Every time a new game appears on the eShop, there are always people who pre-order it immediately. Calm down and think: how many times did you actually open the last game you impulsively pre-ordered?

The most discussed topic in the Xingba community is whether pre-ordering is worth it. Some fear missing out on launch bonuses, others worry about the game flopping. This article won't advise you to "never pre-order" or "buy it now," but instead lists a few points to consider before pre-ordering, helping you make your own judgment.

Check these points before pre-ordering

  1. Are the launch bonuses really worth that much?
    Many Nintendo games offer pre-order exclusive items, skins, or early unlock content. However, most bonuses are sold separately within a month of release, or even given away for free. Unless you're a dedicated collector, the value of bonuses is often overestimated.
  2. Digital vs. physical: the pre-order logic is completely different
    Digital pre-orders on the eShop deduct payment immediately, but refund policies are very strict—basically non-refundable. Physical pre-orders, on the other hand, are not urgent; many third-party stores will lower prices temporarily, so ordering a week before release is actually more cost-effective. Rushing to pre-order at a high price often means spending an extra few dozen yuan.
  3. Ordering before review embargo is like opening a blind box
    Except for series with rock-solid reputations like Mario and Zelda, most games are blind boxes before media reviews are published. It's recommended to wait until about three days before release to check a wave of reviews before deciding. For anything below the level of Tears of the Kingdom, there's really no need to blindly rush into a launch-day purchase.
  4. Pre-ordering two-player Switch games requires confirming with a buddy
    Many online multiplayer games offer friend invite codes or double-pack discounts during pre-order. But if you often play two-player Switch games, it's best to arrange a playing partner before committing. Pre-ordering without someone to play with means you'll end up carpooling in the community, and the experience is significantly diminished.
  5. Tips for evaluating indie games
    Indie game recommendations often feature promising pre-sale titles. For indie game pre-orders, it's better to look at the developer's track record and try the demo. If there's a demo, you must play it yourself; relying only on trailers carries a high risk of disappointment. If the pixel art clicks with you, it's worth a gamble. For games with average graphics but innovative gameplay, it's safer to wait two weeks after release to check reviews before buying.
  6. Family memberships and shared pre-orders can save money
    Many players in Xingba don't know that some eShop regions allow pre-ordered games to be shared via a family membership. If the game supports family play, the cost of a shared membership can be very low. Before buying, check in the game encyclopedia to confirm if family sharing is supported, so you don't waste money.

When to pre-order decisively

For games that consistently top the game rankings, if it's a first-party Nintendo sequel, you've played and loved a previous entry in the series, or you've tried the demo and found no issues—pre-ordering in these three cases has a very low risk of disappointment. Especially if you want a physical copy with launch bonuses, prices may actually increase after release.

When to wait and see

New IPs, developers with unstable track records, no demo available, or you're only attracted by the art style of the trailer—these cases are safe to wait. Switch games drop in price quickly; many titles get 30-40% off two months after release. Nintendo game recommendations include long-term stable hits as exceptions, but for ordinary games, the saying "buy early, enjoy early" often only provides psychological satisfaction.

One final note: The Xingba community updates the latest game discounts and carpooling information every day. Whether you pre-order or wait for a sale, come to the Switch game recommendations section first to see real reviews from veteran players—that's more useful than any advertisement.