Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders: Exclusive Access for Loyal Customers in Japan

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a huge deal in Japan. With its release date set for June 5, 2025, fans are eager to get their hands on it. But pre-orders aren’t open to just anyone—retailers are limiting them to loyal customers. This has sparked a mix of excitement and frustration among gamers. Here is what’s going on.

My Nintendo Store Sets the Bar High

The My Nintendo Store in Japan has some strict rules for pre-orders. To enter their lottery for a Nintendo Switch 2, you need 50 hours of gameplay on your current Switch (no free trials count), a year of Nintendo Switch Online, and a Japan-based account. They’re trying to reward dedicated fans and stop scalpers. According to IGN, 2.2 million people applied during the lottery window from April 4 to April 16, 2025. Winners were announced on April 24, but the site crashed under the pressure, and scams even started popping up, as IGN reported. It’s a mess, but it shows how much people want this console.

Other Retailers Follow Suit

It’s not just Nintendo’s store. Retailers like Yodobashi Camera are also restricting Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders. They’re asking for a purchase history of about 50,000 yen (around $330) over the past year to join their lotteries, per My Nintendo News. Sofmap is reportedly requiring a premium membership that lasts a year, as mentioned in a Reddit thread. These steps are meant to keep things fair and prioritize real fans. Still, some people feel left out if they haven’t shopped enough recently. It’s a tough balance—stopping scalpers while keeping customers happy.

Fans Are Split

The reaction from the gaming community is all over the place. Some fans love that loyal buyers get priority, but others are upset if they don’t meet the requirements. It’s a big moment for Nintendo fans in Japan, and not everyone’s going to win this round. For more updates on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out Total Apex Gaming or their news page.