"Switch 2 Pre-Order Dates and Priority Set for U.S., Canada"

The eagerly anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were originally slated to launch globally on April 9. However, due to economic turmoil stemming from Trump's tariffs, Nintendo was compelled to delay the pre-order start in the U.S., followed by Canada. Meanwhile, pre-orders proceeded as scheduled in other regions, including the UK.

Nintendo has shared further details via an FAQ on their website, announcing that the initial round of invitation emails for pre-orders through the My Nintendo Store will begin on May 8, 2025. There has been no mention yet of when retail pre-orders might start.

Nintendo plans to send additional batches of invitation emails "periodically" until the My Nintendo Store opens pre-orders to the general public.

The initial invitations will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet specific priority criteria. Recipients will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to finalize their purchase.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Invitation Priority Requirements:

• You must have personally purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
• You must have maintained any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months.
• You must have opted into sharing gameplay data and accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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While Nintendo has not confirmed any changes to the previously announced pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, its games, and accessories, there is speculation that the ongoing tariff war might force an increase. The base model of the Switch 2 is currently set at $449.99, but some analysts worry this price may rise.

Notably, Nintendo is offering a special bundle featuring Mario Kart World with the Nintendo Switch 2 for $499.99, effectively reducing the game's price by $30. This bundle is a limited-time offer.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing in the U.S.:

• Nintendo Switch 2 by itself: $449.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World bundled in: $499.99
• Mario Kart World by itself: $79.99
• Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $79.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: $49.99
• Joy-Con 2 Controller pair: $89.99
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $34.99
• Joy-Con 2 Strap: $12.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel pair: $19.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set: $109.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector: $34.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: $79.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter: $29.99

IGN has gathered various reactions to Nintendo's decision to price Switch 2 games at $80, including insights from analysts explaining the rationale behind this move.

In related news, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has indirectly addressed the controversy over Nintendo's choice to charge for the Switch 2's tutorial game, Welcome Tour, by drawing parallels to the Wii's pack-in game, Wii Sports, via his social media posts.