Nintendo has announced a delay in the pre-order launch of its highly anticipated Switch 2 console in the United States, citing concerns over potential tariffs and evolving market conditions. The pre-orders were initially scheduled to begin on April 9, 2025, but the company has decided to postpone the launch to assess the possible impact of these factors.
The news comes shortly after the Japanese gaming giant officially revealed details about the Switch 2, an upgrade to its massively successful original Switch console that debuted in 2017. The announcement included a recommended retail price of $449.99 in the US, a figure that's roughly a third higher than its predecessor. This price point, coupled with the introduction of an $80 price tag for Mario Kart World, has already stirred considerable debate among consumers.
The primary reason behind the pre-order delay appears to be the potential impact of tariffs, particularly those recently imposed by the Trump administration on countries like Vietnam and Japan, where Nintendo has been shifting production. Tariffs, essentially taxes on imported goods, can significantly increase costs for companies, and these costs are often passed on to consumers.
According to industry analysts, the unexpected tariffs on Vietnam and Japan have forced Nintendo to reconsider its pricing strategy for the Switch 2. While the company has been working to mitigate the impact of US tariffs on China by moving some of its production to Vietnam, the new tariffs present a fresh challenge. Analyst Daniel Ahmad from Niko Partners warned that these tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers.
Nintendo has officially stated that the launch date for the Switch 2, June 5, 2025, remains unchanged. However, the delay in pre-orders has raised concerns about potential price adjustments and overall availability of the console in the US market. The company has promised to provide updates on the pre-order timing at a later date.
The decision to delay pre-orders specifically affects the United States, with other regions, like the UK, proceeding as planned. This suggests that Nintendo is primarily concerned about the US market due to the specific tariff situation and evolving market dynamics in the country.
The impact of these tariffs extends beyond Nintendo, potentially affecting other gaming companies like Microsoft and Sony, as well as manufacturers of PC components, since a significant portion of their production is based in Asia. However, the timing of Nintendo's announcement, coinciding directly with the reveal of the Switch 2's price, has put the company in a particularly challenging situation.
The delay in pre-orders adds another layer of uncertainty to the Switch 2 launch. Consumers are left wondering if the price will increase, if availability will be limited, or if the pre-order delay is simply a precautionary measure to assess the market.
