How to preorder Nintendo Switch 2: The 5 conditions you MUST meet before you can buy console

mario kart world screenshot showing the races on the track with an inset image of the switch 2 console box

Nintendo Switch 2 is available as a standalone purchase, or sold as a bundle with Mario Kart World — the latest racing title from the Japanese gaming firm

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Aaron Brown

By Aaron Brown


Published: 02/04/2025

- 17:12

Updated: 02/04/2025

- 17:21

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Do not cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription

Nintendo Switch 2 will be available to preorder from April 9 on from the Nintendo online store. Prices start from £395.99 for the console. Nintendo will offer a bundle with the Switch 2 console and a download code for its brand-new Mario Kart game for £429.99.

If you don't want to buy the bundle, Mario Kart World costs£74.99 for a physical Game Card, and £66.99 as a digital purchase from the eShop.


However, Nintendo fans will need to meet several requirements to preorder Switch 2 from the Nintendo store. Ahead of the UK release date of June 5, the gaming firm has imposed several restrictions to ensure "the most dedicated Nintendo Switch players in Europe and the UK" are amongst the first to get their hands on the Switch 2.

If you want to preorder a Switch 2 console from Nintendo on April 9, you'll need to meet the following restrictions:

  1. Subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online for at least two years continuously by March 31, 2025
  2. Need an active Nintendo Switch Online membershipon the day the Switch 2 preorder is placed
  3. Spent a certain amount of time playing purchased/paid Nintendo Switch games — Nintendo will prioritise shoppers with the most hours clocked-up on their original Switch console
  4. Opeted to share console usage information with Nintendo to customise offers and recommendations
  5. Agreed to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo
screenshot of my nintendo store listings showing the controllers and accessories available

Nintendo says it wants to reward its most loyal players, so it has added several conditions to meet before you can preorder the Switch 2 console or accessories ahead of the UK release date on June 5

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If you're subscribed to a Nintendo Switch Online family plan only the bill-payer who originally purchased the membership will be eligible to buy a Switch 2. Other people included in the family membership will not be eligible, Nintendo has confirmed.

screenshot of my nintendo store listings showing the controllers and accessories available

Nintendo has revealed a selection of games and accessories that will be available to preorder from the My Nintendo Store on April 9 ...provided you meet certain conditions

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In the small-print, Nintendo admits: "Over time, the selection criteria thresholds may be lowered and more people could be invited to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2 console. Throughout, we will remain focussed on prioritising the most dedicated Nintendo Switch players — while stocks last."

Alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 console, the online Nintendo Store will also take orders for accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller for £74.99, wireless Nintendo GameCube (GCN) Controller for an authenticate experience when playing GameCube titles coming soon to Nintendo Switch Online for £58.99, Switch 2 Camera powered by USB-C for enhanced in-game chat for £49.99, and microSD Express Cards to expand the built-in storage, starting from £49.99.

Other retailers that will stock the Nintendo Switch 2, including the likes of HMV, EE Store, ShopTo, Amazon UK, SimplyGames, and others have not confirmed plans to impose any of the above restrictions. Provided there's enough stock available, anyone will be able to preorder one of these consoles on April 8.

Kickstart Switch 2 preorder with 1p deposit on ShopTo

UK retailer ShopTo is offering the chance to reserve your spot in the queue for a Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World ahead of its release on June 5, 2025. You'll need to pay 1p to join the queue on ShopTo, with the remaining balance due on dispatch. ShopTo offers interest-free payment plans and 2% cashback

Switch 2 + Mario Kart World
$429.99 $00.01

For those who missed the blockbuster hour-long Nintendo Direct, the Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025 with redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that can double-up as a computer mouse in compatible games and snap to the side of the console using strong magnets for handheld gameplay.

You'll be able to connect with friends anywhere in the world using the all-new GameChat feature, which allows voice communication during gameplay. GameChat enables you to talk with up to 12 friends whilst playing games, making it feel like you're all in the same room.

a hand holds switch 2 controller showing the C button

Nintendo has added a new C button to the right Joy-Con 2 controller. Pressing this will immediately kickstart the new GameChat feature, bringing together real-time voice and video chat with friends and family

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With the press of the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller, you can initiate a chat using the system's built-in microphone. You can even see your friends' faces by connecting a compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (£49.99).

The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a large 7.9-inch LCD screen displaying full HD at 1080p whilst maintaining the same 13.9mm (0.55") thickness as the original Switch. The successor arrives with significantly improved CPU and GPU performance, enabling more detailed graphics and faster loading times.

You'll enjoy 256GB of internal storage—eight times more than the original Switch.

Your existing Nintendo Switch games will be playable on the new console, with some receiving enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 editions.

\u200b\u200bMario Kart World\u200b promotional material showing all 24 characters and the new map and logo

Mario Kart World, the follow-up to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — one of the bestselling titles on the original Nintendo Switch, will be bundled with the Switch 2 console on launch day (June 5, 2025)

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Mario Kart World will be a flagship launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, arriving on the same day as the console. The game introduces a vast interconnected environment where you can race seamlessly across connected courses with up to 24 drivers competing simultaneously.

You'll experience new modes like Knockout Tour, where players who don't reach checkpoints quickly enough are eliminated. In Free Roam mode, you can explore off-track and take photos at scenic locations with friends.

Donkey Kong Bananza, a brand-new 3D platforming adventure exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, will launch on July 17, 2025. You'll be able to crash, bash and climb through environments, tearing off chunks of terrain to swing around and throw.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive Nintendo Switch 2 Editions with performance upgrades and the new Zelda Notes feature.

Donkey Kong Bananza title screen showing the new game and character design

An all-new 3D adventure — Donkey Kong Bananza — will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in July

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Third-party developers are bringing major titles to the Nintendo Switch 2, including EA Sports' Madden NFL and EA SPORTS FC. You'll be able to experience Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on a Nintendo platform for the first time, complete with the Phantom Liberty expansion.

Other notable releases include Final Fantasy VII: Remake, Street Fighter 6, and Hogwarts Legacy. Meanwhile, the blockbuster Xbox Series X|S and PS5 title, Elden Ring will arrive sometime later this year

If you're interested in learning more about the system's features, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is an interactive guide to the new features baked into the console, which will be available from the Nintendo eShop on launch day.