Nintendo implements pre-order restrictions for Switch 2

Update, April 4, 2025: Nintendo has delayed pre-orders in the United States “to evaluate the possible effects of tariffs and changing market conditions.”

In a statement shared with GameSpot, Nintendo confirmed they will “provide an update at a later date” and specified that the June 5 release date remains “unchanged.”

Original Update, April 3, 2025: Nintendo has placed pre-order restrictions on My Nintendo Store for the Switch 2 in order to “prioritize the most devoted players.”

Initially, pre-orders will be granted via invitation-only emails based on a specific set of criteria. For customers in the UK and Europe, pre-orders begin on April 8, while in the US and Canada, the starting date is April 9. The Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025.

Nintendo UK indicated that customers must have held a Nintendo Switch Online subscription “for at least two consecutive years” as of March 31, 2025, and must maintain an active subscription when pre-ordering.

Nintendo US stated that invites will be given priority to those with “at least 12 months of paid membership.”

For family memberships, this applies only to the individual who purchased the subscription. Other members are ineligible.

Pre-order preference will also be given based on “prioritizing users with increased playtime” on Nintendo Switch titles, as well as players who have chosen to share usage data with Nintendo. Nintendo US noted that this requires a minimum of 50 hours as of April 2, 2025.

To qualify for the invitation, customers must also have consented to receive promotional emails and notifications from Nintendo.

“Over time, the criteria for selection may become less stringent and more individuals could be invited to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2 console,” the company explained.

“Ultimately, we will continue to focus on prioritizing the most committed Nintendo Switch fans (while supplies last).”

Earlier this year, Nintendo presi