Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally slated to begin worldwide on April 9. However, due to economic turbulence triggered by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay pre-orders in the U.S., followed by Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as scheduled in other regions, including the UK.
According to a FAQ on Nintendo's website, the first invitations for pre-orders will be sent out starting May 8, 2025, via the My Nintendo Store. Details regarding retail pre-orders are yet to be disclosed.
Nintendo has confirmed that subsequent batches of invitation emails will be dispatched periodically until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to the general public.
The initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Those invited will have 72 hours from the receipt of the email to finalize their purchase.
To be eligible for a priority invitation for the Nintendo Switch 2, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must have purchased a 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 logged at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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While Nintendo has not yet confirmed whether it will maintain its announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if there will be an increase, some analysts worry that the ongoing tariff war might push the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99. Nintendo has not made any official announcement regarding this.
It's worth noting that Nintendo is offering a bundle of the Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively reducing the cost of the game by $30. However, this bundle is available only for a limited time.
Here are the current prices for Nintendo Switch 2 products 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 covered a variety of reactions to Nintendo's decision to price Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts explaining the rationale behind this move.
In related news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the cost of the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, drawing comparisons to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports, through his social media posts.
