Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Pokemon Winds and Waves
  • New Games for 2026
  • Submit your game clips
  • GDC
Don't miss these
Upcoming Switch 2 games banner image showing a figure holding out their hand from Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave, Yoshi from Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Ditto in human form with Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Scyther, Timburr in Pokopia, and Mario from Mario Tennis Fever
Nintendo Switch 2 Upcoming Switch 2 games: New Nintendo Switch 2 games for 2026 and beyond
Yoshi and the Mysterious Boook screenshot of Yoshi smiling with eyes closed
Super Mario The next big Switch 2 exclusive, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, gets a May release date out of nowhere
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2026: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
A player ponders over a crafting bench in Pokemon Pokopia, not available on the Switch 1.
Pokemon Can I play Pokemon Pokopia on Switch 1?
The Duskbloods screenshot Switch 2
Action Games The Duskbloods: Everything you need to know about FromSoftware's Switch 2 exclusive
Four pictures of games from our selection of the best Switch 2 games list, showing Donkey Kong, Cloud from Final Fantasy, Mario and Luigi, and three starter Pokemon.
Games The 20 best Switch 2 games to play in 2026
Close up photo of the right Joy-Con 2 controller sitting on top of a Switch 2 case, with microSD Express card and gaming earbud case to its right.
Accessories The best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories 2026: my top gadgets for your every day carry
A screenshot of the upcoming Switch 2 game, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave with a character using a purple energy blast
Games Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave – Everything we know about the strategy game's Switch 2 debut
Animal Crossing: New Horizons screenshot of cat villager Punchy cooking with a pan
Games The best Switch exclusives to make sure you have in your library
Image of Nintendo and a Capcom amiibo on a blue GamesRadar+ background.
Toys & Collectibles Hey collectors, here's all the Nintendo Switch 2 amiibo releasing in 2026 so far
In Pokemon Winds and Waves, the large whale-like Pokemon Wailord shoots water up from its blow hole on the surface of the ocean
Pokemon Can you play Pokemon Winds and Waves on Nintendo Switch 1?
Image of the US box art for Tomodachi Life on the Nintendo Switch on a light-green GamesRadar+ background.
Games Tomodachi Life Living the Dream Switch pre-orders are here, and UK fans get a picture-perfect free bonus
Hands holding Nintendo Switch 2 with Pokemon Pokopia running on screen
Nintendo Switch 2 PSA: Dell's latest Nintendo Switch 2 bundle can't beat Amazon's value this week
Photo of the microSD Express card slot of the Nintendo Switch 2, taken by writer Tabitha Baker.
Hardware The best Nintendo Switch 2 Micro SD Express Cards in 2026
Nintendo Switch 2 console on a stand against a red background
Games Nintendo doesn't want Switch 2 eShop to "become a giant slop fest," New Blood CEO claims
  1. Platforms
  2. Nintendo
  3. Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has a plan to combat Switch 2 scalpers, and it involves a Nintendo Switch Online membership and "a certain amount of time" spent in-game

News
By Anna Koselke published 2 April 2025

Invites will come on a "first come, first served" basis

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Nintendo Switch 2 hardware
(Image credit: Nintendo)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
1
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Get the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is finally here, and with it comes a wealth of knowledge regarding the new console from Nintendo – including some information on pre-orders and which fans might get their hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 first.

Although Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders aren't exactly live just yet, the company does seem to have a plan in place that could prevent scalpers (and the quick selling out that plagued the original Switch console when it initially released in 2017). As spotted and shared by Verge reporter Tom Warren in an online post and on Nintendo's own pre-order page, invites will roll out on a "first come, first served" basis.

Nintendo has a plan to challenge Switch 2 scalpers. It's limiting its own preorders to Switch 1 owners that have an active Switch Online membership and have "spent a certain amount of time playing purchased / paid Nintendo Switch games, prioritizing those with more playtime."

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren.co.uk) 2025-04-02T14:54:50.709Z

Buyers will need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership that's either been active "for at least two years continuously" by March 31 in the United Kingdom or "a minimum of 12 months" in the United States. They also must have hit a "certain amount of time playing purchased/paid Nintendo Switch games," with Nintendo "prioritizing those with more playtime" (at least 50 hours, if in the US).

Switch 2 pre-order rules for UK and US seem different? Mine only say 12 months of Switch Online at some point, not two years continuously

— AmericanTruckSongs10 (@ethangach.bsky.social) 2025-04-02T14:56:03.158Z

Perhaps most surprising of all, however, is the fact that the UK website seemingly states that interested buyers have to have "opted in to receive promotional emails and messages from Nintendo, and be opted in on the day the invitation email is sent." If one does get the ever-coveted invite to pre-order a Switch 2, it's also important for them to note that this invite is not transferable – in either the UK or the US.

Searching for more? Here are some of the most exciting upcoming Switch 2 games to look forward to.

