Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Get Some Nintendo Store Restrictions, Presumably to Thwart Scalpers

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be a highly sought-after product. To ensure that genuine Switch enthusiasts can secure their pre-orders, Nintendo is implementing specific measures through the official Nintendo store.

On the My Nintendo Store, users with a Nintendo Account can express their interest in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories." Once their turn comes up, they will receive an invitation email, which will be valid for 72 hours. However, there's a catch: you need to have logged significant time on your current Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.

"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," states the fine print on the site.

Nintendo also emphasizes that these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email addresses linked to the Nintendo Account used to register interest. There's a limit of one system and one accessory per account during the invitation period. Currently, you can express interest in either a base Nintendo Switch 2 system or one bundled with Mario Kart World.

Orders will be shipped after purchase, with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo notes, "Please note that release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."

While not explicitly stated by Nintendo, these measures appear designed to ensure that the Switch 2 is purchased by those who intend to use it for gaming, rather than reselling it for profit.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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Scalping has been a persistent issue with the launch of popular products, affecting the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and even the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve successfully mitigated this with a queue system for the Steam Deck, tying purchases to Steam accounts and checking account creation dates. It's evident that Nintendo is adopting a similar strategy with the My Nintendo Store process.

While other avenues for purchasing the Switch 2 will be available, this approach aims to help dedicated Switch 1 owners navigate the potential frenzy of securing a pre-order on launch day.