Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were originally slated to commence globally on April 9. However, due to economic disruptions caused by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to postpone the pre-order launch in the U.S., followed by Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as scheduled in other regions, including the UK.
According to a FAQ on Nintendo's official website, the initial invitations for pre-orders at the My Nintendo Store are set to be dispatched starting May 8, 2025. There's currently no information available regarding pre-orders at retail stores.
Nintendo has announced that additional batches of invitation emails will be sent out periodically until pre-order purchasing is opened to everyone on the My Nintendo Store.
The initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Those receiving an invitation will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.
The priority criteria for receiving a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitation include:
- You must have 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 its previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if they will increase due to the ongoing tariff war. Analysts have voiced concerns that the base price of the Nintendo Switch 2 might exceed $449.99, though Nintendo has yet to confirm any price adjustments.
Notably, Nintendo is offering a bundle of 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.
Here is the current pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 and related products 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 the pricing decisions for the Nintendo Switch 2, including insights from analysts explaining the reasons behind the price increase to $80 for certain games.
Additionally, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé subtly addressed the controversy over the cost of the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, by referencing the story of the Wii pack-in game, Wii Sports, via social media.
