Nintendo has issued a crucial update to its U.S. fans regarding the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, set for June 5. Following the company's earlier statement about struggling to meet demand in Japan, it's now clear that securing a Switch 2 on launch day will be challenging in the U.S. as well. Nintendo's official website has posted an update warning those who registered their interest in purchasing the console from the My Nintendo Store that they cannot guarantee delivery by the release date.

This means that invitation emails to purchase the console might arrive after the Switch 2 launch. However, Nintendo assures buyers that they will confirm the shipping date upon purchase. The company expressed gratitude to those who have already registered their interest, acknowledging the high demand and promising to work diligently to fulfill orders as products become available.

In a surprising move, Nintendo suggests that fans might have a better chance of obtaining a Switch 2 at launch by pre-ordering from third-party retailers. This advice comes at a time when Switch 2 pre-orders have already sold out at major retailers like GameStop. Nintendo directs interested buyers to visit their participating retail partners, though they emphasize that waiting for an invitation from the My Nintendo Store is still an option for those who have registered their interest.

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The scramble to pre-order the Switch 2 on April 24, coupled with Nintendo's warning, indicates that the next-generation console will be extremely difficult to obtain around its launch date. Earlier this week, Nintendo warned its customers in Japan that a significant number would miss out on pre-ordering directly from the company. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa revealed on X / Twitter that 2.2 million people in Japan alone applied to pre-order the Switch 2 from the My Nintendo Store, far exceeding the company's expectations and the number of consoles available for delivery on June 5.

According to an FAQ on Nintendo's website, the first batch of invitations for the My Nintendo Store in the U.S. will begin on May 8, 2025, with additional batches sent out periodically until purchasing is open to everyone. Initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Invitees will have 72 hours from the time the email is sent to complete their purchase.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invitation priority requirements:

• You must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
• You must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months.
• You must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours total gameplay hours.

Last week, Nintendo confirmed that Switch 2 pre-orders would begin in the U.S. on April 24, 2025, maintaining the original price of $449.99 and the launch date of June 5. The Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will remain priced at $499.99, with the physical and digital versions of Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99. However, due to ongoing tariff issues, Nintendo has increased the prices of Switch 2 accessories.

Originally, pre-orders were planned to open on April 9, but Nintendo delayed them to assess the potential impact of tariffs and market conditions. For those eager to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, GameCube controller, or other accessories and games, staying updated with our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide is essential. Additionally, you can find out more about how to increase your chances of getting a new Nintendo Switch 2 console on day one.