but anything can happen, so I’m still watching out for restocks today. Here are the links if you want to check yourself.
Let’s get Switch 2 restock hunting
Welcome! We’re now in the second week of the Switch 2’s lifecycle, and the console remains pretty darn difficult to purchase. But fear not, I’m on hand to help you secure a console, and will be tracking restocks across retailers alongside flagging the latest Switch 2 news, and giving you my own first impressions of the console as a launch day owner. Let’s dive into the stock tracking now, with my first stock sweep coming up…
