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

Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to commence globally on April 9. However, due to economic turbulence stemming from Trump's tariffs, Nintendo was compelled to postpone the pre-order launch 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 official website, the first wave of invitations for pre-orders will be dispatched starting May 8, 2025, exclusively through the My Nintendo Store. There has been no update yet regarding pre-orders at retail outlets.

The initial invitation emails will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria, as outlined by Nintendo. Those receiving an invitation will have a 72-hour window from the time of the email to finalize their purchase.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitation priority requirements:

• You must have been the one who 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 logged at least 50 hours of total gameplay.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

7 ImagesThere is no confirmation yet on whether Nintendo will maintain its previously announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games, which are priced up to $79.99, and accessories, or if they will be subject to an increase. Some industry analysts have raised concerns that the ongoing tariff war might push Nintendo to raise the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99, though no official statement has been made by Nintendo on this matter.

It's noteworthy 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, Nintendo has specified that this bundle is a limited-time offer.

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 increase the price to $80 for games in the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts explaining the reasoning behind this move.

Additionally, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the pricing debate through tweets that subtly reference the successful inclusion of Wii Sports with the Wii, in light of the controversy surrounding the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, which comes at an additional cost.