The much-anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to begin worldwide on April 9. However, economic turbulence caused by Trump's tariffs led Nintendo to delay the pre-orders in the U.S. and subsequently in Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
According to the FAQ on Nintendo's website, the initial round of invitations for pre-orders at the My Nintendo Store will commence on May 8, 2025. There is currently no information available regarding pre-orders through retail outlets.
Nintendo has confirmed that additional batches of invitation emails will be dispatched periodically until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to all customers.
The initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Those who receive an invitation will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.
To qualify for a priority invitation for the Nintendo Switch 2, customers must meet the following criteria:
- You must have personally purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- You must have maintained a 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 uncertainty about whether Nintendo will maintain the previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if there will be an increase. Some analysts worry that due to the ongoing tariff war, Nintendo might need to raise the price of the base Nintendo Switch 2 above $449.99, although no official statement has been made yet.
It's noteworthy that Nintendo is offering a special 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 a limited-time offer.
The current 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 covered various reactions to Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2, including insights from analysts who explain the factors contributing to the $80 price point for some games.
Additionally, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the discussion surrounding the cost of the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, drawing comparisons to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports, in his social media posts.