Nintendo implements pre-order restrictions for Switch 2

Nintendo has implemented pre-order restrictions on My Nintendo Store for the Switch 2 in order to “prioritise the most dedicated players”.

Pre-orders will initially be offered by invite-only emails based on a certain set of criteria. For UK and European consumers, pre-orders begin on April 8 while in the US and Canada the date is April 9. The Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025.

Nintendo UK said consumers are required to have had a Nintendo Switch Online membership “for at least two years continuously” by March 31, 2025 and an active membership when the pre-order is placed.

Nintendo US noted invites will be prioritised to those with “a minimum of 12 months paid membership.”

For family memberships, this applies to the person who purchased the membership. Other members are not eligible.

Pre-order selection will also be based on “prioritising those with more playtime” on Nintendo Switch games, as well as players who have opted to share usage information with Nintendo. Nintendo US specified this as being a minimum of 50 hours as of April 2, 2025.

To receive the invite, consumers will also have to have opted to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo.

“Over time, the selection criteria thresholds may be lowered and more people could be invited to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2 console,” the company clarified.

“Throughout, we will remain focused on prioritising the most dedicated Nintendo Switch players (while stocks last).”

Earlier this year, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa reiterated the company’s stance on keeping up with stock demands.

“As of now, we are taking the risk and proceeding with production to meet as large a demand as possible,” said Furukawa. “As was true with the Switch, we believe it will not be easy to rapidly increase production capacity, so based on our prior experience, we are making preparations to respond as quickly as possible.”

Furukawa previously noted that Nintendo would combat scalpers by providing enough Switch 2 consoles for retailers to meet consumer demand.