The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be a highly sought-after item. To ensure that genuine fans of the console secure their pre-orders, Nintendo is implementing specific measures on the official My Nintendo Store. If you have a Nintendo Account, you can register your interest in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 system and selected accessories. Once your turn comes up, you'll receive an invitation email that's valid for 72 hours. However, there's a catch: you need to have logged significant time on your current Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.
"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," according to the site's fine print. Additionally, these invitations are non-transferable and will be sent to the email address linked to your Nintendo Account. There's also a one-per-account limit for both the system and each accessory during the invitation period. Currently, you can express interest in either the base Nintendo Switch 2 system or the one bundled with Mario Kart World.
Once you've placed your order, it will be shipped after purchase, with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo specifies that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times." These measures seem designed to ensure that those buying a Switch 2 through this process are genuine gamers looking to enjoy the console themselves, rather than resellers looking to flip it online.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
22 Images
Scalping has been a persistent issue with new releases of popular products. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S faced significant scalping issues, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game has been dealing with shortages and scalping. Valve managed to mitigate this problem with their Steam Deck by using a queue system that linked purchases to Steam accounts and checked account creation dates. It's not surprising to see Nintendo adopting similar measures with the My Nintendo Store process.
While there will be other avenues to purchase a Switch 2, these options can help long-time Switch 1 owners avoid the chaos of securing a launch day pre-order.
