It's been just over three months since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and Amazon's latest move to remove its invite requirement has finally closed the book on any lingering Switch 2 scarcity anxieties.
It's a change that was long overdue. Up until recently, Amazon was the last major online retailer in the US with any kind of roadblock in place for the average consumer. Walmart, Best Buy, and Target have all been successfully stocking the console online and in stores for well over a couple of months.
That being said, the finality is still truly surreal to witness. After becoming so used to supply shortages, the rapid success of a new console is a momentous occasion, especially since it took what seemed like years for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles to become regularly available.
So when the Nintendo Switch 2 was eventually announced after years of anticipation, it's no surprise that many, both inside and outside the industry, expected it to be the same old story, especially since the original Switch had already gone through its own constrained supply scalper boosting controversy back in 2017.
Nintendo did try to initially ease concerns back in 2024, suggesting it was planning to tackle the problem head-on with its Switch successor. President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that the "most important thing is to produce a sufficient number to meet customer demand", and also reaffirmed in early 2025 that Nintendo was "making preparations" to match demand.
Despite these reassurances, anxieties surrounding Switch 2 availability reached a fever pitch after the gaming giant began sending out official "out of stock" signs to retailers days before release, and warned that a "significant" number of customers would miss out on buying the console at launch in Japan, and inevitably around the globe as well.
Switch 2 hasn't faced the exact same challenges as the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S launches, but it's still had to overcome more than its fair share of wobbles. From worldwide tariff concerns to delaying the console's preorder start date in the US, controversies over $80 games, alongside the eventual price hikes for Switch 2 accessories, and, more recently, the original Nintendo Switch.
Tariffs alone arguably had the same calamitous potential of the semiconductor shortages and rampant scalper activity that scuppered Sony, Microsoft, and the rest of the gaming industry at the start of the decade. It's fair to say everything wasn't as smooth sailing as Nintendo might have liked during the console's recent preorder and launch period. But, to its credit, it has still managed to weather the storm.
By July and August, any indication of stock issues were firmly over, with most major retailers in the US having more than enough consoles to go around — both online and in stores.
In the end, Nintendo managed to do what Microsoft and Sony couldn't, and successfully hit demand to manufacturing parity in a way no other console launch has in recent memory.
As a result, Nintendo Switch 2 is the fastest-selling console in US history. It's sold over two million units in the US and more than six million units globally, currently putting it at least 75% ahead of the unit sales pace set by the OG Switch. All of that is to say, if you want to buy a Switch 2, you can, and that's a good thing.
What About a Switch 2 Black Friday Discount?
Going into the rapidly approaching holiday season with your brand new console overwhelmingly in stock, and for the right reasons, is great news for Nintendo. But, it's even better news for those looking to pick up the console for themselves or loved ones as part of the festivities.
That being said, I'm not anticipating any discounts on the Nintendo Switch 2 as part of Black Friday, or any other kind of sale during the final few months of year. If you were holding out in hope of a special offer to come, personally I would save yourself the headache and just buy it now.
You've got the option of a Nintendo Switch 2 for $449, or either of the bundle options currently available for $499. That includes the Mario Kart World bundle, which is already available, or preordering the Pokemon Legends: Z-A bundle that's set to release on October 16.
Both include a built in discount as well compared to buying the console and game seperately, with a $30 saving for Mario Kart, and $20 saving for Pokemon.
But, if you did want the best deal possible on a Switch 2, then this early October Prime Day offering at Amazon might be just what you're looking for.
So what's the deal? Amazon is currently giving away up to $150 worth of gift card credit to every Prime member who signs up for its Prime Visa Card, which also includes 5% cashback on all purchases at online retail mogul (Note: $50 for non-Prime members, and 3% cashback).
That works out at a total of $167.49 off either of the Switch 2 bundles, post cashback of course, and costing you $332.50 instead of almost $500.
But, while I love a good discount, I'm no financial advisor, so consider this suggestion carefully, and with your head royally screwed on. Happy gaming, readers.
Robert Anderson is Senior Commerce Editor and IGN's resident deals expert on games, collectibles, trading card games, and more. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
