Nintendo has made sure that scalpers won’t be able to pre-order the Switch 2 console next week when retailers go live with orders. The company confirmed that it has locked pre-orders behind certain criteria to stop any random people from buying the console.
Nintendo has three criteria in place that customers need to meet before they can order a Switch 2. The first is the need for a Nintendo Switch Online account. This account is different from simply having a Nintendo Account.
The NSO account is a paid subscription tied to your Nintendo Account. Nintendo is also asking customers to have an active NSO account and have subscribed to the service for at least two years in some cases.
Lastly, customers need to have at least 50 hours of game time under their belt on that Nintendo Switch Online account in order to meet the last criteria. If you have these three requirements met, you’ll be able to pre-order a Switch 2 next week.
Nintendo has slightly different requirements for some countries. In the UK, the NSO membership of two years is a requirement; however, in the United States, it is only a year. Apart from that, these are the same.
The company is also locking pre-orders behind invitations similar to how Sony handled the PS5 back in 2020. Pre-orders will only be offered to users who have opted in to receive promotional emails from Nintendo as the company will send an email out when it is their chance to place a pre-order. In the United States, this invitation is non-transferable.
Of course, these restrictions are only limited to certain stores in certain parts of the world. One of which is the Nintendo Online Store. So many retailers in the UK and United States, such as Game, Best Buy, and Amazon, will still be bombarded by scalpers when pre-orders open. But I do think fans will have ample opportunity to use the Nintendo Store as a method for purchase.
You don’t have to worry about these restrictions in South Africa either. We usually don’t have issues with scalping, given how small our industry is. I have also heard that there is going to be ample stock available in the country for the launch of the console. However, I do still recommend you sign up for updates at your closest retailer.
If you missed the news, Nintendo announced the release date and pricing for the Switch 2 console yesterday during a special Direct. The company showcased new games including a From Software Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, Mario Kart World and more. Check out the console details here and catch up on the full list of announced games here.
Source: Nintendo UK
