After years of speculation and recent months filled with leaks, Nintendo has finally set the stage for its next-generation console. The company officially announced that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on May 8, 2025 — but there’s a catch. This first round of pre-sales is invite-only and will be managed exclusively through the My Nintendo Store.

This comes after Nintendo had to delay their previously announced pre-sale date of April 9 due to the new tariffs in the USA.

Invite-Only Pre-Order System Aims to Reward Loyal Fans

In an effort to combat scalpers and prioritize longtime fans, Nintendo has implemented a qualification system. Players hoping to score an early Switch 2 will need to meet specific criteria, including:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Maintaining an active Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months
• Logging a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay on a Nintendo Switch
• Opting in to share gameplay activity with Nintendo

If you meet all of these requirements, you may receive an email invite starting May 8. Once received, you’ll have a 72-hour window to complete your purchase. Nintendo plans to roll out more invites in waves throughout May and possibly into June depending on inventory.

From the FAQ on the Nintendo Store website here are some rules, dates, and qualification requirements:

When will I be notified about my invitation to purchase Nintendo Switch 2?

• Nintendo Account holders in the US and Canada who are at least 18 years old are eligible to register.
• The first batch of invitations will go out starting May 8, 2025, with additional batches of invitation emails sent periodically until purchasing on My Nintendo Store is opened to everyone.
• Initial invitation emails will be delivered on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria. Invitees will have 72 hours from the time when the email is sent to complete their purchase.
• Priority requirements are as follows: As of 4/2/2025, (i) you must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership, (ii) you must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months, and (iii) you must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours total gameplay hours.

What payment types are accepted and when do I pay?

• The full payment will be required at time of checkout.
• My Nintendo Store accepts Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay as payment methods.
• Please note that My Nintendo Store does not accept Nintendo eShop gift cards.

Where do you ship? Can I pick up in-store?

• Orders for Nintendo Switch 2 will ship to the U.S. (including U.S. territories and APO/FPO address) and Canada.
• Shipping is available to P.O. Boxes in the U.S. and Canada.
• My Nintendo Store orders cannot be picked up at retail locations (including the Nintendo NEW YORK or Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO stores).

When will I receive my Nintendo Switch 2 order?

Please note that release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times.

Orders will be shipped after purchase. Your purchase window will be shown in your invitation email and your approximate ship date will be provided at time of ordering.

Pricing and Launch Details

The Nintendo Switch 2 will officially launch in the U.S. on June 5, 2025, with a suggested retail price of $449.99. It will debut alongside key first-party titles including:

• Mario Kart World – A global, cross-platform racing experience with mixed-reality elements
• Donkey Kong Bananza – A brand-new 2.5D platformer reimagining the classic jungle adventure

The price puts the Switch 2 well above the launch price of its predecessor ($299 in 2017), a reflection of its rumored upgraded OLED display, improved Joy-Cons, and next-gen hybrid chipset designed to bridge the gap between handheld and home console performance.

What About Retailers Like Best Buy and Walmart?

While the My Nintendo Store will handle the initial wave, major retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon have yet to confirm exact dates for their own Switch 2 pre-orders. Best Buy has, however, hinted at midnight store openings on launch day, which could signal limited in-store launch stock for walk-in customers.

U.K. Pre-Orders Already Sold Out — And Scalping Has Begun

Pre-orders in the U.K. went live on April 8 and sold out in hours. Early buyers are already flipping their confirmed reservations on resale sites like eBay at marked-up prices, in some cases over £700. Nintendo’s invite-only approach in the U.S. appears to be a direct countermeasure against this growing problem.

Why the Invite System Matters

Nintendo’s decision to limit initial access isn’t just about demand — it’s about optics. With the original Switch now in its twilight years and demand for a follow-up at an all-time high, Nintendo is trying to avoid the chaos that plagued launches of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. This invite-only window is meant to restore a sense of fairness and reward users who have spent years in the ecosystem.

What Should You Do Now?

