Are you still looking to buy Nintendo Switch? Hoping to get one for the launch of Splatoon 2? Here are your best options!
Nintendo's latest gaming console, the Switch, has seen serious shortages in the supply chain since it launched. It's still very difficult to find one and they rarely stay on store shelves. If you're hoping to finally purchase a Switch along side the launch of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, here are the stores where you will have the best change to buy one without having to pay an exploitative amount from a reseller.
Amazon
It's nearly impossible to be fast enough on the draw to officially purchase the Nintendo Switch from Amazon. You have to know exactly when it goes on sale and hit the buy button within minutes. There are, however, a lot of marked up units available from resellers. You will see the price range from about $350 to $400, on average, though I've seen them go for as low as $325. Currently, Amazon notes that the next time there will be a shipment in stock is July 25. This Friday, however, it is highly likely that Amazon will release a fairly large supply for sale starting at about 9:00 a.m. PT. So, bookmark the page (don't wait for Amazon to send you an email about it), and refresh it regularly starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday and you might just get lucky.
GameStop
GameStop is a great place to shop for all your gaming needs. Although it's a small company, compared to the likes of Amazon or Best Buy, it's "in good" with major game distributors like Nintendo. As of this writing, they are currently out of stock online, but you can take your chances with an in-store visit. GameStop regularly gets small shipments sent to their retail locations. BGR reports that GameStop has a limited amount of Switch stock available between now and July 21. You can also preorder one of the retailer's infamous Switch bundles for $499, which includes the Switch and three games, or two games and a couple of themed Street Fighter toys. Unfortunately, the bundles don't ship until July 28, but you'd still get your hands on one within a week.
Best Buy
Best Buy is one of your best bets for getting your hands on a Nintendo Switch very soon. The company's weekly ad for July 16 - 21 shows that the console, as well as Splatoon 2, will be available this Friday, so you can pick up the console and the newest hotness at the same time. If you want to start playing right away, I suggest you hop in your car and drive to your local Best Buy before they even open to be sure you'll have a chance to get one right away.
Target
Target gets a few Switches in stock every once in a while. It's a bit of a game of chance, though. Some days, there are a few, some days, you can't get a single one. I will say, though, they are easier to find in-store than online. You can check Target's website to see if any location in your area are currently stocked and put one on hold if you're lucky enough. If you plan on stopping by Target on your way home from work to pick up some hand soap, make a quick stop over in the games and electronics section to see if there happen to be any in the back room. You might get lucky.
Walmart
Though it's got a reputation for selling stuff at a much lower cost than anywhere else, the price of the Switch is actually higher in Walmart's online store because of its reseller service. It is not currently in stock at the brick-and-mortar stores, though it will probably be available for the retail price instead of the inflated reseller price. You can also try to pick one up in-store this Friday, since Walmart will probably be getting a small shipment to fill orders for the Splatoon 2 launch. I recommend calling your local Walmart ahead of time to see if any new Switches will be available.
Toys 'R' Us
Toys 'R' Us is also likely to get the Switch in stock this Friday, just in time for the launch of Splatoon 2. Just like everywhere else, if they get any, there will be a limited supply. Your best option is to show up before your local Toys 'R' Us store opens and hope no one else is trying the same thing.
Reader comments
Where to buy Nintendo Switch
/me spams refresh button on Target's site…
I didn't make it in time. ;_;
Don't forget "used" websites like Swappa as well - they're marked up a bit there, too, but not irrationally, and at least have a few available at the moment...
Because resellers are marking up the Switch offensively high, and because Nintendo is still producing new Switches (though at a painfully slow rate), we're sticking with official retailers that don't exploit people's FOMO. But, don't worry, once the Switch is more readily available, we'll have plenty of information on how to sell your old Switch and the best places to buy a used one.