Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Face Store Restrictions to Combat Scalpers

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be in high demand. To ensure that genuine Switch fans can secure their pre-orders, Nintendo has introduced a strategic pre-order system on the My Nintendo Store. If you're a Nintendo Account holder, you can register your interest in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 system and "select accessories" directly from the Nintendo Store. Once your turn comes up, you'll receive an invitation email that's valid for 72 hours.

However, there's a catch to this system. To prioritize those who are truly dedicated to the Nintendo community, Nintendo has set specific criteria for receiving these invitations. "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," according to the fine print on the site.

These invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email address linked to the Nintendo Account that registered interest. Additionally, there's a one-per-account limit for both 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, and an approximate shipping date will be provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo makes it clear that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."

While Nintendo hasn't explicitly stated it, these measures seem designed to ensure that the Switch 2 ends up in the hands of those who intend to use it, rather than those looking to resell it at a higher price. Scalping has been a significant issue with sought-after products like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as with the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Valve's successful implementation of a similar queue system for the Steam Deck, which linked purchases to Steam accounts and checked account creation dates, appears to have inspired Nintendo's approach. By adopting this method, Nintendo hopes to minimize the chaos typically associated with securing a pre-order for a highly anticipated console.

While other avenues for purchasing the Switch 2 will be available, this pre-order system offers a promising solution for long-time Switch 1 owners looking to avoid the frenzy of launch day pre-orders.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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