Nintendo has officially announced pre-order restrictions for its highly anticipated console, the Nintendo Switch 2, aiming to cater to its most dedicated players. This new approach to pre-orders will utilize an invite-only system, requiring consumers to meet specific criteria before they can secure their reservation.
Pre-orders for the Switch 2 will commence on April 8, 2025, for UK and European consumers, while those in the US and Canada will have to wait until April 9, 2025. The console is set to launch just a few weeks later, on June 5, 2025, giving players a limited window to secure their device.
According to Nintendo UK, consumers must have held a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least two years continuously by March 31, 2025, and maintain an active membership at the time of the pre-order. In contrast, Nintendo US has set a slightly less stringent requirement, stating that invites will be prioritized for users with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership.
Additionally, the pre-order selection will also take into account players' engagement levels. Nintendo has indicated that those who have logged more playtime on Nintendo Switch games will be favored. Specifically, Nintendo US has set a threshold of at least 50 hours of gameplay as of April 2, 2025, for those hoping to receive an invite.
To qualify for an invitation, consumers must also opt to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo. The company has clarified that "over time, the selection criteria thresholds may be lowered and more people could be invited to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2 console." This suggests a potential for broader access as the pre-order phase progresses, although the focus will remain on dedicated players.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has reiterated the company's commitment to meeting stock demands, stating, "As of now, we are taking the risk and proceeding with production to meet as large a demand as possible." He acknowledged the challenges of rapidly increasing production capacity, drawing on past experiences with the original Nintendo Switch.
As the excitement builds, many retailers are preparing for the launch. In Canada, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be priced starting at $629.99 for the console alone, with a bundle featuring Mario Kart World available for $699.99. Premium games are expected to retail for $125 or more due to exchange rates.
To pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 directly from Nintendo, users must sign into their accounts, which is open to Canadians and Americans aged 18 and older. Invitations will be sent via email and are valid for 72 hours. Priority access is given to those who meet the aforementioned membership and gameplay requirements.
Major retailers in Canada, such as Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, have confirmed that they will support pre-orders starting April 9, 2025, at 9 AM PDT/12 PM EDT. Walmart has noted that due to high demand, there will be a limit of one console per household to help curb potential scalping.
GameStop Canada has also announced that pre-orders will be available both online and in-store, while Best Buy confirmed similar plans, although it has not specified whether pre-orders will be available online, in-store, or both.
Despite the excitement, some consumers are left wondering about the availability of pre-orders on platforms like Amazon, which has yet to announce any landing pages for the Nintendo Switch 2. This uncertainty leaves potential buyers on the lookout for updates, especially since Amazon has previously supported pre-orders for Nintendo products.
Retail managers across the US have reported significant demand for the Switch 2, with many customers inquiring about the exact timing of the pre-orders. Although retailers have not confirmed a specific time, hints suggest that pre-orders may begin at midnight on April 9, 2025, online.
As the launch approaches, the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been set at $449.99, which is $50 more than initially expected. Some launch games are priced at $80, raising concerns among consumers about the overall cost of entering the next generation of Nintendo gaming.
With just 57 days between the pre-order kickoff and the official release date, players are urged to make their plans early. The competition for the Switch 2 is expected to be fierce, especially given the limited number of consoles available. For those eager to secure their device, acting quickly on April 9 will be crucial.
In summary, Nintendo's new pre-order strategy for the Switch 2 aims to reward loyal players while managing high demand. As the launch date nears, both consumers and retailers are bracing for what promises to be one of the most anticipated gaming releases of the year.
