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Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders: Launch Details and Sign-Up Information
Following the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct broadcast, which showcased hardware specifications and upcoming game titles including new entries in the Mario Kart, Kirby, and Donkey Kong series, as well as a range of third-party games, details regarding the console’s pre-order process have emerged. While the Direct event provided extensive information, specifics on securing a pre-order were initially unclear, leading to some confusion.
Retailer Pre-Orders
Pre-orders through participating retailers are scheduled to commence next Wednesday, April 9. Currently, individual pre-order pages from retailers are still pending activation, although Best Buy has implemented a sign-up option for updates. These pages are expected to be live in the coming days. Industry observers anticipate high demand and a potentially competitive pre-order environment, with concerns about scalpers attempting to acquire stock for resale. For those seeking to pre-order through retailers, monitoring retailer websites closely and acting swiftly once pre-order launch times are announced will be crucial to improve chances of securing a console.
Nintendo Direct Sign-Up: Priority Access System
Alternatively, prospective buyers can express interest directly through Nintendo’s official website to potentially secure a Nintendo Switch 2 console. It is important to note that this process is not a direct pre-order but rather a registration of interest in purchasing the system when it becomes available. No payment details are required at this stage. However, an active Nintendo account is necessary to register, as detailed below.
Upon logging in to the Nintendo website, users can indicate their preference for either the standard Nintendo Switch 2 console, priced at $449.99 USD, or a bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World for $499.99 USD.
Nintendo Invitation Timeline and Eligibility
The timeline for Nintendo’s direct purchase system differs from standard retailer pre-orders. Invitations to purchase from Nintendo will be dispatched starting approximately one month later, on Thursday, May 8. These invitations will be distributed in phases to eligible account holders before general public access is granted. Nintendo has established specific “priority criteria” for account holders to receive these initial invitations:
- The Nintendo account must be the one associated with the Nintendo Switch Online Membership purchase.
- The Nintendo Switch Online Membership must have been active for a minimum duration of 12 months.
- Account holders must have consented to share gameplay data and accumulated at least 50 hours of gameplay.
Accounts meeting all of the above criteria will be eligible to order a console for home delivery. Nintendo Store pick-up is not an option. The invitation to purchase will remain active for 72 hours. This window is intended to provide a less frantic purchasing experience compared to the initial rush expected at retailer websites. While launch day delivery is not guaranteed, purchases are restricted to one console per account, although accessories can also be added to the order.