Since the Nintendo Switch 2 was revealed at a Nintendo Direct earlier this month, fans have been clamouring for the new console, and this is how to get one.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been a hot topic in gaming since its reveal just over a week ago, and since US tariffs might have derailed the initial April 8 North America pre-order date, Nintendo has been quiet on how the US and Canada will be able to pre-order the company’s new console. Today, Nintendo updated its official FAQ page with instructions for North American Nintendo consumers and how to register for an invitation to purchase the new console (found by Gameranx). It’s worth noting that the new instructions give consumers the ability to register for an invite to purchase, so it’s possible some registrants won’t receive the invite.
First off, this invitation registration to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 from Nintendo directly is only available in the US and Canada, and registrants must be at least 18 years old. The invite emails will be sent on a first-come-first-serve basis to players who have kept a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, with gameplay hours having to be accrued before April 2, 2025. If a consumer fits these requirements, they can go to the official website to log in and get started.
Fans should note that even if this method of obtaining a Nintendo Switch 2 fails, retailers will also have pre-orders available with varying rules to pre-order.
Once fans log in, they’ll be given a choice to select between the previously announced launch units. The Nintendo Switch 2 with a digital copy of Mario Kart World and one without the included launch title. The first batch of Switch 2 purchase invitations will go out starting May 8, 2025, with more following the initial offering in waves until the My Nintendo Store is open to all consumers. If consumers receive an invite to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, they will have 72 hours to complete their purchase from the invite date, and registration cannot be switched from one customer to another.
So, fans who want to receive an invite should register with an email they check regularly so the invitation isn’t missed when it is sent. Fans looking for more information can head to the official FAQ page here. US fans can sign up for the invitation to purchase Switch 2 here, and residents of Canada can go here to sign up for the Nintendo Switch 2 invite.
