Nintendo Warns U.S. Customers: Switch 2 Release Date Delivery 'Not Guaranteed' Due to High Demand

Nintendo has issued a crucial update for U.S. fans eagerly awaiting the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. The company has warned that it may struggle to meet the high demand for the console, which is set to launch on June 5. Those who registered their interest in purchasing a Switch 2 from the My Nintendo Store have been informed that delivery by the release date cannot be guaranteed. This means that invitation emails for purchasing the console might arrive after the Switch 2 is already on the market. However, Nintendo assures customers that they will confirm the shipping date upon purchase.

Nintendo expressed gratitude to those who have shown interest in the new console, stating, "Thank you to those of you who have already registered your interest in purchasing from My Nintendo Store. We're thrilled by the enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2! Due to the very high demand, we will be working diligently to fulfill orders as product becomes available, but delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed. Your invitation email may arrive after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. We'll confirm your shipping date upon purchase."

To increase the chances of obtaining a Switch 2 at launch, Nintendo suggests pre-ordering from third-party retailers. However, this advice comes at a time when pre-orders at these retailers, such as GameStop, have already sold out. Nintendo's statement directs fans to visit participating retail partners, but notes that if you prefer to wait for an invitation from My Nintendo Store, no further action is required after registering your interest.

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The challenges faced by fans trying to pre-order the Switch 2 on April 24, coupled with Nintendo's warning, indicate that securing the next-gen console around its launch date will be difficult. Earlier in the week, Nintendo issued a similar warning to its customers in Japan, with President Shuntaro Furukawa revealing that 2.2 million people had applied for a pre-order from the My Nintendo Store in Japan alone. This number far exceeded the company's expectations and the available stock for the June 5 launch.

According to an FAQ on Nintendo's website, the first batch of invitation emails for the U.S. My Nintendo Store will be sent starting May 8, 2025. Additional batches will follow periodically until purchasing is opened to everyone. These 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.

To qualify for priority in receiving an invitation, customers must meet the following criteria:

• Have purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership
• Have maintained a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least 12 months
• Have opted in to share gameplay data and have accumulated at least 50 hours of total gameplay

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

Originally, pre-orders were scheduled to open on April 9, but Nintendo delayed them to assess the potential impact of tariffs and market conditions. For those interested in pre-ordering a Nintendo Switch 2, GameCube controller, or other accessories and games, it's advisable to follow our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide, which will be regularly updated with the latest news and information. Additionally, you can learn more about how to increase your chances of securing a new Nintendo Switch 2 console on launch day.