Switch 2 Pre-Order Dates Set for U.S., Canada

The pre-order schedule for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 hit a snag due to economic turbulence caused by Trump's tariffs, leading Nintendo to postpone pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada, originally set for April 9. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, such as the UK, ensuring gamers there could secure their consoles without delay.

According to the FAQ on Nintendo's website, the initial batch of invitation emails for pre-ordering via the My Nintendo Store will commence on May 8, 2025. As of now, there's no information regarding pre-orders at retail locations. Nintendo plans to send out additional batches of invitations "periodically" until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to all customers.

The first wave of invitations will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis to those who meet specific criteria, which include having purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership, maintaining a paid membership for at least 12 months, and opting in to share gameplay data with a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay recorded. Invitees will have a 72-hour window from the time the email is sent to finalize their purchase.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Invitation Priority Requirements:

• You must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership
• You must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months
• You must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours total gameplay hours

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While the pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories remains uncertain due to potential impacts from the ongoing tariff war, Nintendo has yet to confirm any price adjustments. Some games are currently listed at $79.99, and analysts are concerned that the base price of the Switch 2 might exceed $449.99.

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

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 gathered various reactions to Nintendo's decision to price some Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts explaining the rationale behind this move.

In related news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the pricing of the Switch 2 tutorial game Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the successful Wii pack-in game Wii Sports in his comments on social media.