Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Face Store Restrictions to Combat Scalpers

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be in high demand upon its release. To ensure that genuine Switch enthusiasts secure their pre-orders, Nintendo is rolling out a strategic pre-order system on the official My Nintendo Store.

Nintendo Account holders can register their interest in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories" directly from the Nintendo Store. Once registered, interested buyers will receive an invitation email when their turn arrives, valid for 72 hours. However, there's a twist: you need to prove your dedication to the Nintendo community. 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."

Nintendo emphasizes that these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be dispatched to the email addresses linked with the Nintendo Account used for registration. 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 standard Nintendo Switch 2 or one bundled with Mario Kart World.

After placing an order, it will be shipped, and an approximate shipping date will be provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo also clarifies that "Please note that release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."

While not explicitly stated, these measures are designed to ensure that those purchasing a Switch 2 through this process are genuine fans who intend to use the console themselves, rather than reselling it online for profit.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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Scalping has plagued the launches of many high-demand products, including the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve managed to curb this issue with the Steam Deck by implementing a queue system tied to user accounts and purchase history. It's encouraging to see Nintendo adopt a similar approach with the My Nintendo Store system.

While there will be other avenues to acquire a Switch 2, this method offers a promising way for dedicated Switch 1 owners to secure a pre-order and avoid the potential chaos surrounding the console's launch.