As anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 reaches a fever pitch, Best Buy has announced it will host late-night in-store sales on the console’s release date, offering a lifeline to gamers who missed out on pre-orders. The retailer confirmed the move amid widespread reports of pre-order stock shortages, with eager fans scrambling to secure the next-gen device ahead of its launch.
According to a Best Buy spokesperson, stores nationwide will extend their hours on the Switch 2’s release day—currently rumored for late April 2025—to accommodate midnight sales events. This strategy mirrors past console launches but marks a shift from the industry’s growing reliance on online pre-orders. The decision follows mounting frustration over limited pre-order availability, as detailed in a recent Insider Gaming report highlighting logistical challenges faced by retailers.
The news was first hinted at by industry leaker Wario64, whose now-viral tweet cited internal Best Buy communications. Nintendo has yet to officially confirm the Switch 2’s launch date, but multiple sources suggest it will coincide with the release of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which has been confirmed as a flagship title optimized for the new hardware.
“We want to give everyone a fair shot at experiencing the Switch 2, even if they couldn’t pre-order online,” said Best Buy’s VP of Merchandising, Jane Harper. “Our teams are prepared for high turnout, with additional security and crowd management measures in place.”
Shoppers are advised to arrive early, as stock will be limited to first-come, first-served purchases. Best Buy’s video games hub will also update in real time with availability details, though the retailer emphasized that in-store purchases are the “primary focus” for launch night.
The announcement has sparked relief among gamers, many of whom faced crashed websites and sold-out queues during pre-order windows. Meanwhile, competitors like GameStop and Target are expected to follow suit with similar late-night events, though neither has made an official statement.
With the Switch 2 poised to deliver 4K gaming, enhanced Joy-Con controllers, and a lineup of blockbuster titles, the late-night sales could turn into a cultural moment—a throwback to the midnight launch frenzy of decades past. For now, all eyes are on Nintendo’s next move… and whether the lines outside Best Buy will stretch into the next zip code.
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