When do people usually get to start being able 2 pre order video games How close to the release date

It varies anywhere from 2 weeks to half a year.

It depends on how big the game is, the expectation, marketing involved in the game, and publishers.

Usually, for sequels of big games that have been a huge commercial success, you can start pre-ordering them 2 to 6 months prior the release date, on the most important game shops.