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Nintendo has delayed Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S., citing the effects of Trump's tariffs and shifting market conditions. This marks an unprecedented decision for the company.
Pre-orders were originally scheduled to begin in the U.S. on April 9. Nintendo has not announced a new date, but assured consumers that the console's June 5, 2025 release date remains unchanged.
Nintendo provided IGN with the following statement:
U.S. pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 will not begin on April 9, 2025 as we evaluate the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will announce updated timing in the future. The June 5, 2025 launch date remains the same.
Nintendo clarified that the pre-order delay only applies to the U.S. In the UK, for instance, Switch 2 pre-orders will proceed as planned.
The Switch 2 is priced at $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle available for $499.99. Mario Kart World is sold separately for $79.99.
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 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
Nintendo's recent announcement suggests the company may increase Switch 2 pricing further, following an already negative reaction to its next-generation pricing strategy.
In a YouTube video, former Nintendo of America PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang expressed disappointment with how Nintendo revealed the Switch 2's $449.99 price and the $79.99 cost of Mario Kart World after this week's Nintendo Direct.
“I don’t want to exaggerate, but this feels like a real crisis point for Nintendo,” Ellis commented.
U.S. markets declined today after China responded to Donald Trump's extensive tariffs. Facing a 54% import tax, China has imposed an additional 34% tax on American goods starting next week.
Just before U.S. markets opened, Trump stated, "China made a mistake by panicking," and affirmed that his policies would "remain unchanged."
This development has created global economic uncertainty, with several mainstream media outlets noting that the era of inexpensive goods may be ending for American consumers, as higher tariffs contribute to inflation and increased prices.
Tariffs function as taxes on imported goods. Although companies can sometimes absorb these costs, they are typically passed on to consumers. Unfortunately for gamers, these price hikes are expected to affect technology and gaming products.
Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad cautioned that Trump's unexpected tariffs on countries like Vietnam—where Nintendo moved some Switch 2 production to avoid U.S. tariffs on China—could have influenced the company's strategy.
"Though Nintendo relocated some manufacturing to Vietnam to lessen the impact of U.S. tariffs on China, the possibility of reciprocal tariffs likely prompted the company to consider higher worldwide pricing," Ahmad explained. "The reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam and Japan exceeded expectations, and Nintendo will be affected if these tariffs are fully implemented."
For additional details, read our coverage of everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and expert opinions on the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World's $80 price tag.
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