Nintendo has made an unprecedented move to postpone Switch 2 pre-orders in the United States, citing the effects of Trump's tariffs and shifting market conditions.
Pre-orders were scheduled to begin in the U.S. on April 9. While Nintendo hasn't provided a new start date, it has assured that the Switch 2's release date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.
Nintendo provided IGN with the following statement:
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not commence on April 9, 2025, as we evaluate the possible effects of tariffs and changing market conditions. Nintendo will announce a new timeline later. The launch date of June 5, 2025, remains the same.
Nintendo has clarified that the pre-order delay applies only to the U.S. For instance, in the UK, Nintendo's pre-order schedule stays as planned.
Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 priced at $449.99, alongside a Mario Kart World bundle for $499.99. Mario Kart World alone costs $79.99.
The Nintendo Switch 2 includes the following items:
The Nintendo Switch 2 console comes with Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R), a Joy-Con 2 Grip, Joy-Con 2 Straps, the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock, an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable, a Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter, and a USB-C charging cable.
Today's statement from Nintendo suggests that the company might increase the price of the Switch 2 and its games, even as it faces significant criticism over its next-generation pricing approach.
In a video on their YouTube channel, former Nintendo of America PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang criticized Nintendo's announcement of the Switch 2's $449.99 price and Mario Kart World's $79.99 price tag during this week's Nintendo Direct.
"I don't want to exaggerate, but this seems like a genuine crisis moment for Nintendo," Ellis stated.
U.S. markets declined sharply today following China's response to Donald Trump's series of tariffs. China, subject to a 54% import tax, has counteracted by imposing an extra 34% tax on U.S. goods starting next week.
Just before the U.S. markets opened, Trump remarked, 'China mishandled the situation; they panicked,' and affirmed that his policies would 'never change.'
The world now confronts economic uncertainty, with some major news outlets claiming that the era of affordable goods has ended for American consumers, as increased tariffs lead directly to inflation and higher prices.
Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed on imported goods. Although companies in the supply chain might absorb these costs, they are typically passed on to consumers. Sadly for gamers, price hikes are expected to affect technology and gaming products.
Daniel Ahmad, an analyst at Niko Partners, had cautioned that Trump's unexpected tariffs on countries like Vietnam—where Nintendo relocated part of its Switch 2 production to avoid U.S. tariffs on China—could have prompted a reassessment.
"Ahmad noted, 'By moving some manufacturing to Vietnam to mitigate U.S. tariffs on China, Nintendo also faced the impending risk of reciprocal tariffs before the Switch 2 reveal, likely pushing the company to contemplate higher prices globally. The reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam and Japan have exceeded expectations, and Nintendo will bear the brunt if these tariffs are fully implemented.'"
For additional details, see all announcements from the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and expert opinions on the Switch 2's price and Mario Kart World's $80 cost.
