I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the latest photos circulating online. The Nintendo Switch 2, which launches June 5 for $450, has already started appearing in retail stores across the country. What caught my attention wasn’t just the early arrival, it was how casually one Target store displayed these highly sought-after consoles.
A photo shared by YouTuber Jake Randall on May 26 shows approximately 20 Switch 2 units sitting inside a metal cage on wheels, right in the middle of Target’s electronics section. The cage sits between phone displays and television units, making it impossible to miss for anyone walking through the department.
This display choice seems risky, to put it mildly. The portable cage design makes it look like someone could simply roll the entire collection out of the store if they wanted to. The setup almost invites trouble, especially considering how desperate some gamers are to get their hands on the new console before its official release date.
Early Stock Arrivals Creating Buzz
Reddit users have also posted images showing Switch 2 consoles stored in Target’s back warehouse areas. These photos reveal substantial quantities of the new gaming system, along with games priced at $80 each, including the upcoming Mario Kart World title.
The warehouse shots give us a glimpse of just how many units retailers expect to move on launch day. Based on what I’m seeing in these images, stores are preparing for massive demand. Those back-room stacks will likely disappear within minutes once June 5 arrives.
Security Concerns and Missing Units
The casual storage methods raise obvious security questions. When expensive electronics sit in easily accessible areas, they tend to disappear. I’ve seen this pattern before with previous console launches, and the Switch 2 situation feels particularly vulnerable.
Some Reddit posts showing similar metal cage setups have already been deleted, which suggests either store management caught wind of the photos or the consoles mysteriously vanished. Given the portable nature of these storage solutions and the high value of the contents, both scenarios seem plausible.
What This Means for Launch Day
These early sightings confirm that Nintendo has successfully distributed units to major retailers ahead of the June 5 launch. However, they also suggest that some consoles might already be in circulation through unofficial channels.
I wouldn’t be surprised if gameplay footage starts surfacing online before the official release date. When consoles are this accessible in retail environments, some units inevitably find their way into eager hands early.
The visible presence of Switch 2 consoles in stores also builds excitement for launch day. Seeing physical units on display makes the release feel more real after years of speculation and rumors about Nintendo’s next gaming system.
