Get Ready: Your Switch 2 Checklist ✅

Getting your Switch 2 ready before launch day can save you a lot of stress later. This Switch2 checklist covers your pre-order, pickup or delivery plans, accessories, account setup, and the first games you want to play.

A few minutes of prep now means less time searching through emails, downloading updates, or realizing you forgot something once your console arrives.

📦 Confirm Your Pre-Order

Start with the basics. Check your email for your order confirmation, then make sure you know which version you ordered: the regular Switch 2 or the Mario Kart bundle.

Log into the store where you placed the order and check that it is still active. If there is a tracking number, save it somewhere easy to find so you can check it quickly.

🏬 Know Your Pickup or Delivery Plan

Some stores may offer midnight pickup, while others will open in the morning. Check your store’s hours ahead of time and see whether you need to bring your order confirmation, ID, or anything else.

If your Switch 2 is being delivered, track the package and turn on shipping alerts. Knowing when it is close can help you avoid missing it.

🎒 Get Your Accessories Ready

Having your accessories ready makes launch day much smoother. Here are a few useful things to have nearby:

• Screen Protector to help keep the screen safe. Here’s the one we bought 🔗
• Protective Case to help keep the device scratch-free. Here’s the one we bought 🔗
• Carrying Case if you plan to take it out of the house
• MicroSD Express Card, with 128GB or more being a good starting point
• Cloth to Clean the Screen if you mainly play handheld like me

The storage card is especially important. Make sure it says MicroSD Express. Regular MicroSD cards do not work with the Switch 2.

Also, double-check any older accessories you already own. Some gear may not work with the new console.

🏠 Make Room for Your Switch2 Setup

Pick a spot for your new console before it gets there. Make sure there is a nearby outlet, solid Wi-Fi, and enough room for games, accessories, and the dock.

Clean up the area so setup feels easy instead of rushed. A simple space makes it easier to keep track of cables, controllers, game cases, and everything else that comes with your Switch 2.

👤 Check Your Nintendo Account

Before your console arrives, log into your Nintendo Account on your phone or older Switch.

Make sure:

• Your account is signed in
• Your payment information is saved
• You have Nintendo Switch Online if you want online gaming
• Parental controls are set up if your family needs them

This helps you get new games faster and makes it easier to save progress to the cloud.

🕹️ Pick Your First Games

Think about the first game you want to play. Mario Kart World? Zelda: Echoes? It helps to make a short list now so you are not deciding at the last second.

For digital games, see whether you can pre-download them before launch day. That can save time later. If you are buying physical games, make sure they will be ready at the store or arrive with your console.

You can also make plans with friends for online gaming once everyone has their Switch2 ready.

🔔 Set Alerts and Have a Backup Plan

Did not get a pre-order, or want an extra console? Some stores may have more Switch 2 systems available on launch day.

Set alerts through apps like HotStock, check store websites, and join Reddit or Discord chats that share restock information. Fast updates can make a big difference.

It also helps to have a backup store in mind. If your main pickup plan has a problem, you will already know where else to look.

⚡ Get Ready for First-Time Setup

When your Switch 2 arrives, take care of these steps first:

• Charge it fully
• Connect to Wi-Fi
• Sync your controllers
• Check for updates
• Link your Nintendo Account

Taking care of these early can help you avoid setup problems and get into your games faster.

🛡️ Think Ahead for Your Switch2

A case can help protect your console while traveling. A screen protector can keep the display looking clean, and a cloth can help with fingerprints and smudges.

Gamers who download a lot of games may need more storage over time. Families sharing the console may also want screen-time controls ready from the beginning.

Keep the box and any extra parts in a safe place if you plan to travel with the console or trade it in later.

✅ Quick Checklist

• ✅ Pre-order confirmed
• ✅ Pickup or delivery info ready
• ✅ Accessories gathered
• ✅ MicroSD Express card ready
• ✅ Play area cleaned
• ✅ Nintendo Account updated
• ✅ First games picked
• ✅ Restock alerts set
• ✅ Setup steps planned

What game will you play first on Switch 2 launch day?