When will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders go live in Australia? Everything you need to know ahead of next week's Direct

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are the top of everyone's minds now that the dust has settled on the brand's announcement in January. With retailers beginning to gear up for the onslaught of orders, and price rumors starting to take more shape, things are already getting heated ahead of that April Direct date.

If previous tradition stands true, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will go live when Ninty unveils the console in full via its dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2. That's what happened when the previous console launched, and considering this timeline semi-corresponds with the release date rumours that have been circling for so long, it's looking likely.

In the meantime, a number of local retailers, including EB Games and JB Hi-Fi, have acknowledged that the Switch 2 is coming, though actual product listings and pre-order options aren't available yet. So until that happens, I'm getting you prepped with all the retailers you need to watch out for when Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders do land.

I've been tracking these stock frenzies across everything from the Switch OLED to the PS5 and its Pro model over the last five years, so I've picked up a thing or two about being in the right place at the right time. You'll find all my tips and tricks further down the page.

Switch 2 retailers in Australia

While we're a ways off from actual Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders just yet, it's worth getting your ducks in a row. I would always recommend heading to Nintendo first and foremost when those pre-orders drop, but this is going to be a smaller site than other retail stores - and if crashes do occur it's worth having some backups available.

Amazon, JB Hi-Fi and EB Games are all well seasoned in this game - they've been regulars in the race for console stock from other brands. Plus, don't sleep on the non-specialist bricks and mortar stores like Big W, especially if you have one nearby.

Amazon

Amazon can be speedy on delivery, so it makes sense to hold out for these orders if you're a Prime member, but it can be slow to launch its stock. Individual product pages can be difficult to find before pre-orders actually go live here, but it's well worth hunting them down (I'll be posting the link here as soon as I have it). There's another hitch in this plan, though.

Amazon hasn't been the most Nintendo-favoured retailer for some time now. Black Friday was a wash here, with barely any savings on games and systems that were widely dropped at other stores. Inventory seems to be slowing as well.

JB Hi-Fi

There's no doubt JB Hi-Fi will be among the frontrunners in Australia when it comes to Nintendo Switch 2 stock, though the major retailer has yet to provide any hints on whether pre-orders will drop on April 2 or beforehand (perhaps unofficially).

The Gamesmen

Aussie independent games retailer The Gamesmen is definitely onboard the Nintendo Switch 2 train: they've even got a newsletter you can sign up to to keep abreast of Nintendo Switch 2 news. This will presumably include pre-order information when that comes through.

Nintendo Store

Of course, Nintendo's own online store is going to be a safe bet. Listings will likely go live as soon as Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are actually announced - but stock will move particularly quickly. This is where everyone is heading, so it can pay off to think outside the box.

EB Games

EB Games will definitely have Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders. More importantly, there's every chance the retailer will have a handful of trade-in deals. If you've got a Nintendo Switch lying around, or any other console, trading them in for credit towards the Switch 2 may be the most cost effective way to enter Nintendo's next generation.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order FAQs

In the meantime, check out all the latest Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility updates as well as the best Nintendo Switch accessories and the best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market.