Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Delayed In US — Tariffs To Blame?

If you’re a Nintendo fan, you’ll have to wait a little longer to pre-order the upcoming Switch 2. Uncertainty caused by new US tariffs and shifting market conditions have prompted the gaming giant to postpone its original April 9 pre-order date in the US.

Though pre-orders are currently on hold, Nintendo revealed the official release date of the console will remain June 5.

It results from a tense economic exchange between the United States and China. The United States slapped a 54% import tax on goods from China, and China hit back with a 34% tax on American products. The back-and-forth has unsettled markets and has investor fearing rising prices.

Tariffs are a form of extra taxes on imported goods. Companies often add these costs onto consumers, so the price of electronics and gaming consoles might increase as well.

Nintendo has already relocated some of its production to Vietnam to dodge US tariffs on Chinese-made items. However, with Vietnam and Japan possibly on the list, too, the company is recalculating its pricing and strategy.

Daniel Ahmad, an analyst, explained that Nintendo could be making itself ready for price changes among different regions. He said the surprise tariffs might force Nintendo to reconsider where it sells the Switch 2.

The Mario Kart World bundle costs $499.99, while the Switch 2 comes in at $449.99. The game alone will cost $79.99. Despite the backlash over the price, Nintendo has not committed to any changes yet.

The company said in a statement that they are simply taking time to understand how these global shifts could affect business in the US. For now, players outside the US have nothing to worry about, as pre-orders are still going out as planned, the statement said.