Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Face Store Restrictions to Combat Scalpers

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be in high demand. To ensure that true fans get their hands on this new console, Nintendo has introduced specific pre-order measures on the My Nintendo Store. If you're interested in securing a Nintendo Switch 2 and select accessories, you can register your interest using your Nintendo Account. Once your turn comes up, you'll receive an invitation email, which will be valid for 72 hours. However, there's a twist: to be eligible, you need to have spent considerable time on your current Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.

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 also emphasizes that these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email linked to your Nintendo Account. There's a one-per-account limit for both the system and each accessory during this period. You can express interest in either the base Nintendo Switch 2 system or one bundled with Mario Kart World.

Once you place your order, it will be shipped, and you'll be given an approximate shipping date. However, Nintendo notes that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times." These measures seem designed to prioritize genuine fans over scalpers looking to resell the console online.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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Scalping has been a significant issue with new releases of popular products, as seen with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve managed to curb this with their Steam Deck queue system, which linked purchases to Steam accounts and checked account creation dates. Nintendo appears to be following a similar strategy with the My Nintendo Store process.

While there will be other avenues to purchase the Switch 2, these pre-order measures aim to help long-time Switch 1 owners secure their console on launch day, avoiding the usual chaos and scalping.