Switch 2 Pre-Orders in U.S. Delayed Over Tariffs

Nintendo has made the unprecedented move to postpone Switch 2 pre-orders in the United States, citing the impact of Trump's tariffs and "shifting market conditions."

Pre-orders were originally scheduled to begin in the U.S. on April 9. Nintendo has not provided a new start date but confirmed that the console's launch date of June 5, 2025, remains on track.

Nintendo provided IGN with the following statement:

U.S. pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will not begin on April 9, 2025, as we evaluate the potential effects of tariffs and changing market dynamics. Nintendo will announce updated timing in the future. The June 5, 2025 release date remains unchanged.

Nintendo has clarified that the pre-order delay is specific to the U.S. In other regions, such as the UK, pre-order schedules remain unaffected.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was announced at $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle priced at $499.99. Mario Kart World alone is priced at $79.99.

The Nintendo Switch 2 includes the following:

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

Today's statement from Nintendo has raised concerns that the company might further increase the price of the Switch 2 and its games, adding to the existing backlash over its next-generation pricing strategy.

In a video on their YouTube channel, former Nintendo of America PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang criticized the company's approach to revealing the $449.99 Switch 2 price and the $79.99 price tag for Mario Kart World following this week’s Nintendo Direct.

"I don’t want to exaggerate, but this does feel like a pivotal moment for Nintendo," Ellis stated.

U.S. markets declined sharply today after China retaliated against Donald Trump’s new wave of tariffs. In response to a 54% import tax, China will impose an additional 34% tax on U.S. goods starting next week.

Just before U.S. markets opened, Trump stated, "China made a mistake; they panicked," and affirmed that his policies would "never change."

The global economy now faces increased uncertainty, with some mainstream media outlets declaring the end of affordable goods for American consumers. Higher tariffs typically contribute to inflation and rising prices.

Tariffs are essentially taxes applied to the cost of imported goods. While companies in the supply chain can sometimes absorb these costs, they are frequently passed on to consumers. For gamers, this means higher prices for technology and gaming products are increasingly likely.

Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad had previously warned that Trump’s unexpected tariffs on countries like Vietnam—where Nintendo moved some Switch 2 production to avoid U.S. tariffs on China—might force a reevaluation.

"Although the company has relocated some manufacturing to Vietnam to mitigate U.S. tariffs on China, the threat of reciprocal tariffs before the Switch 2 showcase likely pushed Nintendo to consider global price adjustments," Ahmad explained. "The reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam and Japan are higher than anticipated, and Nintendo will feel the impact if these tariffs are fully implemented."

For additional details, check out all the announcements from the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and expert opinions on the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World's $80 cost.

What are your thoughts on the $449.99 price for the Nintendo Switch 2?

Too expensiveCheaper than I was expectingAbout rightSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

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