Gamers across North America let out a collective groan last week when the eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date shifted from April 9 to an indefinite "who knows when?" This unexpected change came in the wake of import tariffs imposed by President Trump, which sent financial markets into a tailspin. The ripple effect has crossed the border, with Nintendo Canada confirming that pre-orders in their region are also on hold. So, if you were planning to make a pre-order through your cousin in Winnipeg, it's time to rethink your strategy.
"Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in Canada will not start on April 9, 2025, in order to align with the timing of pre-orders to be determined in the U.S.," Nintendo of Canada stated to the Canadian tech site MobileSyrup.
"Nintendo will provide updated information at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged."
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The statement echoes one given to IGN by Nintendo of America on April 4, though the Canadian version omits any specific mention of the new tariffs.
*Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start on April 9, 2025, as Nintendo assesses the potential impact of tariffs and the evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update the timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.*
Despite tomorrow marking the original pre-order launch, there's still no word on when gamers can finally start refreshing their browsers and checking their credit card security numbers. This leaves gamers in limbo and worried about a potential increase in the initially announced price of $449.99.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders have gone live in the UK today. Smaller retailers like EE, GAME, and Smyths have quickly sold out, with scalpers taking advantage by listing their pre-orders on eBay for £500 ($639) or more, compared to the retail price of £395.99 ($506).
For more information, take a look at everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and don't miss our comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen.
