Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were initially scheduled to commence globally on April 9. However, due to economic turbulence caused by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo was compelled to postpone pre-orders in the U.S., followed by Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
According to a FAQ posted on Nintendo’s official website, the first batch of invitations for pre-orders will begin rolling out on May 8, 2025, through the My Nintendo Store. There is currently no information available regarding pre-orders through retail outlets.
Nintendo has stated that additional batches of invitation emails will be sent out "periodically" until pre-orders on the My Nintendo Store become available to everyone.
The initial invitations will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to "eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria," as per 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 the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitation, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- You must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months.
- You must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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There has been no confirmation from Nintendo regarding whether they will maintain the previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if they will adjust them upwards. Some analysts have raised concerns that the ongoing tariff war might compel Nintendo to raise the price of the base Switch 2 beyond $449.99, though no official statement has been released by Nintendo on this matter.
It's important to note that Nintendo is offering a limited-time bundle of the Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively reducing the price of the game by $30.
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 gathered various reactions to Nintendo's decision to set the price at $80 for games in the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts who have shed light on the reasoning behind this move.
In other news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé hinted at the controversy surrounding Nintendo's decision to charge for the Switch 2 tutorial game, Welcome Tour, by drawing parallels to the Wii pack-in game, Wii Sports, in a series of tweets.
