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 poised to be a highly sought-after item. To ensure that dedicated Switch players have the best chance at securing a pre-order, Nintendo is implementing specific measures on the official Nintendo store.

On the My Nintendo Store, users with a Nintendo Account can register their interest in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories." Once registered, individuals will receive an invitation email when it's their turn to pre-order, and this invitation is valid for 72 hours. However, there are specific criteria to meet: you must have logged significant playtime on your existing Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.

"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," according to the site's fine print.

Nintendo also stipulates that these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email address linked to the Nintendo Account that registered interest. Additionally, there is 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 a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

Once an order is placed, it will be shipped post-purchase, with an approximate shipping date provided at the time of ordering. Nintendo clarifies: "Please note that release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."

While not explicitly stated by Nintendo, these measures seem designed to ensure that those purchasing a Switch 2 through this process are genuine gamers intending to use the console themselves, rather than resellers looking to flip the product online.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

22 Images

Scalping has been a persistent issue with new product releases, notably affecting the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game with ongoing shortages and price gouging.

Valve's successful implementation of a queue system for the Steam Deck, which linked purchases to Steam accounts and checked account creation dates, has paved the way for similar strategies. It's no surprise to see Nintendo adopting a similar approach with the My Nintendo Store to manage pre-orders for the Switch 2.

While there will be other avenues to acquire a Switch 2, these measures aim to give long-time Switch owners a better chance at securing a launch day pre-order without the chaos often associated with high-demand product launches.