Nintendo has postponed Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S., citing Trump administration tariffs and shifting market dynamics as key factors.
Originally slated for April 9, U.S. pre-orders have been delayed indefinitely, though Nintendo confirms the June 5, 2025 release date remains unchanged.
The company provided IGN with this official statement:
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. will not begin on April 9, 2025 as we evaluate tariff implications and market conditions. We'll announce updated timing later. The June 5, 2025 launch date stands firm.
This delay affects only the U.S. market; regions like the UK maintain their original pre-order schedule.
The Switch 2 launches at $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle priced at $499.99. The standalone Mario Kart World retails for $79.99.
Nintendo Switch 2 includes:
Switch 2 console
Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
Joy-Con 2 Grip
Joy-Con 2 Straps
Switch 2 Dock
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
Switch 2 AC Adapter
USB-C Charging Cable
Today's announcement suggests Nintendo may further increase Switch 2 pricing amid existing backlash over its next-generation console costs.
Former Nintendo PR executives Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang criticized the company's pricing strategy in a YouTube video, particularly the $449.99 console and $79.99 Mario Kart World pricing revealed during Nintendo Direct.
"This feels like a critical moment for Nintendo," Ellis remarked.
U.S. markets plunged following China's retaliatory tariffs against Trump's trade policies. Beginning next week, China will impose an additional 34% tariff on U.S. imports.
"China miscalculated," Trump stated before market open, maintaining his unchanged policy stance.
The escalating trade war threatens economic stability, with analysts predicting an end to affordable imports for American consumers as tariffs drive inflation.
Import taxes typically transfer to consumers, and gaming hardware appears particularly vulnerable to these pricing pressures.
Niko Partners' Daniel Ahmad noted Nintendo's manufacturing shift to Vietnam—intended to circumvent Chinese tariffs—faces new challenges from unexpected Vietnam/Japan tariff rates.
"Higher-than-anticipated reciprocal tariffs may compel Nintendo to adjust global pricing," Ahmad warned.
For complete coverage, see all Switch 2 Nintendo Direct announcements and expert analysis of the Switch 2's pricing.
