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

Nintendo has issued a crucial warning to U.S. fans eagerly awaiting the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. The company announced that it may struggle to meet the demand for the console, echoing similar concerns previously expressed to its customers in Japan. An update on Nintendo’s official website informed those who registered their interest in purchasing a Switch 2 from the My Nintendo Store that delivery by the June 5 release date cannot be guaranteed.

As a result, invitation emails for purchasing the console may be sent out after the Switch 2's launch. However, Nintendo assures customers that they will receive confirmation of their shipping date upon purchase. In their statement, Nintendo expressed gratitude to those who have shown enthusiasm for the Switch 2 and reiterated their commitment to fulfilling orders as soon as the product becomes available.

Given the high demand and the potential delay in receiving the console, Nintendo suggested that fans might have a better chance of securing a Switch 2 at launch by pre-ordering from third-party retailers. This advice comes at a time when pre-orders have already sold out at many outlets, including GameStop. For those who prefer to wait for an invitation from the My Nintendo Store, no further action is needed after registering interest.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 Images

The challenges faced by fans trying to pre-order the Switch 2 on April 24, combined with Nintendo's warning, indicate that the next-generation console will be extremely difficult to obtain at and around its launch. Earlier in the week, Nintendo warned Japanese customers that a significant number would miss out on pre-ordering the Switch 2 directly from the company. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa revealed that 2.2 million people in Japan alone had applied for a pre-order from the My Nintendo Store, far exceeding the available stock for the June 5 release.

According to an FAQ on Nintendo’s website, the first batch of invitations for the My Nintendo Store in the U.S. will be sent out starting May 8, 2025. Additional batches will follow periodically until purchasing is open to everyone. These initial invitation emails will be sent on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible registrants who meet specific priority criteria. Invitees will have 72 hours to complete their purchase after receiving their email.

To qualify for priority, customers must have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership, maintained a paid membership for at least 12 months, and opted in to share gameplay data with at least 50 total gameplay hours.

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

Originally, Nintendo planned to open pre-orders for the Switch 2 on April 9, but 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 recommended to follow our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide for 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.