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

Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were initially slated to begin globally on April 9. However, due to economic disruptions stemming from Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada, while they proceeded as planned in other regions such as the UK.

According to an FAQ on Nintendo's official website, the first batch of invitations for pre-ordering through the My Nintendo Store will start being sent out on May 8, 2025. There's currently no information available regarding pre-orders through retail outlets.

The initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Those who receive an invitation will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent 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 had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months.
• You must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours of total gameplay.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

7 ImagesThere is uncertainty surrounding whether Nintendo will maintain the previously announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if they will be subject to an increase. Some industry analysts are concerned that the ongoing tariff war might force Nintendo to raise the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99, although no official announcement has been made yet.

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

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 Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts who explain the rationale behind this move.

Elsewhere, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the pricing of the Switch 2 tutorial game Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports, through his social media posts.