Nintendo has issued a crucial update to U.S. fans eagerly awaiting the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, echoing concerns previously expressed about meeting demand in Japan. The company has warned that those who have registered their interest in purchasing a Switch 2 from the My Nintendo Store might not receive their console by the release date of June 5, 2025. As a result, invitation emails to purchase the console may be sent out after the Switch 2 has hit the market. However, Nintendo assures customers that they will confirm the shipping date at the time of purchase.
Nintendo expressed gratitude to those who have shown interest in buying from My Nintendo Store and acknowledged the high demand for the Switch 2. "We're thrilled by the enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2! Due to the very high demand, we will be working diligently to fulfill orders as product becomes available, but delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed. Your invitation email may arrive after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. We'll confirm your shipping date upon purchase," the company stated.
In a move that might concern potential buyers, Nintendo suggested that pre-ordering through third-party retailers could offer a better chance of securing a Switch 2 at launch. This advice comes at a time when pre-orders have already sold out at retailers like GameStop. "If you wish to increase your opportunity of obtaining a Nintendo Switch 2 system at launch, please visit our participating retail partners above," the statement directed, linking to GameStop, where the Switch 2 is currently sold out.
For those who prefer to wait for an invitation from My Nintendo Store, no further action is needed after registering interest. The struggle fans faced when trying to pre-order the Switch 2 on April 24, coupled with Nintendo's warning, indicates that the next-generation console will be challenging to obtain around its launch date.
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Earlier this week, Nintendo issued a similar warning to its customers in Japan, indicating that a significant number of fans would miss out on direct pre-orders from the company. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa shared on X/Twitter that 2.2 million people in Japan alone had applied for a pre-order from the My Nintendo Store, far exceeding the company's expectations and available stock for the June 5 release.
According to an FAQ posted on Nintendo's website, the first batch of invitations for the U.S. My Nintendo Store will start going out on May 8, 2025. Subsequent batches will be sent periodically until purchasing is opened to everyone. The initial invitations will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and invitees will have 72 hours to complete their purchase upon receiving the email.
To be eligible for these priority invitations, customers must meet certain criteria: they must have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership, maintained it for at least 12 months, and opted into sharing gameplay data with at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Last week, Nintendo confirmed that pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the U.S. would start on April 24, 2025, with the console's price set at $449.99 and the launch date remaining June 5. The Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will be priced at $499.99, while the games Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will be available for $79.99 and $69.99, respectively. However, amidst ongoing tariff issues, Nintendo has increased the prices of Switch 2 accessories.
Originally, Nintendo had planned to open pre-orders on April 9 but delayed them to assess the impact of tariffs and market conditions. For those interested in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2, along with accessories and games, keep an eye on our comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide for the latest updates and tips on increasing your chances of securing a console on launch day.
