Nintendo recently announced that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States have been postponed beyond the originally planned date of April 9. The company decided to hold off due to potential market changes arising from significant shifts in economic policy.
In an official statement, Nintendo clarified, “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not commence on April 9, 2025, as we are evaluating the effects of tariffs and current market conditions. We will provide an update on pre-order timing at a later date. However, the launch date on June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.”
This announcement comes on the heels of a wide-ranging tariff policy introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, which targets various countries globally, including Japan and Vietnam. While Nintendo operates out of Japan, its manufacturing plants are primarily located in China and Vietnam. Notably, Nintendo shifted some production to Vietnam to anticipate potential tariffs on Chinese goods. Vietnam, which faces a hefty 46% tariff, is heavily affected, while China is saddled with an additional 34% tariff on existing duties. Such tariffs could significantly affect the import costs of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Economic disruptions continue globally, with JP Morgan raising the likelihood of a recession to a 60% chance—an indicator that could impact consumer spending in the U.S. The knock-on effects of these tariffs mean that economies worldwide are grappling with changes in imports and exports, which could alter growth projections across numerous regions.
For American gaming enthusiasts, this could mean the Nintendo Switch 2 will carry a steeper price tag than anticipated. In a period where financial constraints are already impacting many, this news isn’t particularly welcome. Unfortunately, we’re left to wait and see just how significant these price changes might be for U.S. consumers.
Are these developments influencing your decision to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch? Share your thoughts in the comments!
