The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be a highly sought-after item at launch. To ensure that genuine Nintendo fans secure their pre-orders, the company has introduced specific measures on the official Nintendo store.
On the My Nintendo Store, individuals with a Nintendo Account can express their interest in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2 system and selected accessories. Those who register will receive an invitation email when it's their turn, which remains valid for 72 hours. However, there's a requirement: you must have spent considerable time on your existing Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.
According to the fine print on the site, "Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025." This prioritization ensures that dedicated fans get first dibs.
Nintendo has made it clear that these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email addresses linked with the Nintendo Account that registered interest. Additionally, there's a one-per-account limit for the system and each accessory during the invitation period. Currently, you can express interest in either a base Nintendo Switch 2 system or a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.
After placing an order, it will be shipped with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo also notes: "Please note that release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."
Though not explicitly stated, these measures are designed to ensure that buyers are purchasing a Switch 2 for personal use rather than for resale on the secondary market.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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Scalping has been a persistent issue for new releases of popular products. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S faced significant scalping, while the Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to struggle with shortages and scalping.
Valve managed to curb this issue with its Steam Deck queue system, which tied purchases to Steam accounts and checked the creation date of accounts. Given its success, it's no surprise that Nintendo is adopting a similar approach with the My Nintendo Store process.
While there will be other avenues to acquire a Switch 2, these measures should help long-time Switch owners avoid the potential chaos of securing a launch day pre-order.
