Update April 23, 2025, at 1:51 p.m. ET: A lot has changed! Check out MobileSyrup’s full guide on pre-ordering the Switch 2 in Canada for the latest details.
Update April 8, 2025 at 11:08 a.m. ET: Nintendo Canada confirmed to MobileSyrup that it will delay Switch 2 pre-orders to align with the delayed U.S. pre-orders. Canadian pre-orders will not start on April 9, and the official date is to be determined. However, Nintendo says the June 5 release date remains unchanged.
Over the last few weeks, there have been lots of reports about the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date and now, we finally know. Sort of.
So far, Nintendo itself is the only retailer with a confirmed pre-order process. Those interested in buying the console have to register on Nitendo’s website using their Nintendo Account, then wait for an invitation to buy the Switch 2.
According to a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on Nintendo’s website, the first batch of invitations will go out on May 8, 2025.
What’s more, Nintendo has eligibility requirements that customers must meet in order to get a chance to buy the console. Per Nintendo’s website, eligible Nintendo Accounts must have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership, have a minimum number of gameplay hours and more:
“Open to Nintendo Account holders in the U.S. and Canada, who are at least 18 years old. If you are eligible, an invitation email will be sent to the email address associated with your Nintendo Account when it is your time to purchase. The invitation will be valid for 72 hours. Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025.”
Nintendo says that once invitations are sent to registrants meeting the above “priority criteria,” invitations will go out to remaining registrants on a “first-come, first-served basis.”
Those who receive an invitation will have 72 hours to complete the purchase. In Canada, customers will be able to pick between the $629 base Switch 2 model or the $699 bundle with Mario Kart World.
Pre-orders at other retailers open on April 9, 2025
Update April 4, 2025 at 9:55 a.m. ET: Walmart Canada announced that it will open Switch 2 pre-orders at 12:01 a.m. ET on April 9, putting it a full 12 hours ahead of other retailers. It remains to be seen if other retailers will adjust accordingly.
Update April 2, 2025, 2:37 pm: Gamestop has shared that it plans to open online pre-orders at noon Eastern time on April 9. You can pre-order in person when your local Gamestop store opens on the 9th as well.
Update April 2, 2025, 618 pm: Best Buy will also take pre-orders on April 9th starting at noon EST.
Header image credit: Nintendo
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