Gamers in the United States and Canada, get ready! After a delay that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Nintendo has finally hinted at the preorder dates for the much-anticipated Switch 2. The news broke quietly, via a sign-up page on Nintendo’s official website where gamers can express their interest in the next-gen console.
Register Now: A Glimpse into Nintendo's Strategy
On the Nintendo site, a dedicated FAQ section reveals crucial details: “The first batch of invitations will go out starting May 8, 2025, with additional batches of invitation emails sent periodically until purchasing on My Nintendo Store is opened to everyone.†This move is a clever strategy by Nintendo to gauge and manage the demand through a phased rollout, ensuring a smoother customer experience.Anticipation Builds Among Gaming Enthusiasts
The excitement doesn't stop at the My Nintendo Store. This development gives us a hint about when other major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and more could start offering the Switch 2. Although the exact global rollout dates remain under wraps, the information on Nintendo’s website offers the best peek into when these preorders could go live across various platforms.
Qualifications for Early Access
For those eager to be among the first to grab the Switch 2, Nintendo has set specific criteria. To qualify for an invitation from the My Nintendo Store, fans must meet these requirements: a past purchase of any Nintendo Switch Online membership, a minimum of one year of paid Nintendo Switch Online membership, consent to share gameplay data, and at least 50 hours of total gameplay time. These prerequisites are designed to reward Nintendo's loyal user base with early access to the new console.Market Adjustments and Pricing Concerns
Originally slated to begin on April 9, 2025, the preorder launch faced a hiccup due to new tariffs introduced by Donald Trump. These "reciprocal" tariffs against global products forced Nintendo to pause and evaluate the potential impacts on pricing and market conditions. As a result, Nintendo delayed the preorder launch but maintained the actual product launch date set for June 5, 2025.The Price Point: Stability Amid Fluctuations
With tariffs fluctuating almost daily, there's a possibility that the Switch 2’s launch price of $449 could increase. However, Nintendo hopes to maintain the announced price to avoid passing on any additional costs to consumers. This price stability is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and ensuring that the Switch 2 remains competitive in a bustling market of gaming consoles.