Nintendo has issued a crucial warning to its U.S. fans regarding the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2. With the console set to launch on June 5, the company has acknowledged that it will struggle to meet the overwhelming demand, echoing similar challenges faced in Japan.

On its official website, Nintendo has updated its release-day delivery policy, informing those who registered their interest in purchasing a Switch 2 from the My Nintendo Store that they cannot guarantee delivery by the launch date. As a result, invitation emails for purchasing the console might arrive after the Switch 2 is released. However, Nintendo assures customers that they will confirm the shipping date at the time of purchase.

In a statement expressing gratitude for the enthusiasm shown by fans, Nintendo highlighted the high demand and their commitment to fulfilling orders as products become available. "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," the statement read.

Nintendo also suggested that those eager to get their hands on a Switch 2 at launch might have better luck pre-ordering from third-party retailers. However, this advice comes amidst reports that Switch 2 pre-orders have already sold out at many retailers, including GameStop. "If you wish to increase your opportunity of obtaining a Nintendo Switch 2 system at launch, please visit our participating retail partners above," Nintendo's statement directed, linking to a now-sold-out GameStop page.

For those who prefer to wait for an invitation from the My Nintendo Store, no further action is required after registering interest.

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The challenges fans encountered when attempting to pre-order the Switch 2 on April 24, coupled with Nintendo's warning, suggest that obtaining the next-gen console around its launch date will be highly competitive.

Earlier this 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 alone. "This extremely large number of applications... far exceeds our expectations, and far exceeds the number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that can be delivered from the My Nintendo Store on June 5," Furukawa explained.

According to an FAQ on Nintendo's website, the first batch of invitation emails for the U.S. My Nintendo Store will start being sent out on May 8, 2025. Subsequent batches will be sent periodically until purchasing is opened to everyone. The initial invitations will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible registrants who meet the priority criteria, with invitees having 72 hours to complete their purchase from the time the email is sent.

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

Nintendo had initially planned to open pre-orders on April 9 but delayed them to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.

For those eager to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, along with accessories and games, it's advisable to regularly check our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide for the latest updates and information. Additionally, you can learn more about how to increase your chances of securing a new Nintendo Switch 2 console on launch day.