Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to commence worldwide on April 9. However, economic turbulence resulting from Trump's tariffs led Nintendo to delay the pre-order start date in the U.S. and Canada, while pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
According to a FAQ on Nintendo’s official website, the first round of invitations for pre-orders will be dispatched starting May 8, 2025, exclusively for the My Nintendo Store. 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 pre-orders on the My Nintendo Store are opened 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 outlined by Nintendo. Those who receive an invitation will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.
To be eligible for a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitation, 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 is no confirmation yet on whether Nintendo will maintain its previously announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if there will be an increase. Some analysts have voiced concerns that the ongoing tariff war might compel Nintendo to raise the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99, but no official announcement has been made on this matter.
It's worth noting that Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively reducing the cost of the game by $30. However, this bundle is available as a limited-time offer.
The 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 on Nintendo's decision to set the price of Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts who explain the reasoning behind this move.
Elsewhere, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has alluded to the controversy surrounding Nintendo's decision to charge for the Switch 2 tutorial game, Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the successful Wii pack-in game, Wii Sports.
