First Batch of Switch 2 Pre-Order Invites Dated for U.S. and Canada, Priority Set

The pre-order phase for the Nintendo Switch 2 was scheduled to begin worldwide on April 9, but due to economic disruptions stemming from Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada. Despite this, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.

According to the FAQ on Nintendo’s official website, the initial batch of invitations for pre-ordering through the My Nintendo Store will start being sent out on May 8, 2025. At this time, there's no information available regarding pre-orders at retail stores.

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 invitation emails will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to "eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria," as explained by Nintendo. Those who receive an invitation will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.

To qualify for priority pre-order invitations for the Nintendo Switch 2, 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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Nintendo has yet to confirm if it will adhere to the previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if there will be an increase. Concerns have been raised by analysts that the ongoing tariff war might force Nintendo to raise the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99, though no official announcement has been made.

Notably, Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's cost by $30. However, this bundle is a limited-time offer.

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 extensive coverage on Nintendo's decision to set the price at $80 for games in the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts explaining the rationale behind this move.

Elsewhere, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the debate surrounding Nintendo's decision to charge for the Switch 2 tutorial game Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the success of the Wii pack-in game Wii Sports.