The Switch 2 is poised to become one of the most sought-after gaming consoles of the year, and Nintendo is implementing measures to prioritize dedicated fans in its launch. While these efforts aim to eliminate scalpers and ensure true enthusiasts get their hands on the console, the process to secure a Switch 2 pre-order does involve some steps. Thankfully, I have successfully navigated the pre-order process, and I assure you that it’s much simpler than camping outside my local Target for my Nintendo Wii back in 2006.

This guide will detail the steps on how to pre-order a Switch 2 directly from Nintendo. This method is the most reliable way to ensure you secure a pre-order without the hassle of competing against a multitude of other eager buyers. If, however, you find yourself unable to meet Nintendo’s criteria, I will also explore alternative retailers that are currently offering Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.

Essential Requirements for Securing a Switch 2 Pre-Order

Create a Nintendo Account and Understand the Priority Invite Process

Before you can successfully pre-order a Switch 2 from Nintendo, there are several prerequisites you must fulfill. Firstly, you will need a Nintendo account, which is likely already in your possession if you own a Switch. Additionally, if you reside in the US or Canada, you must be at least 18 years of age.

The opportunity to pre-order will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis; however, Nintendo has established a list of additional criteria to ensure you qualify as a priority customer. When you receive your email notification, you must place your order within 72 hours of the initial email.

To achieve priority status, you must have had a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription for at least 12 months leading up to April 2, 2025. Additionally, you are required to consent to share your gameplay data with Nintendo, a process that can be completed directly on their website. Furthermore, you must have logged a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay before the cutoff, which indicates that a last-minute gaming session will not suffice to secure a priority pre-order.

You can verify your registration to share gameplay data by navigating to your account’s privacy settings on the Nintendo website. Unfortunately, while you can check the start date of your current Nintendo Switch Online subscription on your account page, it does not provide details on previous subscriptions. This can complicate efforts to ascertain whether you’ve maintained an active subscription for over a year, which is a requirement to qualify for a priority pre-order, especially if you do not recall when you initially subscribed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for a Switch 2 Pre-Order

Easily Sign Up for a Pre-Order Invite via Nintendo’s Website

Regardless of your eligibility for priority pre-order status, you can still register for a chance to pre-order a Switch 2 right on Nintendo’s official website. Upon visiting this page, you’ll need to log into your Nintendo account and select your preferred version of the Switch 2: either the standard console or the Mario Kart World Bundle. Personally, I opted for the Mario Kart World Bundle, as it is priced only $50 higher than the console alone, whereas purchasing Mario Kart World separately would set you back at least $79.99.

Once you have completed the registration process, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for your pre-order email. You will only have a 72-hour window to make your purchase. Nintendo advises adding the email address no-reply@noa.nintendo.com to your safe sender list to prevent the pre-order notification from being mistakenly classified as spam. Additionally, be prepared to make the payment for your Switch 2 immediately upon receiving the email invitation, with the first wave of pre-orders commencing on May 8, 2025.

Alternative Retailers for Pre-Ordering Your Nintendo Switch 2

Major Retailers Such As Walmart and GameStop Will Launch Pre-Orders Shortly

There are several reasons to consider pre-ordering your Switch 2 from a retailer other than Nintendo. Many retailers may begin their pre-orders earlier than Nintendo’s schedule. For instance, Walmart is set to launch its pre-orders for the Switch 2 on April 9, 2025, which is nearly a month ahead of when Nintendo will start sending out pre-order emails.

Moreover, some retailers may provide financing options, allowing you to spread the cost over time instead of paying for your Switch 2 all at once, as is required by Nintendo. While opting for financing may incur interest, this option can be beneficial for those who cannot afford to pay the full $500 upfront. A comprehensive list of retailers offering Switch 2 pre-orders can be found below, detailing their respective launch dates:

Personally, I intend to prioritize ordering directly from Nintendo, but I can understand why some may wish to avoid waiting an entire month for an email invitation that may not arrive. With the Switch 2‘s release date, set for June 5, rapidly approaching, I empathize with anyone eager to explore any available method to secure the console. I’m pleased that Nintendo’s approach seems aimed at reducing Switch 2 scalpers, and I hope that if they achieve a high volume of pre-orders using this method, it may encourage other companies to adopt similar strategies for future console launches.

Sources: Nintendo Account, Nintendo, Walmart