Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to begin worldwide on April 9. However, due to economic turbulence stemming from 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 on Nintendo's official website, the first batch of invitations for pre-orders will be sent out starting May 8, 2025, exclusively through the My Nintendo Store. There is currently no information available regarding pre-orders at retail outlets.
Nintendo has stated that additional batches of invitation emails will be dispatched "periodically" until the purchasing option on the My Nintendo Store becomes available to everyone.
The initial invitation emails will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to "eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria," as explained by Nintendo. Those who receive an invitation will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.
To be eligible for a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitation, 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 have accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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There has been no confirmation from Nintendo regarding whether they will maintain their previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if there will be an increase. Some analysts have raised concerns that the ongoing tariff war might force Nintendo to raise the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99, but no official statement has been made yet.
It's noteworthy 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 as a limited-time offer.
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 various reactions to Nintendo's decision to set the price at $80 for the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts who have explained the reasoning 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 social media posts.
