Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to begin globally on April 9. However, economic disruptions caused by Trump's tariffs led Nintendo to delay pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada, while pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.

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

Nintendo has stated that additional batches of invitation emails will be sent out periodically until pre-orders on the My Nintendo Store are open to everyone. The initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Those who receive an invitation will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.

To be eligible for a priority invitation, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have purchased a 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 have accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

7 Images

There is no confirmation yet on whether Nintendo will adhere to its previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games (some of which are priced at $79.99), and accessories, or if there will be price increases. Some analysts are concerned that the ongoing tariff war might force Nintendo to raise the price of the base Switch 2 above $449.99, but no official announcement has been made.

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

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 provided extensive coverage on Nintendo's decision to set the price at $80 for the Switch 2 generation, including insights from analysts who explain the reasoning behind this move.

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