The much-anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were initially scheduled to launch globally on April 9. However, due to economic disruptions stemming from Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to postpone the pre-order start in the U.S. and Canada. Pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.
According to an FAQ on Nintendo's website, the initial wave of invitation emails for pre-orders through the My Nintendo Store will begin on May 8, 2025. There's currently no information available regarding pre-orders at retail stores.
Nintendo plans to send additional batches of invitation emails "periodically" until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to everyone.
The first round of invitation emails will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis to "eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria," as outlined by Nintendo. Those receiving an invitation will have 72 hours from the email's dispatch 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 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
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There's no confirmation yet on whether Nintendo will maintain its announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games (some priced at $79.99), and accessories, or if there will be an increase. Analysts are concerned that the ongoing tariff war might push the base price of the Nintendo Switch 2 above $449.99, but Nintendo has not made any official statement on this matter.
It's important to note that Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes Mario Kart World with the Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's cost by $30. This bundle, however, 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 price the Switch 2 generation games at $80, including insights from analysts on the reasons behind this move.
Additionally, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé subtly addressed the controversy over Nintendo's decision to charge for the Switch 2 tutorial game, Welcome Tour, by referencing the story of the Wii pack-in game, Wii Sports, in his tweets.
