The highly anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to launch globally on April 9. However, due to economic turbulence caused by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay the pre-orders in the United States and subsequently in Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
According to a FAQ on Nintendo's website, the first round of invitations for pre-ordering through the My Nintendo Store will begin on May 8, 2025. There's no information available yet regarding retail pre-orders. Nintendo has stated that they will continue sending out additional batches of invitation emails "periodically" until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to everyone.
The initial invitation emails will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to "eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria," as outlined by Nintendo. Those who receive an invitation will have a 72-hour window from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-order Invitation Priority Requirements
- You must have purchased a 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's uncertainty about whether Nintendo will adhere to its previously announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games (some priced at $79.99), and accessories. Analysts have raised concerns that the ongoing tariff war might compel Nintendo to increase the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99, though no official announcement has been made.
It's notable that Nintendo is offering a bundle of the Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's cost by $30. However, this bundle is available only for a limited time.
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 the reactions to Nintendo's decision to set the price of some Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts explaining the rationale behind this move.
Elsewhere, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Nintendo's decision to charge for the Switch 2 tutorial game Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the Wii pack-in game Wii Sports through his tweets.
