Nintendo Delays Switch 2 U.S. Pre-Orders Over Tariffs

Nintendo has postponed Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S., citing Trump's tariffs and shifting market dynamics as key factors.

Originally scheduled for April 9, the U.S. pre-order launch has been delayed indefinitely, though Nintendo confirms the Switch 2's June 5, 2025 release remains unaffected.

The company provided IGN with this official statement:

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. will not begin on April 9, 2025 as we evaluate tariff implications and market conditions. We'll announce new timing later. The June 5, 2025 launch date stands firm.

This delay only affects the U.S. market—UK pre-orders continue as planned.

Pricing starts at $449.99 for the console, with the Mario Kart World bundle at $499.99. The standalone game retails for $79.99.

Nintendo Switch 2 bundle includes:

Switch 2 console
Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
Joy-Con 2 Grip
Joy-Con 2 Straps
Switch 2 Dock
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
Switch 2 AC Adapter
USB-C Charging Cable

Today's announcement fuels speculation about potential price increases amidst existing consumer backlash against Nintendo's next-gen pricing.

Former Nintendo PR executives Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang criticized the company's pricing reveal strategy in a YouTube video response to this week's Nintendo Direct.

"This could represent a pivotal challenge for Nintendo," Ellis remarked.

U.S. markets declined sharply after China responded to Trump's tariff policies with retaliatory measures—a 34% tax on American goods following China's 54% import tax.

"China made strategic errors," Trump asserted pre-market opening, maintaining his unchanged policy stance.

The escalating trade tensions create global economic instability, with analysts predicting the end of affordable imports for U.S. consumers as tariffs drive inflation.

Import tariffs function as consumer taxes—while companies sometimes absorb these costs, price hikes typically reach end-users. Gamers may face disproportionate impacts on tech and gaming products.

Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad noted that Trump's unexpected Vietnam tariffs—where Nintendo relocated some Switch 2 production anticipating China tariffs—could prompt strategic revisions.

"Though Nintendo diversified manufacturing to Vietnam, new reciprocal tariffs may necessitate global price adjustments," Ahmad explained. "Higher-than-expected Vietnam and Japan tariffs would significantly affect Nintendo if implemented."

Explore our coverage of everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and expert analyses of the Switch 2 pricing and $80 Mario Kart World.

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