Switch 2 Pre-Order Invitations: U.S. and Canada Dates, Priority Details

Pre-orders for the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to launch globally on April 9. However, due to economic turbulence stemming from Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay the pre-order start in the U.S., followed by Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.

According to the FAQ on Nintendo’s official website, the initial invitations 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 locations.

Nintendo plans to send out additional batches of invitation emails "periodically" until the purchasing option on the My Nintendo Store becomes available to everyone.

The first round of invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet the priority criteria. Recipients will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.

To be eligible for a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitation, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have purchased a 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 logged at least 50 hours of total gameplay.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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There has been no confirmation from Nintendo regarding whether they will maintain the previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or if prices will increase. Some analysts are concerned that due to the ongoing tariff war, the base price of the Nintendo Switch 2 might exceed $449.99, although Nintendo has not yet made an official statement on this matter.

Notably, Nintendo is offering a limited-time bundle that includes Mario Kart World with the Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the cost of the game by $30.

Here are the current pricing details for the Nintendo Switch 2 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 gathered various reactions to Nintendo's pricing strategy for the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts who explain the reasoning behind the price increase to $80 for some games.

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