Nintendo has issued a crucial update regarding the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, alerting U.S. fans that meeting the demand for release-day delivery might be challenging. Following a similar warning in Japan, Nintendo has now confirmed that those who registered their interest in purchasing a Switch 2 from My Nintendo Store might not receive their console by the launch date of June 5, 2025.

According to Nintendo's statement on their website, due to overwhelming demand, invitation emails for purchasing the Switch 2 might arrive after the console's release. However, Nintendo assures customers that they will confirm the shipping date upon purchase. The company expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm shown by fans and promised to work diligently to fulfill orders as the product becomes available.

In a surprising turn, Nintendo suggested that fans might have a better chance of securing a Switch 2 at launch by pre-ordering through third-party retailers. This advice comes as pre-orders at retailers like GameStop have already sold out shortly after going live. Nintendo's statement encourages fans to visit participating retail partners to increase their chances of obtaining the console at launch, while those preferring to wait for an invitation from My Nintendo Store need take no further action after registering their interest.

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The intense demand for the Switch 2 was evident when pre-orders opened on April 24, 2025, and the subsequent warnings from Nintendo indicate that obtaining the console around its launch date may prove difficult. Earlier in the week, Nintendo warned Japanese customers that a significant number would miss out on direct pre-orders due to the high volume of applications.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa shared on X / Twitter that 2.2 million people in Japan alone applied for a pre-order from the My Nintendo Store, far exceeding the company's expectations and available stock for the launch date. An FAQ on Nintendo's website details that the first batch of U.S. invitation emails will be sent starting May 8, 2025, with additional batches following periodically until the store is open to all.

The initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible registrants meeting specific priority criteria. Invitees will have 72 hours to complete their purchase once they receive the email.

To qualify for priority invitations, customers must meet the following requirements:

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

Last week, Nintendo confirmed that Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. would begin on April 24, 2025, with the console maintaining its original price of $449.99 and launch date of June 5. The Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will also stay at $499.99, with no changes to the pricing of Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) at launch. However, amidst ongoing tariff issues, Nintendo has increased the price of Switch 2 accessories.

Originally, pre-orders were set to open on April 9, but Nintendo delayed them to assess the impact of tariffs and market conditions. For those eager to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2, GameCube controller, or other accessories and games, staying updated with our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide is recommended. Additionally, you can learn more about increasing your chances of securing a new Nintendo Switch 2 console on day one.