The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, but U.S. fans have been met with a sobering warning from Nintendo. After acknowledging the challenges of meeting demand in Japan, the company has now issued a statement regarding release-day delivery for those who registered their interest in purchasing from the My Nintendo Store. The update, posted on Nintendo's website, indicates that delivery by the June 5 release date cannot be guaranteed. As a result, invitation emails for purchasing the console may arrive after the launch. However, Nintendo assures customers that they will confirm the shipping date upon purchase.
Nintendo expressed gratitude towards those who have shown interest in the Switch 2, stating, "We're thrilled by the enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2! Due to the very high demand, we will be working diligently to fulfill orders as product becomes available, but delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed. Your invitation email may arrive after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. We'll confirm your shipping date upon purchase."
In light of this, Nintendo suggests that fans might have a better chance of securing a Switch 2 at launch by pre-ordering through third-party retailers. However, this advice comes at a time when Switch 2 pre-orders have already sold out at many outlets following their launch overnight. Nintendo's statement directs interested buyers to participating retail partners, such as GameStop, though the console is currently sold out there as well. For those who prefer to wait for an invitation from My Nintendo Store, no further action is required after registering interest.
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The frenzy surrounding Switch 2 pre-orders, which began on April 24, coupled with Nintendo's warning, suggests that obtaining the next-gen console will be challenging at launch. Earlier in the week, Nintendo warned its Japanese customers that a significant number would miss out on pre-ordering directly from the company. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa revealed on X/Twitter that 2.2 million people in Japan applied for a pre-order, which far exceeded the company's expectations and the available stock for the My Nintendo Store on June 5.
According to an FAQ on Nintendo's website, the first batch of invitations for the My Nintendo Store in the U.S. will be sent out starting May 8, 2025. Additional batches will be sent periodically until purchasing is opened to everyone. The initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible registrants who meet priority criteria. Invitees will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitation priority requirements:
- You must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- You must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months.
- You must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours total gameplay hours.
Last week, Nintendo announced that Switch 2 pre-orders would begin in the U.S. on April 24, 2025, maintaining the original price of $449.99 and the launch date of June 5. Alongside this, the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will remain at $499.99, with the pricing for both physical and digital versions of Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) unchanged at launch. However, Nintendo has increased the price of Switch 2 accessories due to ongoing tariff issues.
Nintendo had initially planned to open pre-orders for the Switch 2 on April 9 but delayed them to assess the impact of tariffs and market conditions. If you're eager to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2, GameCube controller, or other accessories and games, be sure to check our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide for the latest updates and information. Additionally, you can find out more about how to increase your chances of getting a new Nintendo Switch 2 console on day one.