You may like
  • Nintendo Switch 2 console on a stand against a red background Nintendo doesn't want Switch 2 eShop to "become a giant slop fest," New Blood CEO claims
  • Switch 2 with Donkey Kong Bananza art on screen on wood pattern table next to accessories. Game publisher reveals and then backtracks the announcement of two new Switch 2 cartridges
  • Photo by Rosalie Newcombe of Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition running on the Switch 2 with the Good Smile Company Mario Nendoroid figure standing off to the right hand side of the screen. Nintendo aims to offset skyrocketing memory prices through "mass production of Nintendo Switch 2"
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
Nintendo Switch
Anna Koselke
Anna Koselke
Social Links Navigation
Staff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Nintendo Switch 2 console on a stand against a red background
Games Nintendo doesn't want Switch 2 eShop to "become a giant slop fest," New Blood CEO claims
 
 
Switch 2 with Donkey Kong Bananza art on screen on wood pattern table next to accessories.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game publisher reveals and then backtracks the announcement of two new Switch 2 cartridges
 
 
Photo by Rosalie Newcombe of Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition running on the Switch 2 with the Good Smile Company Mario Nendoroid figure standing off to the right hand side of the screen.
Hardware Nintendo aims to offset skyrocketing memory prices through "mass production of Nintendo Switch 2"
 
 
Photo by Rosalie Newcombe of the Nintendo Switch 2 sitting on a coffee table surrounded by accessories.
Nintendo Switch 2 If you just got a Nintendo Switch 2, here's everything you need to set it up
 
 
Switch 2 with Donkey Kong Bananza art on screen on wood pattern table next to accessories.
Nintendo Switch 2 What to expect from the Switch 2 in 2026: Pokemon and Zelda celebrations, tons of ports, and comfort Nintendo food
 
 
Super Mario Odyssey screenshot of Mario in the shape of a lavaball as he makes his way down a pink river
Super Mario Nintendo president reportedly teases new games for popular series are in development
 
 
Latest in Nintendo Switch 2
Leon exits his Porsche into streets at night in Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Resident Evil Requiem's Leon actor doesn't know who he's married to either
 
 
Kora in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Monster Hunter Monster Hunter Stories 3 hits a record player count on Steam for Capcom's cozier spin-off RPG series
 
 
Pokopia
Pokemon Pokopia players say its water physics are "just as bad" as they are in Minecraft, prompting all sorts of liquid chaos
 
 
Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Resident Evil Requiem hits 6 million sales, "the fastest that a title in the series has reached this milestone"
 
 
Resident Evil Requiem Leon Kennedy
Resident Evil Resident Evil Requiem fans are imagining all the quips Leon would say in other games: "'Guess that's The Last of Him'"
 
 
Overwatch Jetpack Cat smiling smugly
FPS Games "What if we could just drop 30 new heroes into Overwatch?": Marvel Rivals "definitely had an impact" on Blizzard
 
 
Latest in News
Nvidia DLSS 5 version of Grace from Resident Evil Requiem
Games Bethesda says Nvidia's new DLSS 5 AI filter "will all be under our artists' control, and totally optional for players"
 
 
Matthew Lillard at Five Nights at Freddy's
Marvel TV Shows Daredevil: Born Again season 2 star Matthew Lillard says there's "Cheshire Cat" energy to his new villain
 
 
Ralof sitting in a prisoner wagon chatting to the Dragonborn during the opening of Skyrim.
The Elder Scrolls Bethesda fans are petitioning for The Elder Scrolls 6 to add an NPC honoring a late TES lore legend
 
 
GTA 6
Grand Theft Auto GTA Wiki splits from Fandom citing "a reportedly pro-AI CEO," "terrible" ads, and censorship
 
 
Ed Warren banishing a demon in The Conjuring: Last Rites
Sci-Fi Shows The Last of Us season 3 adds Lanterns and The Conjuring stars to cast
 
 
Marathon Triage runner
FPS Games Bungie is filling the biggest hole in Marathon: duos mode rolling out as "experimental feature"
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Nvidia DLSS 5 version of Grace from Resident Evil Requiem
    1
    Bethesda says Nvidia's controversial new DLSS 5 AI filter "will all be under our artists' control, and totally optional for players"
  2. 2
    Daredevil: Born Again season 2 star Matthew Lillard says there's "Cheshire Cat" energy to his new villain, but he doesn't have any scenes with Daredevil
  3. 3
    GTA Wiki editors cite "a reportedly pro-AI CEO," "terrible" ads, and restrictive censorship as they go independent from Fandom
  4. 4
    Bethesda fans are petitioning for The Elder Scrolls 6 to add a tribute to a late TES lore legend: "He helped countless gamers delve deeper into the world of Tamriel"
  5. 5
    The Last of Us season 3 adds Lanterns and The Conjuring stars to cast, including your favorite exorcist Patrick Wilson in a crucial role

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...