Nintendo has postponed pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the U.S., citing the effects of Trump's tariffs and changing market dynamics as the reason.
Pre-orders were originally scheduled to begin in the U.S. on April 9. While Nintendo did not announce a new start date, the company confirmed that the Switch 2's June 5, 2025 launch remains on track.
Nintendo provided IGN with this official statement:
U.S. pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 will not commence on April 9, 2025 as we evaluate the possible effects of tariffs and shifting market conditions. Nintendo will share updated timing information in the future. The official launch date of June 5, 2025 is unaffected.
Nintendo clarified that this pre-order delay applies only to the U.S. In the UK, for instance, pre-order timing remains as planned.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle offered at $499.99. Mario Kart World alone costs $79.99.
Nintendo Switch 2 Package Includes:
Nintendo Switch 2 console
Joy-Con 2 controllers (Left and Right)
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 announcement from Nintendo suggests the possibility of further price increases for the Switch 2 and its games, following strong criticism of its next-generation pricing approach.
In a video posted to their YouTube channel, 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 Mario Kart World's $79.99 cost after this week's Nintendo Direct.
“I don’t want to exaggerate, but this does feel like a significant crisis moment for Nintendo,” Ellis commented.
U.S. markets declined sharply today after China responded to Donald Trump's new tariff measures. China, which is subject to a 54% import tax, has announced an additional 34% tariff on U.S. goods starting next week.
Just before U.S. markets opened, Trump stated, "China made a mistake, they panicked," and emphasized that his policies are "here to stay."
The global economy now faces uncertainty, with several major news outlets suggesting that the era of affordable goods may be ending for American consumers as increased tariffs contribute to inflation and higher retail prices.
Tariffs function as taxes on imported goods. Although companies in the supply chain can absorb these expenses, in most cases, the added costs are transferred to customers. Unfortunately for gamers, price increases are expected to affect technology and gaming products.
Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad had cautioned that Trump's unexpected tariffs on countries like Vietnam—where Nintendo moved some Switch 2 production to avoid U.S. tariffs on China—might lead to revised pricing strategies.
"Although Nintendo has relocated some manufacturing to Vietnam to mitigate U.S. tariffs on China, the possibility of reciprocal tariffs before the Switch 2 reveal would have prompted the company to consider higher global pricing," Ahmad explained. "The reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam and Japan exceeded expectations, and if fully implemented, Nintendo will be significantly impacted."
For additional details, see everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and what industry experts are saying about the Switch 2's price and Mario Kart World’s $80 cost.
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