The eagerly anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were initially scheduled to launch globally on April 9. However, due to economic disruptions caused by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay pre-orders in the U.S., followed by Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
According to a FAQ on Nintendo’s website, the first wave of invitations for pre-orders will be sent out starting May 8, 2025, exclusively for the My Nintendo Store. Details regarding retail pre-orders have yet to be announced.
Nintendo has confirmed that additional batches of invitation emails will be dispatched "periodically" until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to the general public.
The initial invitations will be distributed 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 qualify for the priority pre-order invitations for the Nintendo Switch 2, 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 accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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There has been no official word from Nintendo on whether they will maintain the previously announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games (with some priced at $79.99), and accessories, or if there will be price increases. Analysts are concerned that the ongoing tariff war might force Nintendo to raise the base price of the Switch 2 above $449.99, though no final decision has been announced.
It's worth noting 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.
The current pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 and related products in the U.S. is as follows:
- 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 and reactions to Nintendo's decision to increase prices for the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts on the reasons 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 comparisons to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports.