If you want a chance at getting the Switch 2 early, take these steps:

• Log into your My Nintendo account and make sure your profile is up-to-date
• Confirm that you’re enrolled in Nintendo Switch Online and have allowed data tracking
• Make sure your gameplay hours and eligibility match Nintendo’s published criteria
• Keep an eye on your inbox for any invitations starting May 8

With buzz building, a steady flow of teaser footage leaking online, and growing speculation about other launch titles (rumors point to a Metroid Prime 4 appearance), the next few months are going to be pivotal for Nintendo. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer, the race for the Switch 2 is officially on.

You can register to be a part of the Switch 2 pre-sale here:

https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/how-to-buy/

Key Takeaways

• Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitations will begin rolling out on May 8, 2025, with additional batches following periodically.
• Pre-orders will initially be available exclusively through the My Nintendo Store using an invitation-based system.
• Priority requirements have been established for early access, though Nintendo will continue sending invitations until wider availability.

Details on the Pre-Sale and Invitations

Nintendo has established a structured invitation system for the Switch 2 pre-orders to ensure fair distribution. The company will begin sending the first batch of invitations on May 8, 2025, followed by additional waves until the console’s official release.

Eligibility for Pre-Sale Invitations

Nintendo has implemented specific eligibility requirements for those hoping to receive a Switch 2 pre-order invitation. According to Nintendo’s official guide, customers must have a Nintendo Account and opt in for promotional emails to be considered.

Priority access will be given to users with a history of Nintendo product purchases and active Nintendo Switch Online memberships. This approach rewards loyal customers and existing Nintendo fans.

The My Nintendo Store will be the primary platform for these invitation-based pre-orders in the United States and Canada. The delay in the pre-order schedule was reportedly related to recent tariff concerns.

Retailers like Smyths Toys, HMV, ShopTo, and John Lewis may offer separate pre-order opportunities, though details for these retailers remain limited.

How to Register for an Invitation

To register for a Switch 2 pre-order invitation, customers need to:

1. Create or log into their Nintendo Account
2. Ensure their email consent settings allow for promotional emails
3. Verify their account information is current, including shipping address
4. Wait for the invitation email which will arrive from May 8, 2025 onward

The invitation email will contain a unique, time-limited link to complete the purchase. These links typically expire within 72 hours, so customers should monitor their inboxes closely.

Nintendo recommends adding nintendo@email.nintendo.com to approved sender lists to prevent invitations from being filtered as spam.

Expected Demand and Scalper Prevention

The Nintendo Switch 2 is anticipated to face extremely high demand, similar to previous console launches. Industry analysts predict potential shortages through 2025 and into 2026.

Nintendo’s invitation system serves as an anti-scalping measure, limiting purchases to one console per Nintendo Account. The company has implemented additional verification steps to prevent automated bots from securing multiple pre-orders.

Purchase invitations will be released in controlled waves rather than a single release date, helping to manage server load and provide fair access across different time zones.

Customers who don’t receive an early invitation shouldn’t lose hope, as Nintendo has confirmed multiple batches of invitations will be sent periodically until the console’s launch. The company aims to balance fairness with rewarding loyal Nintendo enthusiasts.

Technical Specifications and Enhancements

The Nintendo Switch 2 brings significant upgrades over its predecessor with improved processing power, enhanced display capabilities, and expanded connectivity options that aim to deliver a more immersive gaming experience.

Hardware Improvements

The Nintendo Switch 2 features a substantial boost in processing power compared to the original model. Nintendo has equipped the new console with a custom NVIDIA chip that delivers approximately three times the performance of the original Switch. This enhancement allows the system to support gameplay at 4K resolution when docked, with a stable 60fps for most titles.

The display has been upgraded to a 7-inch OLED panel with reduced bezels, offering 1080p resolution in handheld mode. This represents a notable improvement over the 720p LCD screen of the original Switch.

