This event marks the first in-person hardware launch Best Buy has hosted since the PlayStation 5 chaos in 2020 — and it comes with more structure this time. According to the retailer, only confirmed preorders will be available for pickup at midnight, while a limited batch of additional consoles will be reserved for in-store buyers on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessories, games, and a few special Nintendo-themed collectibles will also be stocked during the launch window.
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Why This Matters
In the digital-first era of shipping delays, bots, and inventory scalping, the idea of a community-centered, physical launch might feel nostalgic. But for the Switch 2 — a console riding momentum from one of Nintendo’s most successful eras — Best Buy’s midnight drop offers something tangible: excitement, hype, and real-world connection between fans.
For many of us, midnight launches were more than just pickups—they were rituals. Bundling up outside a storefront in the middle of the night, swapping favorite game memories in line, watching staff roll out boxes behind closed glass—it was part of the thrill. The Switch 2 launch is bringing that energy back. In a time when everything can be downloaded, the midnight launch reintroduces the idea that some moments are worth showing up for. It’s a throwback to when consoles launched with a sense of occasion—and fans made memories the moment the doors opened.
Which Stores Will Be Open?
Find Your Nearest Best Buy
Want to see if your local Best Buy is participating? Use the map below to find the closest location and plan your launch night:
Best Buy has confirmed that “most locations” will participate in the midnight opening, though participation varies by region and local regulations. A full list of eligible stores will be published on their official website closer to launch.
Fans are encouraged to check their local store’s event page for confirmation and prepare accordingly. Lines are expected, even for those who have preordered, and stores will likely distribute colored wristbands or tickets to manage crowds safely.
What You’ll Get (Besides the Console)
While the Switch 2 itself will be the highlight, Best Buy also teased that early attendees will receive a limited-edition collectible, themed around the system’s flagship launch title, Mario Kart World. Whether that means pins, keychains, or exclusive prints, this kind of bonus is catnip for collectors — and a subtle nudge to line up early.
SwitchTwo News will update this article as more launch event details are revealed in the coming days.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s a little old school. But maybe that’s the point. With Best Buy stepping up and offering midnight pickups for Nintendo’s most important console in a decade, we’re getting a moment that celebrates both hardware and community. If you’ve missed the days of physical console drops, June 5 might just be your night to relive the magic.
🔗 Related: Check out our full coverage of all 60 confirmed Switch 2 games.
