The highly anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were initially scheduled to launch globally on April 9. However, due to economic disruptions caused by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay the pre-order start in the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
According to a FAQ posted on Nintendo's official website, the first round of invitation emails for pre-ordering through the My Nintendo Store will begin on May 8, 2025. There is currently no information available regarding pre-orders through retail outlets.
Nintendo has indicated that additional batches of invitation emails will be sent out "periodically" until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to the general public.
The initial invitation emails will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet specific priority criteria. Recipients of these invitations will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Invitation Priority Requirements:
- You must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- You must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months.
- You must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
7 Images
There is uncertainty about whether Nintendo will maintain its previously announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games, and accessories or opt for an increase. Some analysts are concerned that due to the ongoing tariff war, Nintendo might need to raise the base price of the Switch 2 above $449.99, although Nintendo has not yet made any official announcements on this matter.
It's worth noting that Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes Mario Kart World with the Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's cost by $30. However, this bundle is available for a limited time only.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing in the U.S.:
- Nintendo Switch 2 by itself: $449.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World bundled in: $499.99
- Mario Kart World by itself: $79.99
- Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
- Joy-Con 2 Controller pair: $89.99
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
- Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel pair: $19.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99
IGN has covered extensive reactions to Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2, including insights from analysts who explain the reasons behind the pricing decisions.
In other news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has commented on the pricing controversy surrounding the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the successful Wii pack-in game, Wii Sports.
