The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's poised to be a major hit among gamers. To ensure that true fans get their hands on this next-generation console, Nintendo is rolling out some strategic pre-order measures on the official My Nintendo Store.
To pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 and select accessories, you need to have a Nintendo Account. You can register your interest directly on the My Nintendo Store. Once registered, you'll receive an invitation email when it's your turn to pre-order, which remains valid for 72 hours. There's a catch, though: you must be an active player. Specifically, you need to have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay and maintained a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months, as of April 2, 2025.
"Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025," according to the detailed guidelines on the site.
Nintendo emphasizes that these invitations are non-transferable and will be sent to the email linked with the registering Nintendo Account. Additionally, there's a one-per-account limit for both the system and each accessory during the invitation period. You can express interest in either a standard Nintendo Switch 2 or a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.
Once you place your order, it will be shipped, and you'll receive an approximate shipping date at the time of purchase. Nintendo makes it clear that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."
While Nintendo doesn't explicitly state it, these measures are designed to ensure that the Switch 2 ends up in the hands of dedicated gamers rather than scalpers looking to resell the console online.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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Scalping has plagued the launch of many sought-after products, from the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S to the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve managed to mitigate this issue with their Steam Deck by implementing a queue system linked to Steam accounts and checking account creation dates. It's no surprise to see Nintendo adopting a similar strategy with their My Nintendo Store process.
While there will undoubtedly be other avenues for purchasing the Switch 2, these pre-order options are a welcome relief for long-time Switch owners looking to secure their console without the hassle of launch day chaos.
