Pre-Orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US Delayed Due to Tariff Concerns and Market Evaluation

Nintendo recently shared some news that’s bound to pique the interest of gaming enthusiasts in the U.S. Originally, the much-anticipated pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were slated to kick off on April 9. However, that’s no longer the case as we’ve now learned that pre-orders have been postponed indefinitely. This comes as the company takes a cautious approach, reevaluating the landscape given the significant shifts in economic policy.

Their official message to the press reads, “Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. are delayed beyond the initial April 9, 2025 date. This decision comes as we evaluate how new tariffs and evolving market situations will affect us. We’ll provide an update later. It’s important to note that the launch date of June 5, 2025, remains the same.”

In a surprising move on April 2, then-President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping range of tariffs affecting numerous countries worldwide, including Japan and Vietnam. Now, we know Nintendo’s roots are in Japan, but that’s not where the magic happens. Much of their hardware assembly takes place in China and, more notably, Vietnam. The company, in a strategic play, relocated some production to Vietnam reportedly in anticipation of U.S. tariffs aimed at China. Given the hefty 46% tariff now looming over Vietnam, not to mention China’s additional 34% tariff, the costs of importing the Nintendo Switch 2 are expected to rise.

These developments unfold against a backdrop of global economic jitters. JP Morgan ramped up its recession risk projection to 60%, and such a forecast casts a shadow over consumer habits stateside and beyond. The tariff saga is poised to send shockwaves through international trade, tweaking both import and export forecasts and potentially stalling expected economic growth.

For those of you tuning in from the States, this means you might be looking at a steeper price tag for the Nintendo Switch 2 than you initially thought. Not ideal news, particularly when wallets are already feeling the strain of today’s high living costs. Unfortunately, the extent of the financial impact on U.S. buyers remains to be seen, and the waiting game continues.

Does this update throw a wrench into your plans for purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 the moment it drops? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t hesitate to share them with us below!