Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 were originally scheduled to begin globally on April 9. However, due to economic disruptions caused by Trump's tariffs, Nintendo was forced to postpone pre-orders in the U.S. and subsequently in Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as planned in other regions, including the UK.

According to an FAQ posted on Nintendo's official website, the initial batch of invitations for pre-orders will be sent out starting May 8, 2025, exclusively through the My Nintendo Store. There has been no announcement regarding retail pre-orders yet. Nintendo has confirmed that additional batches of invitation emails will be dispatched periodically until the purchasing window is opened to all customers on the My Nintendo Store.

The initial invitations will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Those invited will have a 72-hour window from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase. The priority requirements for receiving an invitation include having purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership, maintaining a paid membership for at least 12 months, and opting in to share gameplay data with a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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There is uncertainty about whether Nintendo will maintain its previously announced pricing for the Switch 2, its games, and accessories, or opt for an increase. Some analysts are concerned that the ongoing tariff war might compel Nintendo to raise the base price of the Switch 2 above $449.99, though no official statement has been made yet.

Notably, Nintendo is offering a special bundle that includes the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively reducing the cost of the game by $30. This bundle, however, is available for a limited time only.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing in the U.S.:

• Nintendo Switch 2 by itself: $449.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World bundled in: $499.99
• Mario Kart World by itself: $79.99
• Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
• Joy-Con 2 Controller pair: $89.99
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
• Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel pair: $19.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99

IGN has provided extensive coverage on Nintendo's decision to set the price of Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts explaining the rationale behind this move.

In related news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the pricing of the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, drawing parallels to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports, through his social media posts.