Summary
There are some individuals that will have an easier time pre-ordering theNintendo Switch 2than others. TheNintendo Switch 2is set to launch on June 5 with two versions available. The $449.99 Switch 2 comes with just the console, while the $499.99 bundle includes a copy ofMario Kart World. Some retailers have already jumped the gun, but the vast majority of the world will have the chance to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 starting Wednesday, April 9.
The exception to the rule is the US.Nintendo has delayed the Switch 2 pre-order datein the US in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs. Nintendo is assessing the impact the tariffs will have, which means it is likely considering a price hike for its next-generation console in the US. A new pre-order date for Nintendo fans in the US has not been announced at the time of this writing, but Nintendo has said that it will still be launching the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5 in the US regardless.
Gamers outside the US know exactly when they can pre-order the Switch 2, but there’s another way one can make the process easier for themselves. Those interested in the Switch canvisit the official Nintendo websiteand register their interest in buying a Switch 2 directly from My Nintendo Store. This feature is available to Nintendo Account holders in the US and Canada who are at least 18 years old. Eligible gamers will eventually be sent an invitation email when it is their time to purchase andwill have 72 hours to claim their console. The emails will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis with registrants prioritized if they have purchased a minimum 12-month Switch Online membership and have opted to share game data and have played a total of 50 gameplay hours as of Jul 16, 2025. Once all the invitations have been sent to those individuals, more will go out to the rest of the eligible registrants “on a first-come, first-served basis.“The first wave of invitations will be sent on May 8, with more sent periodically until the My Nintendo Store Switch 2 orders are opened to everyone. Needless to say, those that meet the criteria and get the chance to purchase directly from Nintendo will have a much easier time buying a Switch 2 console than those that have to try their luck pre-ordering at local retailers or picking one up on launch day.
Nintendo Switch 2 My Nintendo Store Pre-Order Criteria
When purchasing their Switch 2 console through My Nintendo Store, Nintendo fans will also have the chance to purchase accessories for their device. This will presumably include additional Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, andthe Switch 2 Camera. The new Switch 2 GameCube controller isn’t expected to go on sale until June 5, so fans should keep that in mind. Each eligible Nintendo Account can only purchase one of each item. It should be noted thatlaunch day deliveryis not guaranteed, however.
Clearly, this isNintendo’s way of combating scalpers. The criteria laid out for the My Nintendo Store pre-orders ensure that hardcore Nintendo fans will get prioritized, and limiting the purchases to one console per account is also smart. Now we just have to wait and see when exactly the Switch 2 pre-orders will open up in the US, and then fans can start putting together their Switch 2 pre-order strategy.
