Nintendo has delayed Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. due to Trump's tariffs and shifting market conditions, marking an unprecedented move.
Originally scheduled for April 9, U.S. pre-orders have been postponed indefinitely though Nintendo confirms the June 5, 2025 launch date remains unchanged.
The company provided IGN with this official statement:
Nintendo Switch 2 U.S. pre-orders won't begin on April 9, 2025 as we evaluate tariff impacts and market conditions. We'll announce new timing later. The June 5, 2025 release date stands firm.
This delay affects only the U.S. market – UK pre-orders continue as planned.
The Switch 2 launches at $449.99, with a $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle. The standalone game retails for $79.99.
Nintendo Switch 2 bundle includes:
Switch 2 console
Joy-Con 2 controllers (Left+Right)
Joy-Con 2 Grip
Joy-Con Straps
Switch 2 Dock
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
Switch 2 AC Adapter
USB-C Charging Cable
The announcement fuels speculation about potential price increases amidst existing criticism of Nintendo's next-gen pricing strategy.
Former Nintendo PR executives Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang criticized the pricing reveal in a YouTube video reacting to this week's Nintendo Direct.
"While I don't want to overstate it, this appears to be a critical challenge for Nintendo," Ellis remarked.
U.S. markets dipped today after China retaliated against Trump's tariffs with new 34% duties on American goods following China's existing 54% import tax.
Before markets opened, Trump claimed China "made mistakes by panicking," vowing his policies would remain unchanged.
Economic uncertainty looms globally as analysts warn the era of affordable goods may end for U.S. consumers with tariffs driving inflation.
Tariffs function as import taxes. While companies sometimes absorb these costs, they typically raise consumer prices - particularly affecting tech and gaming products.
Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad cautioned that Trump's unexpected tariffs on Vietnam (where Nintendo relocated some Switch 2 production anticipating China tariffs) may have forced reconsiderations.
"Though manufacturing shifted to Vietnam avoids China tariffs, new reciprocal tariffs threaten global pricing strategies," Ahmad explained. "Higher-than-expected Vietnam and Japan tariffs could significantly impact Nintendo if implemented."
For additional details, see all Switch 2 Nintendo Direct announcements and expert analysis of the Switch 2 pricing and $80 Mario Kart World.
