Nintendo Postpones Switch 2 U.S. Pre-Orders

Nintendo has unexpectedly postponed Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S., citing Trump's tariffs and shifting market dynamics as key factors.

Originally scheduled for April 9, U.S. pre-orders have been delayed indefinitely, though Nintendo confirms the June 5, 2025 launch date remains unaffected.

The company provided IGN with this official statement:

To evaluate tariff implications and current market conditions, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. will not begin on April 9, 2025. Updated timing will be announced later. The June 5, 2025 release remains unchanged.

This delay exclusively affects the U.S. market—pre-order schedules in regions like the UK proceed as planned.

Priced at $449.99 standalone or $499.99 with Mario Kart World ($79.99 separately), the Switch 2 faces scrutiny over its premium pricing.

Nintendo Switch 2 bundle includes:

Switch 2 console
Pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers
Joy-Con 2 Grip
Controller straps
Docking station
Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable
AC adapter
USB-C charging cable

The announcement fuels speculation about potential price increases amid existing criticism of Nintendo's next-gen pricing.

Former Nintendo PR executives Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang condemned the pricing rollout strategy in a YouTube video following this week's Nintendo Direct.

"This appears to be a watershed moment for Nintendo," Ellis remarked.

U.S. markets plunged today as China retaliated against Trump's tariffs with a 34% tax on American goods, escalating economic tensions.

"China miscalculated their response," Trump asserted pre-market open, vowing policy continuity despite mounting trade disputes.

Economists warn the tariff war heralds higher consumer prices as import costs translate to inflationary pressures, potentially ending America's era of affordable goods.

Import taxes typically cascade through supply chains, disproportionately affecting technology and gaming products—unwelcome news for consumers.

Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad noted Nintendo's Vietnamese manufacturing shift—intended to circumvent Chinese tariffs—may prove insufficient given new Vietnam-targeted trade barriers.

"Despite relocating some production to Vietnam, unexpected reciprocal tariffs there and in Japan could still compel Nintendo to raise global Switch 2 pricing," Ahmad explained. "These tariffs exceed projections and will significantly impact Nintendo if fully implemented."

For complete coverage, see all Switch 2 Nintendo Direct announcements and expert analysis of the $450 console and $80 Mario Kart World pricing.

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