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers include improved HD rumble technology and more precise analog sticks to address drift issues that plagued the original controllers. Battery life has also been extended, with the console now capable of 5-7 hours of gameplay on a single charge during portable use.

Storage and Memory Capabilities

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, quadrupling the 64GB offered in the premium model of the original Switch. This expanded storage allows users to install more games without immediately requiring additional memory solutions.

For those needing extra space, the system supports MicroSD Express cards, which offer significantly faster read/write speeds than the standard MicroSD cards used in the original Switch. These cards can transfer data at up to 985MB/s, reducing loading times substantially.

The console’s RAM has been upgraded to 8GB LPDDR5, providing faster memory access and enabling more complex game worlds with shorter loading screens. This improvement will be particularly noticeable in open-world games and titles with detailed environments.

Connectivity and Ports

The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the hybrid nature of its predecessor but introduces several connectivity improvements. The console features an upgraded USB-C port that supports the latest Power Delivery standards for faster charging and improved data transfer rates.

Wireless capabilities have been enhanced with:

• Wi-Fi 6E support for reduced latency and faster downloads
• Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD audio for improved wireless headphone quality
• Enhanced NFC for Amiibo and other contactless interactions

The dock has been redesigned with an Ethernet port built in (no adapter needed), one USB-C port, and two USB 3.1 ports. It also includes an HDMI 2.1 port to support the 4K output capabilities when connected to compatible displays.

The enhanced connectivity ensures the Switch 2 can better integrate with modern home entertainment systems while providing more stable online gaming experiences.

Software and Services

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with an enhanced software ecosystem and several service improvements designed to complement the new hardware. Nintendo has focused on creating a seamless transition for current Switch owners while adding compelling new features for first-time buyers.

Upcoming Games Lineup

The Nintendo Switch 2 will debut with an impressive roster of games that take advantage of the system’s improved capabilities. Nintendo Switch 2 Games will include several highly anticipated titles at launch.

Launch Window Titles:

• Mario Kart World – The next evolution of the racing franchise with expanded online features
• Donkey Kong Bananza – A 3D platformer with enhanced graphics and physics
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land 2 – Building on the success of the original

Nintendo has confirmed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release in Q3 2025, optimized specifically for the new hardware. Metroid Prime 4, after several development restarts, is now scheduled as a holiday 2025 exclusive for the system.

Several third-party developers have also announced enhanced versions of popular titles that will take advantage of the Switch 2’s improved processing power.

Nintendo Switch Online Membership Enhancements

Nintendo Switch Online will receive substantial upgrades for the new console generation. Current memberships will transfer seamlessly to the Switch 2, with new benefits added.

The service will introduce an advanced GameChat Feature that improves upon the smartphone app requirement of the original Switch. Voice chat will now be available directly through the console with enhanced audio quality.

Nintendo is expanding the catalog of retro games to include select GameCube titles for the first time. This addition joins the existing NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy libraries already available.

The improved Gameshare functionality allows families to share digital purchases across multiple Switch 2 consoles with fewer restrictions than the previous generation’s implementation.

Subscription tiers will remain similar to the current structure, though a new premium option includes exclusive early access to select Nintendo Switch 2 Games.

Parental Controls and User Experience

The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app has been completely redesigned for the Switch 2. Parents will have more granular control over playtime and content restrictions.

The new system introduces age-appropriate game recommendations and improved reports of gaming activity. Screen time management tools now include customizable breaks and rewards for balanced play habits.

User profiles from the original Switch will transfer automatically during setup. The eShop interface has been streamlined with improved discovery features for finding new games based on past preferences.

The home menu supports more customization options, including themes and folders—features long requested by Switch users. System updates will now download in the background even when in sleep mode, addressing a limitation of the original hardware.

Privacy and Personalization

Nintendo will implement several privacy features and personalization options for the Switch 2 pre-order process. These measures aim to protect user data while delivering a tailored experience for customers who register for the invitation-only purchase opportunity.

