The eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be a highly sought-after item. To ensure that genuine Switch enthusiasts have a fair chance at securing a pre-order, Nintendo has introduced specific pre-order measures on their official store.

On the My Nintendo Store, those with a Nintendo Account can express their interest in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories." Once your turn comes up, you'll receive an invitation email, which will be valid for 72 hours. However, there's a catch: you need to have spent some time playing on your existing Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.

According to the fine print on the site, "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." Additionally, these invitations are "non-transferable" and will be sent to the email address linked to the Nintendo Account that registered interest. There's also a one-per-account limit for the system and each accessory during the invitation period. Currently, you can express interest in either a standard Nintendo Switch 2 system or one bundled with Mario Kart World.

Once you place an order, it will be shipped after purchase, and you'll be provided with an approximate shipping date at the time of ordering. Nintendo clarifies that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."

While Nintendo hasn't explicitly stated it, these measures seem designed to ensure that those who pre-order a Switch 2 through this process are genuine fans looking to play the console themselves, rather than resellers looking to flip it online.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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Scalping has been a persistent issue with the release of popular products. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S faced significant scalping, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game has been dealing with ongoing shortages and scalping issues.

Valve successfully implemented a queue system for the Steam Deck, linking purchases to Steam accounts and checking account creation dates. This approach worked well, and it's no surprise to see Nintendo adopting a similar strategy with the My Nintendo Store process.

While there will be other avenues to purchase a Switch 2, these measures are designed to help long-time Switch 1 owners navigate the potential frenzy of securing a launch day pre-order.