Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Open Up in UK, EU, and Hong Kong for Nintendo Switch Online Members

Nintendo has officially relaxed pre-order restrictions for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, giving fans in the United Kingdom, European Union, and Hong Kong significantly easier access to secure the upcoming hardware.

As of May 22, 2025, customers in these regions can now pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 simply by maintaining an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership, streamlining the previously more stringent requirements that had made obtaining the next-generation console a challenge in high-demand markets. The news, confirmed by official Nintendo sources, quickly made waves throughout the global Nintendo community, especially among Japanese gamers.

In Japan, dedicated fans have voiced ongoing frustration over the scarcity of Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, which remain booked out due to surging local demand and ongoing supply constraints.

The simplified pre-order process abroad has prompted Japanese social media users to discuss these regional discrepancies, with some expressing envy and calling for Nintendo to allocate more stock to the Japanese market, where the Switch brand has historically performed exceptionally well. A frequent point of discussion among Japanese players is the pricing gap between regions.

Some noted that, although UK and EU residents can pre-order with more ease, the Nintendo Switch 2 carries a higher retail price tag in these locales compared to Japan, making access more straightforward but less cost-effective.

Others joked about traveling overseas simply to obtain the new console, underscoring the lengths to which devoted Nintendo enthusiasts are willing to go for early hardware access. Nintendo Switch 2 remains one of the most anticipated gaming hardware releases of 2025, building on the monumental success of the Nintendo Switch platform, which has sold over 139 million units globally since its 2017 launch.

The company's decision to tie pre-order eligibility to the Nintendo Switch Online service in select regions not only encourages more robust subscriptions, but also highlights Nintendo's strategy to manage demand and reward its most loyal customers. While this change currently affects only the UK, EU, and Hong Kong markets, fans worldwide continue to monitor Nintendo Direct announcements and updates on the official eShop for any indication of expanded pre-order access or additional hardware availability.

The story underscores the complexities of managing a global product launch for one of the gaming industry's most popular platforms, and reflects Nintendo's ongoing efforts to balance customer demand across distinct regions.

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