Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Face Store Restrictions to Combat Scalpers

The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be a highly sought-after item upon release. To manage the pre-order process and ensure that genuine Switch enthusiasts secure their consoles, Nintendo is implementing specific measures through the official Nintendo store.

On the My Nintendo Store, individuals with a Nintendo Account can express their interest in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2 system along with selected accessories. Those who register their interest will receive an invitation email when it's their turn to pre-order, which will be valid for 72 hours. However, there's a catch: you need to have spent considerable time with your current 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." Additionally, these invitations are non-transferable and will be sent to the email address linked to the registering Nintendo Account. There's a one-per-account limit for the system and each accessory during the invitation period. Currently, you can express interest in either a base Nintendo Switch 2 system or one bundled with Mario Kart World.

Orders will be shipped post-purchase, with an approximate shipping date provided during the order process. Nintendo also clarifies that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times." These measures seem aimed at ensuring that the people buying a Switch 2 through this method are those who genuinely want to use the console, rather than resell it.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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The issue of scalping has plagued the launch of many high-demand products, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Valve successfully managed this with their Steam Deck by implementing a queue system that linked purchases to existing Steam accounts and checked account creation dates. It's not surprising that Nintendo is adopting a similar approach with the My Nintendo Store process.

While there will be other avenues to purchase the Switch 2, these measures could help dedicated Switch 1 owners avoid the potential frenzy surrounding launch day pre-orders.