Nintendo Postpones Switch 2 Pre-Orders in the US Citing Tariff and Market Condition Assessments

In a recent update from Nintendo, it was revealed that U.S. pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are facing delays beyond the originally scheduled date of April 9. This shift comes as the company braces itself against significant economic changes impacting the market. The official statement from Nintendo highlights their cautious approach, stating, “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not commence on April 9, 2025, due to the need to evaluate the potential influences of tariffs and fluctuating market conditions. We will update the public on the timing as soon as possible, but rest assured, the launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.”

This decision unfolds on the heels of an April 2 announcement from President Donald Trump, detailing expansive tariffs on a multitude of countries, with Japan and Vietnam among them. While Nintendo is headquartered in Japan, the production of its hardware occurs largely in China and Vietnam. The latter has become increasingly significant after Nintendo relocated part of its manufacturing base there, perhaps foreseeing the imposition of U.S. tariffs on goods from China. Vietnam now faces a hefty 46% tariff, while China incurs an additional 34% tariff on its exports. Such broad tariffs on imported goods are bound to impact the cost of bringing the Nintendo Switch 2 to the U.S. market.

This development aligns with global economic concerns, as highlighted by JP Morgan’s decision to up the probability of a recession to 60%. Such economic instability could very well influence sales figures in the U.S. On a broader scale, the new tariffs are expected to alter import and export dynamics, significantly impacting projected economic growth worldwide.

For U.S. gamers eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2, this might translate into a higher-than-anticipated price tag upon release. It’s a tough pill to swallow, particularly during a period where financial strains and living costs are already pushing many to their limits. Regrettably, we’ll need to hang tight a bit longer to grasp just how significantly American buyers will be affected by these changes.

Are you reconsidering your plans to snag a Nintendo Switch 2 at launch? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share them with us in the comments below!