Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Face Store Restrictions to Combat Scalpers

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and is expected to be highly sought after. To ensure that dedicated Switch players can secure their pre-orders, Nintendo has implemented specific measures on the official Nintendo store. On the My Nintendo Store, users with a Nintendo Account can register their interest in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 system and select accessories. Those who express interest will receive an invitation email when their turn comes up, which remains valid for 72 hours. However, to qualify, you must have spent considerable time with your existing Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.

According to the fine print on the site, "Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025." These invitations are non-transferable and will be sent to the email address linked to the registering Nintendo Account. There's a one-per-account limit for both the system and each accessory during the invitation period. You can express interest in either a base Nintendo Switch 2 system or one bundled with Mario Kart World.

Orders will ship post-purchase, with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo clarifies that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times." These measures aim to ensure that those who secure a Switch 2 through this process genuinely intend to use it, rather than resell it online.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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Scalping has been a significant issue for new releases of popular products, affecting both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve managed to mitigate this problem with its Steam Deck queue system, which linked purchases to Steam accounts and checked account creation dates. Nintendo's approach with the My Nintendo Store seems to follow a similar strategy.

While there will be other avenues to acquire a Switch 2, these options aim to help long-time Switch 1 owners avoid the potential scramble for a launch day pre-order.