Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Restricted to Combat Scalpers

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be a highly sought-after item. To ensure that dedicated Nintendo fans get a fair chance at securing their pre-orders, Nintendo has introduced specific pre-order measures on the My Nintendo Store. If you're a fan eager to get your hands on this new console, you'll need to register your interest using your Nintendo Account. This registration allows you to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories" directly from the Nintendo Store.

Once you've registered, you'll receive an invitation email when it's your turn to pre-order. This invitation is valid for 72 hours, so be ready to act quickly. However, there's a catch: to be eligible for this invitation, you must have been an active user of your old Switch and a member of Nintendo Switch Online. Specifically, by April 2, 2025, you need to have a minimum of 12 months of paid Nintendo Switch Online membership and at least 50 total gameplay hours on your existing Switch.

Nintendo has made it clear that these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email address linked to the Nintendo Account that registered interest. Additionally, there's a one-per-account limit for both the system and each accessory during the invitation period. You can express interest in either the base Nintendo Switch 2 system or a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

After placing your order, it will be shipped with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo emphasizes that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times." These measures are designed to ensure that the Nintendo Switch 2 goes to genuine fans and gamers, rather than scalpers looking to resell the console at a higher price.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

22 Images

Scalping has been a recurring issue with high-demand product launches, notably affecting the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve managed to curb this problem with its Steam Deck by implementing a queue system linked to Steam accounts and checking account creation dates. Nintendo's approach with the My Nintendo Store seems to follow a similar strategy, prioritizing long-time users and members.

While there will be other avenues to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2, these pre-order measures aim to help dedicated Switch 1 owners navigate the potential chaos of securing a console on launch day.