Best Buy ignites wave of nostalgia with Nintendo Switch 2 midnight pre-orders
A wave of nostalgia and urgency swept through fans as Best Buy opened pre-orders for the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 at midnight on April 24, 2025. For many gamers, this wasn't just a product launch—it was the rekindling of childhood dreams and portable power fantasies. The trending search term “bestbuy switch 2” is a reflection of that electric anticipation sweeping across the gaming community.
A look back: The legacy of the original Switch
When the Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017, it redefined the console world with its hybrid mobility. Its unique design, seamless docking, and exclusive titles made it a cultural phenomenon, shipping over 140 million units worldwide. It's no wonder that the follow-up, Switch 2, is commanding massive buzz even before its June 5 release.
Fans have waited eight years for this evolution. With a larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display and upgraded internals, the Switch 2 promises a major step up. Its ability to retain core portability while enhancing display and speed has only amplified demand.
April—The rollercoaster month of announcements and delays
The journey to April 24 hasn’t been smooth. On April 2, Nintendo announced official pricing at $449.99 and a June 5 release, sparking immediate market chatter. But excitement turned to confusion just two days later when pre-orders were delayed indefinitely due to unexpected market fluctuations.
To soothe growing consumer frustrations, Nintendo broke their silence on April 18, confirming new pre-order dates and a controversial $5-$10 price increase for accessories. It was a mixed signal to fans—reassuring yet aggravating.
Midnight madness: Pre-order frenzy begins
All eyes turned to midnight on April 24. As the clock struck twelve, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target opened up online pre-orders. The digital lines formed fast and frustration followed. Thousands found themselves refreshing screens, trying to lock in early access before stock ran dry.
By mid-morning, GameStop joined the fray, offering both online and in-person orders at 11:00 AM ET. Fans lining up outside stores brought back the retro joy of console launches. The nostalgia was real—and powerful.
The emotion behind the pre-order panic
There are some moments gamers don’t forget... We can’t wait to bring that moment to life with the Nintendo Switch 2.
Patrick McGinnis, Best Buy's CMO, captured the cultural heartbeat of today's launch on their official Best Buy blog. His words fueled the build-up to midnight launches and echoed the shared memory of camping outside stores for the first Switch in 2017.
We apologize for the retail pre-order delay... We share their excitement to experience Nintendo Switch 2 starting June 5.
Even Nintendo's official apology spoke volumes. The short-lived confusion gave way to a renewed sense of unity among fans—millions waiting with bated breath for the Switch 2 to arrive.
From bundled debates (base console vs Mario Kart edition) to heated Reddit threads over pricing hikes, this moment has become more than a launch—it's a cultural checkpoint, driven by both love and frustration.
Conclusion
✔️ Best Buy’s timely Switch 2 launch has reignited the spirit of gaming communities across the country
✔️ A perfect storm of nostalgia, scarcity, and excitement makes the Switch 2 launch a defining tech moment in 2025
