Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to commence globally on April 9. However, due to economic turmoil stemming from Trump's tariffs, Nintendo was forced to delay pre-orders in the United States and subsequently in Canada. Meanwhile, 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 start being sent out on May 8, 2025, through 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 the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders 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's statement. Those invited will have a 72-hour window from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Invitation Priority Requirements:
- You must have purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- You must have maintained any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months.
- You must have opted in to share gameplay data and have accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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There has been no confirmation from Nintendo on whether they will maintain the previously announced pricing for the Nintendo 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 base price of the Switch 2 above $449.99, though no official statement has been made yet.
It's worth noting that Nintendo is currently offering a bundle that includes the Nintendo Switch 2 with 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.
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 set the price at $80 for the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts who explain the reasoning behind this move.
Elsewhere, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé hinted at the controversy surrounding Nintendo's choice to charge for the Switch 2 tutorial game, Welcome Tour, by drawing parallels to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports, in his tweets.
