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Nintendo’s Australia and New Zealand My Nintendo Store process required more than 50 hours of eligible Nintendo Switch gameplay by February 28, 2025—but meeting that threshold only made an applicant eligible for a chance to be selected. It did not guarantee a Switch 2 preorder. The rule was part of a past regional registration program, not a universal requirement or a current buying instruction.
How many hours did Nintendo require?
For its Australia and New Zealand My Nintendo Store registration process, Nintendo required applicants to have played more than 50 hours of eligible Nintendo Switch software by 23:59 UTC on February 28, 2025. The threshold was strictly more than 50 hours, not 50 hours exactly. Nintendo Australia’s official terms set out the cutoff and the other eligibility conditions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Which play time counted?
Trial versions and free-to-play software did not count. Nintendo also excluded the classic-game libraries available through Nintendo Switch Online. Play data counted only when the account’s Usage Information setting was “Allowed.” Nintendo said account data updated daily and could take approximately a day to refresh, so play time close to the cutoff might not have appeared immediately in the account data.
What else did applicants need?
The hour threshold was only one part of the regional rules. Applicants needed to meet all the following conditions:
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#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
- Use an eligible Nintendo Account for Australia or New Zealand, with a delivery address in the matching country.
- Have held a paid Nintendo Switch Online Individual or Family membership as the purchaser for at least one year.
- Be the purchaser of an active paid membership both when registering and when making a pre-purchase.
- Have more than 50 hours of eligible gameplay by the stated cutoff, with Usage Information sharing allowed.
Nintendo limited each account holder to one registration and each customer to one console purchase. Applicants could express interest in both the console-only option and the Mario Kart World bundle, but could be selected for only one.
Did 50 hours guarantee a preorder?
No. Nintendo described registration as a chance to be selected to pre-purchase a Nintendo Switch 2, either by itself or in a Mario Kart World bundle. Meeting the requirements qualified someone to enter that selection process; it did not secure an invitation or a console. Selected applicants had a defined period in which to purchase, while people not selected could be considered in later rounds.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Nintendo Australia and New Zealand announced three registration and purchase rounds on April 7, 2025. The final listed pre-purchase window ended May 19, 2025. The console launched on June 5, 2025, so those registration deadlines are historical, not steps a reader can complete now. Nintendo’s regional announcement gives the round schedule and purchase options.
Was the 50-hour rule worldwide?
The cited 50-hour requirement belongs to Nintendo’s Australia and New Zealand store process. It should not be treated as a global Nintendo rule or as a condition for every retailer. The available official terms establish the regional program; they do not establish that other countries used the same threshold.
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
In the United States, preorder activity also ran through retailers. The Associated Press reported that listings at some participating retailers quickly sold out or became unavailable during the April 2025 launch. It also reported that Nintendo did not guarantee launch-day delivery for orders placed through its own store and suggested checking participating retailers. That retail context is separate from the Australia and New Zealand eligibility rules. Associated Press coverage of the US preorder launch describes the reported availability conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What console was the eligibility process for?
Nintendo’s corporate release said the Switch 2 launched June 5, 2025. It lists 256 GB of internal storage and a 7.9-inch display. The console supports compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, though Nintendo notes that some games are unsupported or not fully compatible. Its release says docked output can reach 4K and up to 120 fps under stated compatibility conditions; those are company specifications, not independent performance-test results. Nintendo’s April 2, 2025 corporate release lists these specifications.
Storage-card compatibility
For additional game storage, the Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards. Conventional microSD cards can be used only to copy screenshots and video from the original Switch, according to Nintendo’s release; they are not a substitute for microSD Express storage for Switch 2 games.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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