Nintendo delays U.S. Switch 2 preorders amid tariff review

Nintendo has postponed Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. due to trade tariff uncertainties and shifting market conditions, marking an unprecedented move for the gaming giant.

Pre-Order Uncertainty Hits U.S. Market

Originally scheduled for April 9, the U.S. pre-order launch has been indefinitely delayed while Nintendo evaluates potential impacts. However, the company confirms the June 5, 2025 release date remains unaffected.

Nintendo provided this official statement:

U.S. pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 won't begin April 9, 2025 as we assess tariff impacts and market conditions. We'll announce updated timing later. The June 5, 2025 launch date stands.

Notably, this delay only affects U.S. markets, with UK pre-orders proceeding as planned.

Potential Price Increases Loom

The Switch 2 was announced at $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle priced at $499.99 - already sparking controversy among fans.

The standard package includes:

• Nintendo Switch 2 console
• Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
• 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

Industry analysts speculate Nintendo may further increase prices amid growing economic pressures.

Industry Backlash Grows

Former Nintendo PR executives Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang criticized the pricing strategy in their YouTube analysis, calling it "a true crisis moment for Nintendo."

The controversy comes amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, with new tariffs potentially impacting electronics manufacturing costs.

Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad noted:

While manufacturing shifted to Vietnam avoided Chinese tariffs, new reciprocal tariffs there may force global price adjustments.

For complete details, see all Switch 2 announcements and expert pricing analysis.