The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit shelves on June 5. In just a couple of months, gaming enthusiasts may find themselves with access to Nintendo’s latest (and priciest) gaming console. With exciting titles like Mario Kart World on offer, the competition for these devices will be fierce.

If you want to take part in the excitement on the first day of release, preordering is almost essential. Unless you stumble upon a particularly generous retailer with excess stock, or if the demand happens to be unusually low (which is unlikely after years of anticipation), these consoles are expected to be in short supply.

A direct preorder through Nintendo is an option, but the process has its complexities.

Steps to “Register Your Interest” for a Switch 2

Nintendo doesn’t label this process as a traditional preorder. Instead, they offer a way for you to “register your interest” in acquiring a Switch 2. To participate, you must be at least 18 years old. Visit Nintendo’s official interest registration page and log in to your Nintendo Account. Once your eligibility is confirmed, Nintendo will send an email to your registered address with an invitation to purchase one console—either the standard unit or the bundle featuring a digital download of Mario Kart World. This invitation is valid for 72 hours, making it straightforward enough.

Yet, the process isn’t as effortless as it may seem.

Exclusive Access for Committed Gamers

This is a first-come, first-served initiative, so early registration increases your chances of receiving an invite. Furthermore, this exclusive “purchasing opportunity” is restricted to individuals with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription dating back at least 12 months with paid service.

Another compelling requirement is that you must have logged a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay on your Nintendo Account by April 2, 2025. Without meeting these criteria, you’ll be placed on a waitlist that will only be addressed once all eligible registrants have been invited.

While it may seem peculiar, the 50-hour gameplay requirement serves to deter scalpers. By imposing these strict conditions and capping each registration to one console, Nintendo is attempting to prioritize true fans. Furthermore, the necessity of having logged this amount of gameplay prior to the current date acts as a safeguard against those wishing to bypass the system.

Despite having more than enough gameplay hours, the stipulations raise concerns about privacy. The notion of sharing gameplay statistics to affirm one’s dedication to Nintendo introduces an unsettling dynamic. While the purchase is tied to a Nintendo Account, the precedent it sets warrants caution.

Timeline for Invitations to Purchase a Switch 2

Aside from the unusual privacy considerations, once registered, applicants will receive communication from Nintendo starting May 8, 2025. Invitations will continue to be distributed periodically until all interested parties have a chance to purchase. Emails will originate from [email protected], so it’s wise to add this sender to your email whitelist to prevent it from being relegated to spam.

If selected, customers will have the opportunity to purchase their choice of the console or bundle ($449 for the standalone option and $499 for the bundled version featuring Mario Kart World). Additionally, a variety of accessories will be available; likely candidates include the new Pro Controller, a retro GameCube controller, and extra Joy-Cons. As with the console, each customer can only purchase one accessory.

Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, but Nintendo eShop gift cards are not accepted. Additionally, all orders will be shipped directly to the buyer, with no pick-up options available at Nintendo’s physical retail locations.

However, Nintendo isn’t the sole retailer for the Switch 2. Similar registration opportunities are available through other retailers such as Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart. Although initial presale plans were announced for April 9, 2025, Nintendo postponed this date due to global economic pressures, leaving uncertainty about when the console will officially be available for preorder. Best of luck managing your budget.