Switch 2 Pre-Order Dates and Priority Set for U.S., Canada

The eagerly anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to launch globally on April 9. However, economic turmoil stemming from 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 a FAQ on Nintendo's website, the initial invitations for pre-ordering through the My Nintendo Store will begin on May 8, 2025. There is currently no information available regarding pre-orders at retail locations.

Nintendo has confirmed that additional batches of invitation emails will be dispatched periodically until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to everyone.

The first batch of invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Those invited will have a 72-hour window from the time the email is sent to finalize their purchase.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-order Invitation Priority Requirements:

• You must have purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
• You must have maintained any 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

7 Images

There has been no official word from Nintendo on whether the announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games (some priced at $79.99), and accessories will remain as stated or be subject to increases. Analysts have raised concerns that the ongoing tariff war might push Nintendo to raise the base price of the Switch 2 above $449.99, though no final decision has been announced.

It's noteworthy that Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes Mario Kart World with the Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's price by $30. However, this bundle is available for a limited time only.

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 Nintendo's decision to set the price at $80 for the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts who have explained the reasons behind this move.

Elsewhere, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has commented on the situation via tweets that subtly reference the controversy over the pricing of the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports.