Are you the type who rushes to place an order before a game is even released, or do you always wait until after launch to check reviews?

Switch players often struggle with these questions when they see the "Preorder" button on the eShop:

  1. Is pre-ordering really worth it? — Most pre-orders don't come with discounts, but some offer bonus themes or double Gold Points.
  2. What if the game turns out to be a dud? — eShop pre-order refund policies vary by region, and getting a refund after payment is a hassle.
  3. Should I follow the hype or wait for reviews? — The risks of pre-ordering AAA titles and indie games are completely different.

I've compiled 6 key points to consider before pre-ordering on Switch, helping you avoid wasting money.

1. Pre-order Bonuses vs. Launch Discounts: Which Is Better?

Nintendo first-party games (e.g., Zelda, Mario) often come with physical bonuses or digital themes for pre-orders, but the game price itself rarely drops. If you play used cartridges, pre-ordering is almost unnecessary.

However, third-party or indie games on the eShop frequently offer an extra 10%–20% discount during pre-order. In that case, pre-ordering is actually more cost-effective than buying on launch day.

To find games truly worth buying, check the Switch game recommendations list curated by Xingba to confirm the game's reputation before deciding to pre-order.

2. The Best Time to Pre-order Nintendo Games

The pre-order window on the Nintendo eShop usually opens 2–4 weeks before launch. If you're a digital player, the "pre-order to earn Gold Points" promotion sometimes gives double Gold Points (roughly 5% back).

But note: Most pre-orders cannot be refunded unless the game is delayed. So if you're after a limited-time bonus, make sure the bonus content is worth it.

If the bonus is just an avatar or theme, I personally don't think it's worth it; if it's a physical gift or a full DLC, then it might be worth considering.

To find out which upcoming Nintendo games are worth pre-ordering, check out Xingba's Nintendo game recommendations section.

3. Before Pre-ordering a Two-Player Game, Confirm "Who Will Play with You"

Many co-op games (e.g., Overcooked! series, It Takes Two Switch version) don't specify the online multiplayer mode during pre-order. If you plan to play online with a friend, make sure both of you have consoles and a membership before pre-ordering.

Additionally, some two-player games only support local co-op, not online play. If you don't check before pre-ordering, you might end up buying a game you can only play alone.

Xingba's two-player Switch games list indicates the multiplayer mode, so you can check it out before making a decision.

4. Indie Game Pre-orders: Higher Risk of Delay Than You Think

Indie games on the eShop often have decent pre-order discounts, but they are also more likely to be delayed than big studio titles. I've experienced three indie game pre-orders where the release was postponed, and the refund process was troublesome.

A safer approach: Wait until the game launches and check real player reviews on indie game recommendations. Pre-ordering indie games is only advisable if you really want to support the developer or if the discount is over 20%.

5. Use "Game Rankings" and "Game Encyclopedia" to Pre-filter

The biggest fear before pre-ordering is getting a bad game. Xingba's game rankings list games by player ratings and popularity. Check the top 20 before pre-ordering to avoid low-scoring titles.

Meanwhile, the game encyclopedia allows you to quickly browse game genres, language support, release dates, and more. Language support is especially important—many games pre-ordered from the Japanese or US eShop don't support Chinese, and the encyclopedia clearly indicates this so you don't buy the wrong version.

6. When Should You Actually Pre-order? When Should You Wait?

Here are a few decision points:

  • Pre-order if: You're a digital player, the game offers a 15%+ discount or double Gold Points, you're a die-hard fan of the series, or the game's reputation is already established (e.g., sequels or remakes).
  • Wait if: You're a physical game player, the game is a new IP or indie title, you don't care about bonuses, or you're not in a rush to play on launch day.

Pre-ordering isn't a bad thing, but before pressing the button on the Switch eShop, think twice: Is this game really worth your money upfront? Do your homework using Xingba's gaming community first—it's never too late to decide.