The Nintendo Switch 2 is basically the only thing gamers can talk about right now, and for good reason. It’s been out since June 5, 2025, but finding one is still a total nightmare. If you’ve spent any time looking at the Switch 2 Target pre order situation, you know the drama is real. People are staying up until 3 a.m. refreshing pages, only to see that "Out of Stock" button mocking them.
Honestly, Target’s role in this has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Back when pre-orders first went live in April 2025, their stock disappeared in under two hours. If you missed that window, you’ve likely been playing the "restock alert" game ever since. With big titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Animal Crossing: New Horizons upgrades dropping this month (January 2026), the desperation to snag a console is hitting a new peak.
Why the Target Pre-Order Was Such a Mess
Most people don't realize that Target actually handles these launches differently than Amazon or Walmart. While Amazon just lets the bots eat everything, Target usually tries to implement some level of protection, though it's never perfect. During the initial wave, they used a ticketing system for in-store pickups, but the online side was a free-for-all.
Prices were set at $449.99 for the base console and $499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle. A lot of people got caught off guard by that $450 price point. We were all hoping for $399, but with the new 1080p screen and 256GB of internal storage, Nintendo clearly felt they could charge a premium.
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What’s Happening Right Now in January 2026
If you’re looking for a "pre-order" today, you’re technically looking for a restock. But here’s the kicker: rumors are swirling about a potential new model. A product code "OSM" was recently spotted on Nintendo’s official portal. Does this mean a "Switch 2 Pro" or maybe a "Switch 2 Lite" is coming?
Nobody knows for sure. But if a new model is announced, the Switch 2 Target pre order frenzy will start all over again.
- Current MSRP: $449.99 (don't pay more to scalpers).
- The "BEE" Code: This is the internal code for the current Switch 2.
- Target RedCard: Still your best bet for a 5% discount, which actually saves you about $22 on the console.
How to Actually Get One From Target
Target’s app is weirdly better than their website for this. Most experts, including the folks over at The Shortcut, suggest that Target tends to refresh their stock in the early morning hours, specifically between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. ET.
You’ve gotta have your payment info saved. If you’re typing in your CVV code while the console is in your cart, it’s already gone. That’s just the reality of gaming in 2026.
The In-Store "Secret"
Target still does this thing where they prioritize local store inventory for "Order Pickup." This is huge. Instead of competing with the entire country for a shipping unit, you’re only competing with people in your zip code.
- Open the Target app.
- Set your "My Store" to a location that isn't in a massive tech hub.
- Check the "In stock at my store" toggle repeatedly.
Is It Worth the $450?
There’s been some pushback lately. Nintendo just released a $100 Joy-Con 2 set that looks... well, kind of boring. It’s light purple and green, but so subtle it almost looks grey.
But the console itself? It’s a beast. Playing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in 4K while docked is a massive leap over the original Switch. The 1080p handheld screen is also much sharper. If you can actually secure a Switch 2 Target pre order or restock, the hardware holds up.
Practical Steps to Secure Your Console
Stop looking at the main search page. It’s too slow. Instead, use these specific tactics:
- Enable Push Notifications: Use the Target app specifically for "Back in Stock" alerts, but don't rely on them exclusively. They often lag by 5-10 minutes.
- Check Every Wednesday: Historically, mid-week has been a common time for Target to update their electronics inventory.
- Target Circle 360: If you have the membership, you get free 2-day shipping, which sometimes puts you in a different "tier" for shipping priority when stock is low.
- Avoid the Bundles (Usually): Unless you actually want the game, the bundles sometimes sell out slower, but they also represent a higher upfront cost that might trigger a fraud alert on your bank card.
Don't wait for a "Pro" model that might not exist for another two years. If you see the "Add to Cart" button at the $449 price point, take the shot. The secondary market is still hovering around $600, so buying retail is the only way to not get ripped off.