As anticipation builds for the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2, major retailers in Japan and the United States are gearing up for a series of lottery sales and reservations. Starting April 24, 2025, consumers can participate in a lottery to secure their chance to purchase the highly sought-after gaming console, which is set to launch on June 5, 2025.
According to reports, Itoyokado will begin accepting lottery applications for the Nintendo Switch 2 through its online shopping site on April 24 at 10:00 AM. The application period will close on April 28 at 2:59 PM, with winners announced sequentially starting May 8 at 11:00 AM. The lottery will cover two variants of the console: the standard Nintendo Switch 2 (Japanese language, domestic use only) and the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Set.
To enter the lottery, applicants must register for the 7iD service and set up a two-factor authentication phone number. Each applicant is limited to one entry for either variant of the console. This lottery system is part of a broader strategy by retailers to manage the anticipated demand for the Nintendo Switch 2, which has been a hot topic among gaming enthusiasts.
In addition to Itoyokado, other major retailers, including Bic Camera and Yamada Denki, are also set to begin their lottery sales on the same day. Bic Camera has confirmed that it will accept applications for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World Set, with details available on their website on April 24. However, to qualify for the first lottery at Bic Camera, applicants must be members of their credit card program and have a purchase history of at least 30,000 yen over the past two years.
Yamada Denki will conduct lottery sales through its Yamada Digital Member app, although the specific application period and announcement dates are still pending. Other retailers like Sofmap and Edion have also announced lottery sales, with Sofmap already launching a special website for the event.
Meanwhile, the My Nintendo Store in the U.S. has experienced a rollercoaster of reservation dates. Initially set for April 9, 2025, the reservation date was postponed, leaving many American gamers anxious about potential price increases due to tariffs. However, Nintendo recently confirmed that reservations would resume on April 24, 2025, with no changes to the pricing structure: the standard console will retail for $449.99, while the Mario Kart World Set will be priced at $499.99.
Despite the price stability for the consoles, some accessories, such as the Joy-Cons 2, have seen a price increase of $5. Nintendo's official website also cautions that future price adjustments may occur depending on market conditions.
In Japan, the first round of lottery sales through the My Nintendo Store has concluded, with results set to be announced on April 24. A second round of lottery applications is planned to begin on April 28, 2025. Game retailers across Japan will also start accepting reservations and lottery entries on April 24, coinciding with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2.
As of now, major retailers like Amazon and Yodobashi.com have not released any information regarding their lottery sales for the Nintendo Switch 2, leaving many consumers wondering what to expect. Previously, these platforms conducted lottery sales for new consoles, and the lack of announcements has sparked curiosity among fans.
In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 is generating significant excitement as the launch date approaches. With lotteries and reservations starting across various platforms, gamers are eager to secure their consoles ahead of the June 5 release. The careful management of sales by retailers reflects the high demand and anticipation surrounding Nintendo's latest offering.
As the gaming community awaits the results of the lotteries and the official release, many are hopeful that they will be among the lucky ones to get their hands on the Nintendo Switch 2. With its promise of innovative features and a new Mario Kart experience, the console is poised to be a game-changer in the industry.
