The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it's expected to be in high demand. To ensure that genuine Nintendo fans get their hands on this coveted console, the company has introduced specific pre-order measures on the official My Nintendo Store.

On the My Nintendo Store, users with a Nintendo Account can register their interest in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2 system along with "select accessories." Once registered, you will receive an invitation email when it's your turn to pre-order, which remains valid for 72 hours. However, to be eligible, you must meet certain criteria: you need to have logged significant time on your existing Switch and be a member of Nintendo Switch Online.

According to the site's fine print, "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." These invitations are non-transferable and will be sent to the email address linked to your Nintendo Account. Additionally, there's a one-per-account limit for both the system and each accessory during the invitation period. You can express interest in either a standard Nintendo Switch 2 or a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

After you place your order, it will be shipped, and you'll receive an approximate shipping date at the time of purchase. Nintendo emphasizes that "release-day delivery is not guaranteed due to processing and shipment times."

These stringent measures are designed to ensure that the Nintendo Switch 2 goes to individuals who intend to use it for gaming, rather than to scalpers looking to resell the console at a profit. The issue of scalping has plagued the launch of high-demand products like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and even the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Valve implemented a similar successful queue system for the Steam Deck, linking purchases to Steam accounts and checking the account's creation date. It's no surprise that Nintendo is adopting a comparable strategy with the My Nintendo Store process.

While there will undoubtedly be other avenues to acquire a Nintendo Switch 2, this pre-order system aims to help long-time Switch owners secure a console on launch day amidst the potential chaos of high demand.

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