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

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.
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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.
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