First Batch of Switch 2 Pre-Order Invites in U.S. and Canada: Dates and Priority Requirements Announced

The much-anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to launch globally on April 9. However, economic turmoil sparked by Trump's tariffs led Nintendo to postpone the pre-orders in the U.S., followed by Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.

According to a FAQ on Nintendo's website, the initial batch of invitation emails for pre-orders will commence on May 8, 2025, exclusively for the My Nintendo Store. There's no information yet on when retail pre-orders will be available.

Nintendo has confirmed that additional 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 out on a first-come, first-served basis to "eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria," as outlined by Nintendo. Those receiving an invitation will have 72 hours from the time of the email 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

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There's no confirmation yet on whether Nintendo will maintain its previously announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games (some of which are priced at $79.99), and accessories, or if they'll be subject to an increase. Analysts have raised concerns that the ongoing tariff war might force Nintendo to raise the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99, but no official statement has been made.

It's worth noting that Nintendo is offering a bundle that includes Mario Kart World with a Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the cost of the game by $30. However, this bundle is available for a limited time only.

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 explaining the rationale behind this move.

In related news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé referenced the success of the Wii pack-in game Wii Sports in tweets that subtly addressed the debate over Nintendo's decision to charge for the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour.

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