If you were hoping to avoid the chaos surrounding the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 by pre-ordering directly from Nintendo, you might be in for a disappointing surprise. In a recent update on its official website, Nintendo announced that the demand for the new console is exceptionally high, which means that your invitation email for pre-ordering may not arrive until after the official launch date set for June 5th. This could potentially delay your shipment, leaving many eager gamers waiting even longer to get their hands on the highly anticipated console.
Nintendo initially opened registrations for pre-orders in Japan, where an astounding 2.2 million people expressed interest in purchasing the Switch 2. Following this overwhelming response, the company has now extended the same opportunity to North American customers. Originally, Nintendo promised that the first batch of pre-order invitations would be sent out on May 8th, but this timeline may now be pushed back by nearly a month or more for many applicants.
Nintendo has suggested that customers explore purchasing options through its launch partners. However, this process has not been without its own challenges. Currently, major retailers such as Amazon do not even have an order page for the Nintendo Switch 2, and consumers have reported difficulties when attempting to place orders through other outlets like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.
If you are interested in applying for a pre-order, it's important to note that Nintendo has implemented strict requirements to deter scalpers from taking advantage of the situation. To be eligible for a pre-order, you must meet specific criteria: you need to have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership, maintained an active paid membership for at least 12 months, opted in to share your gameplay data, and logged a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours.
As the launch date approaches, it’s clear that the excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable. However, potential buyers should be prepared for delays and challenges in securing their console, whether through direct pre-order from Nintendo or via third-party retailers.
