Nintendo has issued a crucial update to its U.S. fans regarding the highly anticipated release of the Switch 2, slated for June 5. Following a similar warning issued in Japan about struggling to meet demand, Nintendo's statement on its website has now made it clear that those who registered their interest in purchasing a Switch 2 from My Nintendo Store might not receive their console on the release day. The company has indicated that invitation emails for purchasing the console could arrive after the launch date, and they will confirm shipping dates upon purchase.
Nintendo expressed gratitude to those who have shown enthusiasm for the Switch 2, acknowledging the high demand. "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," their statement read.
For those eager to secure a Switch 2 on launch day, Nintendo suggested pre-ordering through third-party retailers. However, this advice comes amidst reports that Switch 2 pre-orders have already sold out at major outlets like GameStop. "If you wish to increase your opportunity of obtaining a Nintendo Switch 2 system at launch, please visit our participating retail partners above," the company advised, directing fans to GameStop's now sold-out listings.
For those who prefer to wait for an invitation from My Nintendo Store, no further action is required after registering interest. This development, coupled with the struggles fans faced during the pre-order period starting April 24, indicates that obtaining a Switch 2 at launch will be challenging.
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In Japan, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa revealed that 2.2 million people had applied for a pre-order from the My Nintendo Store, far exceeding the number of consoles available for the launch date. This overwhelming demand led to a significant number of customers missing out on direct pre-orders.
To manage the distribution of the Switch 2 in the U.S., Nintendo has outlined a plan to send the first batch of invitation emails starting May 8, 2025. Additional batches will be sent periodically until purchasing is opened to everyone. Invitations will be prioritized based on specific criteria: having purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership, maintaining a paid membership for at least 12 months, and having opted into sharing gameplay data with at least 50 hours of total gameplay.
Last week, Nintendo confirmed that Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. would commence on April 24, 2025, with the console priced at $449.99 and the launch date remaining June 5. The Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will be available at $499.99, with the prices for Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza staying at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively. However, due to ongoing tariff issues, the prices of Switch 2 accessories have been raised.
Originally, Nintendo planned to open pre-orders on April 9, but delayed them to assess the impact of tariffs and market conditions. For those interested in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2, along with accessories and games, staying updated with the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide is recommended. Additionally, resources are available to help increase your chances of securing a new console on day one.