The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be in high demand. To ensure that dedicated fans get their hands on this new console, Nintendo is rolling out a strategic pre-order system through the official My Nintendo Store. If you're interested in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 and select accessories, you'll need to register your interest using your Nintendo Account.

Once you've registered, you'll receive an invitation email when it's your turn to pre-order. This email will be valid for 72 hours, so it's important to act quickly. However, there's a catch: you must have played your current Switch for at least 50 hours and maintained a Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months by April 2, 2025. According to the site's fine print, "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."

Nintendo emphasizes that these invitations are non-transferable and will be sent to the email address linked to the registering Nintendo Account. There's also a one-per-account limit on both the system and each accessory during the invitation period. You can express interest in either the base Nintendo Switch 2 system or the bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

After placing an order, you'll receive an approximate shipping date, but Nintendo warns that release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times. These measures seem aimed at ensuring that the Nintendo Switch 2 goes to genuine fans and not to scalpers looking to resell the console online.

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Scalping has been a significant issue with the launches of high-demand products like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as with the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve managed to curb this problem with the Steam Deck by implementing a queue system that linked purchases to Steam accounts and verified account creation dates. It's clear that Nintendo is taking a similar approach with the My Nintendo Store to prevent scalping.

While there will be other avenues to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2, this pre-order system is designed to give long-time Switch users a better chance at securing a console on launch day, helping them avoid the chaos that often accompanies such high-demand releases.