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Gaming , Switch 2
Trevor Barnes
4 4 min read

Missed the Switch 2 Pre-Order? Here’s What You Can Actually Do Instead

So… You Blinked and the Switch 2 Was Gone

Let me guess — you were at work, your Wi-Fi glitched, or maybe you just underestimated how fast those pre-orders would vanish. Either way, the Nintendo Switch 2 slipped through your fingers. I’ve been there. When the PS5 launched, I refreshed Walmart’s site so many times I started questioning reality.

But here’s the thing: missing out on launch day isn’t the end of your gaming world. In fact, it might be a blessing in very convincing disguise. Here’s what to do if you’re Switch 2-less and still want in on the action.

1. Play the Waiting Game (But Don’t Hold Your Breath)

Look, let’s be real: nobody — not even Nintendo — knows exactly when Switch 2 stock will stabilize. Could be a quiet restock a month after launch. Could be a nightmare until holiday season. Could be a PS5-style saga that lasts two years and gives you trust issues.

If we learned anything from the last console launch cycle, it’s that predicting supply chains is like predicting the weather with a Magic 8-Ball.

Still, here’s how to keep your chances alive:

  • Set stock alerts on sites like NowInStock or join Discords that track restocks.
  • Follow the right accounts like @Wario64, @ZhugeEX, or @CheapAssGamer on X (Twitter).
  • Check in-store stock at places like Best Buy or Target — some launches skip the online rush entirely.

But mostly? Just know you’re not alone. And panic-buying from scalpers isn’t it.

2. Refocus on the OG Switch (Still a Beast)

If you still have a regular Switch or Switch OLED, don’t treat it like tech trash. A lot of upcoming games — especially first-party titles — will be cross-gen for a while.

I’ve been playing Tears of the Kingdom on my OLED and honestly? Still gorgeous. If you’ve missed recent gems like Metroid Dread, Pikmin 4, or even Mario Wonder, there’s plenty of fun left on the table.

Bonus move: If you skipped the OLED model, this could be a great time to snag one on sale. It’s still a fantastic device for handheld play.

3. Look Into Gaming Handheld PCs (They’re Sneaky-Good Right Now)

If you’re open to going outside the Nintendo bubble, there’s a whole wave of handheld gaming PCs that are honestly better than the Switch 2 on paper — and sometimes even on price.

The most well-known is the Steam Deck, which runs SteamOS and handles a huge chunk of your PC game library right out of the box. I’ve used mine as a travel console, indie machine, and even a retro emulator. It’s chunky, sure, but surprisingly capable — and Valve keeps improving it with software updates.

But the Deck isn’t the only game in town anymore.

Here are a few more worth looking at:

  • ASUS ROG Ally – Windows-based, sleek design, runs Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and Epic Games. The Z1 Extreme version packs a serious punch, and the lower-tier model is sometimes cheaper than a Switch 2.
  • Lenovo Legion Go – Detachable controllers (like the Switch!), an 8.8” QHD+ screen, and also runs Windows. It’s big, but if you want a hybrid handheld/mini-laptop vibe, this is it.
  • AYN Loki, GPD Win, OneXPlayer – Smaller brands, but big community love. These are for the hardcore tinkerers who want portability and power.

Why they might be better:

  • Actual PC hardware (better graphics, faster load times)
  • Access to your full PC game library
  • More freedom — from emulation to mods to Game Pass
  • They’re already available. No pre-order circus.

Of course, they aren’t plug-and-play like a Switch. You’ll need to deal with Windows quirks, occasional driver issues, and settings tweaks. But if you’re even a little tech-curious? These devices give you a ton of power in your pocket.

4. Go Retro (Seriously)

Hear me out: while everyone’s focused on Switch 2 hype, retro consoles and games quietly dip in price. Whether it’s a used 3DS, Wii U, or even a Game Boy Micro, there’s something magical about diving back into a console you missed or revisiting an old favorite.

This is peak “side quest” energy. And while everyone else is waiting in virtual lines, you’re out there playing Kid Icarus: Uprising like it’s 2012.

5. Reevaluate If You Even Need It Right Now

The hype around new consoles is real — but so is the backlog. Take a moment to think: what’s actually pulling you toward the Switch 2?

  • Is it a rumored game?
  • A specific feature?
  • FOMO?

Sometimes stepping back helps clarify whether you want the console or just the feeling of newness. (Guilty as charged.)

Trevor Score: 8/10 — Because Missing Out Sometimes Opens Up More Fun

This isn’t a formal review — it’s just how I felt going through the post-launch scramble. A gut-check from someone who actually used these options.

Yeah, it stings to miss out on a shiny new toy. But between catching up on Switch hits, experimenting with the Steam Deck (or ROG Ally), or going full retro-mode, you’ve got options that are more fun (and sometimes less buggy) than rushing in on launch day.

Final Verdict: Chill, Play Something Else, and Keep Your Eye Out

Missing the Switch 2 pre-order is annoying, not tragic. The console will restock. Your backlog isn’t going anywhere. And in the meantime, there’s a world of other consoles, games, and rabbit holes worth exploring.

Closing Line:

Missed your shot? That’s okay — every great side quest starts with a little detour.