Nintendo delayed U.S. pre-orders for the soon-to-be-launched Switch 2 console, previously planned for April 9, 2025. It explained the delay by expressing fears over the economic effects caused by the recent reintroduction of tariffs and changing conditions in the marketplace. Nevertheless, the official launch date for the console remains the same with a worldwide launch on June 5, 2025.
Nintendo’s pre-order delay originates from a series of tariffs imposed by the President Donald Trump. Those tariffs are:
A tax on Japanese imports at 24% and a tax on Vietnamese imports at 46% both impact the supply chain of Nintendo.
A global minimum tariff of 10% on all imports, as of April 9, 2025, potentially making the cost of production and distribution higher.
Increased tariffs on critical manufacturing hubs, including a 34% levy on Chinese imports, making things further difficult for gaming hardware.
These economic policies would substantially increase the operational expenses for Nintendo, potentially resulting in increased prices for the consumers.
How It Relates to Gamers in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia For American consumers, the delay creates uncertainty with regards to pricing and/or availability. Although Nintendo has not provided updated pre-order details, gamers are left questioning whether the tariffs will drive the Switch 2’s pricing past its indicated level of $449.99 (or $499.99 when the Mario Kart World package is included).
UK, Canadian, and Australian pre-orders are still open for consumers. Global prices, though, could still be impacted as the hardware cost increase would be absorbed by or passed on by Nintendo. It’s still unclear if prices need to be adjusted in these markets.
Market Reaction & Response by Nintendo Tariff revelation spillover effects have been felt across the economy, with the resulting increased volatility affecting the big tech companies. Market deterioration hit the U.S. stock lower than in March 2020 as companies such as Apple and Amazon suffered exorbitant loses. In response, China leveled a matching 34% tariff against U.S. exports as well as filing a case with the World Trade Organization.
To combat these challenges, Nintendo has been making efforts at expanding manufacturing sites, including shifting operations away from China into Vietnam and Cambodia. According to Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, the company is tracking geopolitical risks as well as outlining methods of countering possible monetary setbacks.
Although pre-ordering in the U.S. will be delayed, the Switch 2 will still be launched on June 5, 2025. Customers are invited to remain updated through the official channels of Nintendo for news on updated pre-order dates and possible changes in pricing.
