Nintendo Store Limits Switch 2 Preorders to Curb Scalping

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be in high demand from the get-go. To manage this demand and ensure that genuine fans get their hands on the new console, Nintendo is rolling out a structured pre-order system through the My Nintendo Store.

On the My Nintendo Store, individuals with a Nintendo Account can register their interest in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories." Those who sign up will receive an invitation email when it's their turn to pre-order, which remains valid for 72 hours. However, there's a catch: you'll need to have spent some quality time with your original Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.

"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," the site's fine print explains.

Nintendo also emphasizes that these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email addresses linked to the Nintendo Account that registered interest. 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.

Once you place an order, it will be shipped after purchase, with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo adds: "Please note that release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."

While Nintendo hasn't stated it directly, these measures appear designed to ensure that those buying a Switch 2 through this system are genuinely interested in using the console rather than reselling it online.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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Scalping has been a persistent issue with new releases of popular products. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S launches saw significant scalping activity, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game has been battling ongoing scalping and shortages.

Valve managed to mitigate this problem effectively with its queue system for the Steam Deck, which linked purchases to Steam accounts and checked account creation dates. It's no surprise to see Nintendo adopting a similar approach with the My Nintendo Store process.

Of course, there will be other avenues to purchase a Switch 2. But initiatives like this one could help long-time Switch owners navigate the potential frenzy of securing a pre-order on launch day.