Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were initially scheduled to launch worldwide on April 9. However, due to economic disruptions caused by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo had to delay pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, such as the UK.

According to a FAQ on Nintendo’s official website, the first batch of invitations for pre-orders will be sent out starting May 8, 2025, exclusively through the My Nintendo Store. There is currently no information available regarding pre-orders through retail outlets.

Nintendo has stated that additional batches of invitation emails will be dispatched "periodically" until pre-orders on the My Nintendo Store are open to everyone. The initial invitations will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis to "eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria." Those receiving an invitation 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, customers must meet the following criteria:

• You must have purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
• You must have maintained a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months.
• You must have opted in to share gameplay data and accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

There is currently no confirmation from Nintendo regarding whether they will maintain the previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games (some priced at $79.99), and accessories, or if they will increase them. Some industry analysts have raised concerns that the ongoing tariff war might force Nintendo to raise the base price of the Switch 2 above $449.99, but no official statement has been released by Nintendo yet.

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

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 covered various reactions to Nintendo's decision to set the price of Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts who explain the reasoning behind this move.

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