Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were initially set to go live worldwide on April 9. However, economic turbulence caused by tariffs imposed by former President Trump led Nintendo to delay pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada. Despite this, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
According to a FAQ on Nintendo's official website, the first batch of pre-order invitations for the My Nintendo Store will be dispatched starting May 8, 2025. There is currently no information available regarding retail pre-orders. Nintendo has stated that additional batches of invitation emails will be sent out "periodically" until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to everyone.
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. The priority criteria for receiving an invitation include:
- You must have personally purchased a 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 at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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There has been no official word from Nintendo regarding potential price changes for the Switch 2, its games, and accessories. Some games are currently priced at $79.99, and analysts have speculated that the ongoing tariff war might push Nintendo to increase the price of the base Switch 2 beyond $449.99. However, Nintendo has not made any announcements confirming or denying these speculations.
It's noteworthy that Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively reducing the price of the game by $30. This bundle, however, 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 covered the reaction to Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts explaining the rationale behind these price points.
In other news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has commented on the controversy surrounding the pricing of the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the success of the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports.
