The much-anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to launch globally on April 9. However, economic turmoil stemming from Trump's tariffs led Nintendo to delay pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada. Despite this, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, such as the UK.
According to a FAQ on Nintendo's official website, the first round of invitations for pre-ordering through the My Nintendo Store will begin on May 8, 2025. Details regarding retail pre-orders remain undisclosed at this time.
Nintendo has indicated that additional batches of invitation emails will be sent out "periodically" until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to all customers.
The initial invitation emails will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to "eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria," as per Nintendo's explanation. Those who receive an invitation will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to finalize their purchase.
To qualify for a priority invitation to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- You must have maintained any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months.
- You must have opted in to share gameplay data and accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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There has been no confirmation yet on whether Nintendo will maintain its previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if there will be an increase. Analysts have raised concerns that the ongoing tariff war might compel Nintendo to raise the price of the base Nintendo Switch 2 above $449.99, though no official statement has been issued.
It's important to note 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. This bundle, however, is available for a limited time only.
Here is the pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its related products in the U.S.:
- Nintendo Switch 2: $449.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World: $499.99
- Mario Kart World: $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 the reactions to Nintendo's decision to set the price of Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts on the reasons behind this move.
In other news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé alluded to the controversy surrounding Nintendo's decision to charge for the Switch 2 tutorial game Welcome Tour through social media, drawing comparisons to the inclusion of Wii Sports with the Wii.
