The excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 was palpable as pre-orders were initially scheduled to go live worldwide on April 9. However, due to economic turbulence stemming from Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada. Fortunately, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
Nintendo has provided clarity on the pre-order process through a FAQ on their website, announcing that the first invitations for pre-orders via the My Nintendo Store will be sent out starting May 8, 2025. Details regarding retail pre-orders remain undisclosed at this point.
Further batches of invitation emails will be dispatched periodically until the purchasing window is opened to all on the My Nintendo Store, as per Nintendo's latest update.
The initial batch of invitation emails will be sent on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Those who receive an invitation 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 been the one who purchased any 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 have accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
7 Images
As for pricing, Nintendo has not yet confirmed whether they will maintain or adjust the previously announced prices for the Switch 2, its games, and accessories. While some games are set to retail at $79.99, analysts speculate that the ongoing tariff war might push Nintendo to increase the base Switch 2 price beyond $449.99, although no official statement has been released.
It's noteworthy that Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes Mario Kart World with a Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's price by $30. This bundle, however, is 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 the reactions to Nintendo's decision to set the price of Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts on the rationale behind this move.
Additionally, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has commented on the situation through social media, drawing parallels between the controversy surrounding the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, and the success of Wii Sports as a pack-in game with the Wii.
