Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Face Store Restrictions to Combat Scalpers

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be a highly sought-after item. To ensure that genuine fans get their hands on it, Nintendo has introduced a pre-order system on the My Nintendo Store. If you have a Nintendo Account, you can register your interest in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories." Once it's your turn, you'll receive an invitation email, which remains valid for 72 hours. However, to be eligible, you need to have spent considerable time on your original 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 linked to your Nintendo Account. Additionally, there's a limit of one system and one of each accessory per account during the invitation period. You can express interest in either the base Nintendo Switch 2 system or the bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

Once you place your order, it will be shipped, and you'll receive an approximate shipping date at the time of ordering. Nintendo emphasizes that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times." These measures are designed to ensure that the Switch 2 goes to those who intend to use it, rather than to scalpers looking to resell it online.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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Scalping has been a persistent issue with new releases of popular products, as seen with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve managed to mitigate this problem with the Steam Deck by implementing a queue system that linked purchases to Steam accounts and checked account creation dates. It's no surprise that Nintendo is adopting a similar approach with the My Nintendo Store process.

While there will be other avenues to purchase the Switch 2, this system aims to help long-time Switch owners secure a pre-order without the hassle of launch day chaos.