Nintendo finally sets a Switch 2 pre-order date, but its sales restrictions might be over the top

In context: Nintendo has set a new date for Switch 2 pre-orders: April 24. The company initially promised pre-orders would begin on April 9 but backtracked just days before, citing ongoing tariff uncertainty as the reason for the delay. With those trade concerns seemingly resolved or at least accounted for, Nintendo is giving it another shot.

The Switch 2 will still launch on June 5, featuring upgraded internals, improved Joy-Con controllers with magnetic snap-on rails, and backward compatibility for most digital Switch games. Nintendo has been relatively open about the hardware. However, its wishy-washy approach to pre-orders has caused confusion and speculation, particularly regarding its price.

When the company postponed the April 9 date, it issued a brief statement that blamed “evolving global trade conditions” and promised updates soon. That led to conjecture that Nintendo might be waiting for clarity on U.S. import tariffs – especially since the new console, like its predecessor, is manufactured in China, which faces the stiffest tariffs. A few analysts predicted Nintendo would delay the pre-order window by weeks or even months. So, the company’s new April 24 timeline is more optimistic than many expected.

Pre-orders will be available from Nintendo directly and through Amazon, Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. Nintendo will offer two SKUs: a $450 standalone Switch 2 and a $500 bundle that includes Mario Kart World. That hasn’t changed. What has changed are the prices of some first-party accessories, including the Pro Controller, Joy-Con sets, and the charging dock, which now cost slightly more than their original announcement. A complete breakdown of products and pricing is available on Nintendo’s website.

With just six weeks left before launch, the new pre-order window gives buyers less time to secure a console – but it could also help Nintendo limit scalping. Scalping has been a hot-button issue for all major consoles. The original Switch was unavailable for over a year because of it. This time, Nintendo has heavily restricted pre-orders through its storefront.

Customers who want to buy directly from Nintendo must be at least 18, sign in with a Nintendo account, and register their interest before pre-orders open on April 24 – a queue for the queue, so to speak. While Nintendo says it will prioritize orders on a first-come, first-served basis, additional eligibility rules apply.

“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,” will receive the highest priority, the company says.

Qualifying customers will get email invitations valid for just 72 hours. In effect, Nintendo is offering first dibs to its most dedicated fans, but has put it behind a Switch Online subscription paywall. Casual buyers may have better luck with other retailers.

Since scalpers can and do still list guaranteed pre-order slots on eBay for double or more retail prices, brushing up on strategies to beat them might be wise. Check out how I landed a PlayStation 5 during peak demand – because these pre-orders will go fast.

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