All the details on Nintendo Switch midnight release events

It’s time to get in line and wait, but when the Nintendo Switch is waiting for you at the end, is that really so bad?

If you’re an avid gamer, it’s been a minute since there’s been a midnight release for new hardware. The Nintendo Switch will end that drought tonight when it goes on sale to both rabid Nintendo fanatics and people simply curious to see what this portable, convertible gaming machine is all about.

The official release date for the Switch is Friday, March 3, but just like movie releases, that means the place, er, time to be is actually Thursday night. Several prominent retail chains will open their doors for players to get their hands on the Switch as soon as humanly possible, so let’s take a look at who’s doing what.

GameStop

As the country’s leading video game-centric store chain, GameStop is pulling the retail equivalent of a full court press for the Switch. We’re talking more than 3,000 stores across the country that will be open at midnight, which means one near you. Probably. Check here to be sure, and if you don’t live close to a GameStop, you must really be out in the sticks.

Of particular interest: GameStop will offer a $429.99 bundle with the Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and a Pro Controller, as well as a $454.99 bundle with those three items plus the official Breath of the Wild guide from Piggyback. Wait, they still make physical guides?

GameStop also claims it will have a “limited supply” of Switch units for people without pre-orders, so for any chance at one of those, the midnight opening is your best, and perhaps only, shot.

Best Buy

Since Best Buy sells all kinds of electronics and other stuff, it’s not going quite as gonzo for the Switch. Still, more than 600 stores will be open at midnight, which is no small deal. Click here and use the dropdown menu in the first section to find participating stores in your state. Other Best Buy locations will sell the Switch as soon as they open on Friday morning.

As with GameStop, Best Buy says it will have consoles for people who didn’t pre-order them, but Polygon reports that the store will distribute them Black Friday sale style, handing out tickets for the exact number of non-pre-order units, limit one per customer.

Next: Nintendo Switch full launch title list

In other words, this might be a midnight launch, but it might be a noon launch on Thursday for you at Best Buy if you catch our drift. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated and maybe pack a snack.