User Privacy and Data Security

The Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order system requires users to have a Nintendo Account with valid email addresses to receive invitations. Nintendo has implemented robust security measures to authenticate users during this process.

When registering for pre-order eligibility, Nintendo collects limited personal information. This typically includes:

• Email address
• Nintendo Account details
• Purchase history (for priority determination)
• IP address (for verification purposes)

Nintendo uses this data primarily to verify legitimate customers and prevent spam or abuse of the pre-order system. The company does not share this information with third parties for marketing purposes.

GameChat and voice chat features planned for the Switch 2 will have separate privacy controls. Nintendo has confirmed that users will maintain control over their communication data when using these services.

Cookie Policy and Personal Data Management

Nintendo’s My Nintendo Store uses cookies to enhance the pre-order experience and manage high traffic during the May 8, 2025 launch. These cookies help Nintendo track invitation status and maintain queue positions.

Users can customize their privacy settings through their Nintendo Account dashboard. This allows control over:

• Cookie preferences
• Marketing communications
• Personalized advertising
• Content recommendations

Geolocation data may be collected to ensure customers receive region-appropriate information about their pre-order status. This is especially important as different regions have varying release schedules.

Nintendo provides comprehensive privacy controls that let customers manage their personal data. Users can access, modify, or delete certain information through their account settings at any time before or after the pre-order process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nintendo has released key information about the upcoming Switch 2 pre-order process and important dates. Many potential buyers have questions about availability, pricing, and how to secure their console.

How can I ensure I am eligible for the initial round of pre-sale invitations for Nintendo Switch 2?

To be eligible for the first round of pre-sale invitations, consumers need to register through the official My Nintendo Store. The first batch of invitations will go out starting May 8, 2025.

Nintendo plans to send additional batches of invitation emails periodically until the purchasing window opens fully on the My Nintendo Store. Creating an account ahead of time and ensuring notification settings are enabled will improve chances of receiving an early invitation.

What details have been released about the release date for Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo has not yet announced an official release date for the Switch 2 console. However, the company previously stated they would make an announcement about the successor to Nintendo Switch by March 31, 2025.

With pre-order invitations beginning in May 2025, industry analysts expect the actual console launch to follow in summer or fall 2025, though Nintendo has not confirmed this timeline.

Where can consumers pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, and are there exclusive retailers?

Currently, the only confirmed pre-order method is through the My Nintendo Store via invitation. Nintendo has not yet announced partnerships with other retailers for the initial pre-order phase.

The invitation-based system appears to be Nintendo’s strategy to manage initial demand and ensure fair distribution. Traditional retailers will likely offer pre-orders at a later date, but this has not been confirmed.

Has a trailer been made available for the Nintendo Switch 2, and where can it be viewed?

Nintendo has not yet released an official trailer for the Switch 2. Marketing materials and official reveals are expected to come closer to the pre-order dates.

Industry watchers anticipate that Nintendo may share the first trailer when they begin sending pre-order invitations in May, or possibly at a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation before that time.

What is the pricing structure for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its associated game titles?

Nintendo has not yet revealed the price point for the Switch 2 console or any of its launch titles. Pricing information will likely be announced when pre-orders officially open.

The original Switch launched at $299.99, but given technological improvements and inflation, analysts speculate the Switch 2 may be priced higher. Game pricing structure, including whether titles will remain at the $59.99 point or move to the $69.99 price point common for newer console generations, remains unconfirmed.

Can you explain the process for pre-ordering Nintendo products, specifically for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2?

The pre-order process for the Nintendo Switch 2 will operate through an invitation system. Consumers must register interest through the My Nintendo Store to be considered for an invitation.

The first batch of invitation emails will be distributed starting May 8, 2025, with additional batches following periodically. Once invited, customers will have a limited time window to complete their pre-order through the My Nintendo Store portal.

Nintendo has implemented this system following tariff-related delays that affected their US launch plans. The invitation approach aims to prevent website crashes and ensure dedicated fans have fair access to the limited initial stock.