First Batch of Switch 2 Pre-Order Dates and Priority Set for U.S. and Canada

Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to commence globally on April 9. However, due to economic turbulence caused by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo was forced to delay pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, such as the UK.

According to an FAQ posted on Nintendo's official website, the first round of invitations for pre-orders through the My Nintendo Store will begin on May 8, 2025. There is currently no information available regarding retail pre-orders. Nintendo has indicated that subsequent batches of invitation emails will be sent out "periodically" until pre-orders are open to everyone on the My Nintendo Store.

The initial invitations will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Invitees 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 any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
• You must have maintained a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months.
• You must have opted in to share gameplay data and accumulated a minimum of 50 hours of total gameplay.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

7 Images

Nintendo has not yet confirmed whether it will maintain the previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if prices will be increased. Concerns have been raised by analysts about the possibility of the base Switch 2's price rising above $449.99 due to ongoing tariff issues, though Nintendo has not made any official announcements on this matter.

It's worth noting that Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively reducing the cost of the game by $30. However, this bundle is available for a limited time only.

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 provided extensive coverage on Nintendo's decision to set the price of Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts explaining the rationale behind this move.

Additionally, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the pricing of the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports, through his social media posts.