
Nintendo’s Bold Move Against Switch 2 Scalpers: Ace Angler Fans First
Apr 02, 2025 3:59 PMNintendo has announced a unique strategy for pre-ordering the highly anticipated Switch 2, prioritizing long-time and dedicated players. Starting April 8 in the UK and April 9 in the US, early pre-order slots are available on an invite-only basis. To qualify, players must have a Nintendo Switch Online membership of at least two years and a substantial amount of playtime on their original Switch games. This aims to deter scalpers and reward loyal fans. While this may seem excessive, it gives an edge to committed players. Meanwhile, other retailers are expected to offer pre-orders without such restrictions.
How can I qualify for the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order?To qualify for the pre-order, you need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least two years and meet specific playtime requirements on purchased Nintendo Switch games. Sharing your usage data with Nintendo will be beneficial.
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents the next evolution in handheld gaming, featuring enhanced graphics, more storage, and innovative gameplay mechanics. With the growing popularity of Nintendo games, this release is highly anticipated among gamers, making the pre-order process particularly competitive.

Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Interesting move by Nintendo to gatekeep pre-orders behind loyalty metrics—kinda feels like a VIP club for die-hard fans. Wonder if this’ll actually curb scalpers or just frustrate casual players who’ve been waiting to upgrade. Love the idea of rewarding long-time fans, but locking pre-orders behind playtime stats might feel a bit invasive. Here’s hoping retailers save the day for those who don’t meet the criteria.