The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the shelves on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be in high demand upon launch. To ensure that genuine Switch enthusiasts get their hands on the new console, Nintendo is rolling out a pre-order strategy through the official My Nintendo Store. If you have a Nintendo Account, you can now register your interest in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories." Once your turn comes up, you'll receive an invitation email, which remains valid for 72 hours. However, there's a catch—you must have logged significant playtime on your current Switch and be a Switch Online member.
According to the fine print on the site, "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." Nintendo also emphasizes that these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email addresses linked to the registering Nintendo Account. Additionally, there’s a one-per-account limit for the system and each accessory during the invitation period. You can express interest in either a base Nintendo Switch 2 system or a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.
Once you place your order, it will be shipped after purchase, with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo clarifies that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times." These measures are designed to ensure that those buying a Switch 2 through this process are genuinely interested in using the console for personal gaming, rather than reselling it online.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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Scalping has been a persistent issue for new releases of popular products. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S faced similar challenges, and even the Pokémon Trading Card Game has been grappling with scalping and shortages. Valve successfully implemented a queue system for the Steam Deck, which required purchases to be tied to existing Steam accounts, a strategy that Nintendo seems to be adopting with the My Nintendo Store process.
While other avenues will be available for purchasing the Switch 2, this method aims to help dedicated Switch 1 owners avoid the potential chaos of securing a launch day pre-order.
