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 a hot commodity. To ensure that genuine Switch enthusiasts get their hands on the new console, Nintendo is implementing a strategic pre-order system on the official My Nintendo Store.

On the My Nintendo Store, users with a Nintendo Account can register their interest in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories." Those who express interest will receive an invitation email when it's their turn to pre-order, and this invitation will be valid for 72 hours. However, there's a catch: to be eligible, you must have spent time playing on your current Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.

According to the fine print on the site, "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." Additionally, these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email address linked to the Nintendo Account that registered interest. There's also 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 an order is placed, it will be shipped after purchase, with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo clarifies 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 those buying a Switch 2 through this process are genuine fans looking to play the console themselves, rather than resellers looking to flip 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. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S faced significant scalping issues, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game has been dealing with ongoing shortages and scalping.

Valve successfully implemented a queue system for the Steam Deck, linking purchases to Steam accounts and checking account creation dates. This approach seems to have inspired Nintendo's strategy with the My Nintendo Store process.

While there will be other avenues to purchase the Switch 2, this pre-order system offers a promising way for long-time Switch owners to secure a launch day console without the chaos typically associated with high-demand product releases.