Nintendo begins sending out invites for Switch 2 pre-orders

Nintendo began distributing pre-order invitations today for its highly anticipated Switch 2 console, offering select customers a chance to secure the device ahead of its June 5 launch. The My Nintendo Store is prioritizing invites to accounts with 12-month Nintendo Online subscriptions and at least 50 hours of playtime on the original Switch. Invitations will continue to be sent through May 12 while supplies last, with recipients given 72 hours to finalize their purchase.Pre-order access also includes exclusive accessories like the limited Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller, which will become available to all Nintendo Online subscribers starting May 13, if stock remains.The Demand will significantly outpace supply, with Nintendo expecting to sell 15 million units in the fiscal year ending March 2026. Earlier pre-order opportunities at major retailers like GameStop, Walmart, and Best Buy sold out within minutes when they launched on April 24.Adding to consumer urgency, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa recently warned that the console's $449 price tag could increase due to President Trump's tariff policies. "Our basic policy is to recognize tariffs as a cost when determining sales prices in any country or region and to incorporate them into the price," Furukawa stated during an earnings call.The Switch 2 will retail for $449 for the standalone console or $499 bundled with Mario Kart World. Technical specifications include 1080p resolution in handheld mode and 4K when docked, with 256GB internal storage expandable via microSD Express cards.For those who missed retailer pre-orders, checking the My Nintendo Store regularly through May 12 is recommended, as some eligible customers may receive invitations without email notifications.