Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders were scheduled to launch globally on April 9, but economic disruptions from new tariffs forced Nintendo to first delay U.S. and Canadian orders. Pre-orders proceeded as scheduled in other regions like the UK.
According to Nintendo's official FAQ, initial invitation emails for My Nintendo Store pre-orders will begin rolling out May 8, 2025. Retailer pre-order details remain unannounced.
Additional invitation waves will follow periodically before general access opens. Nintendo will prioritize early registrants who meet specific criteria, giving recipients 72-hour purchase windows.
Switch 2 Pre-Order Priority Requirements:
- Must be the original purchaser of a Nintendo Switch Online membership
- Required at least 12 months of paid Nintendo Switch Online
- Must opt into gameplay data sharing with 50+ total gameplay hours
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Packaging
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Nintendo remains silent on potential price adjustments for the $449.99 console, $79.99 games, or accessories despite tariff concerns. Some analysts speculate the base model could exceed $450, though no official announcements have been made.
Notably, Nintendo offers a limited-time Mario Kart World bundle at $499.99 - a $30 discount versus separate purchases.
U.S. Pricing Breakdown
- Console Only: $449.99
- Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99
- Mario Kart World: $79.99
- Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99
- Pro Controller: $79.99
- Camera: $49.99
- Joy-Con Pair: $89.99
- Accessories: $12.99-$109.99
IGN has gathered reactions to Nintendo's $80 game pricing strategy, including analysis pieces examining the rationale.
Separately, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé referenced Wii Sports' inclusion strategy in tweets apparently addressing criticism of Switch 2's paid tutorial game Welcome Tour.
