Switch 2 Pre-Orders in US Hit Pause Button: Tariffs and Price Concerns Loom

Nintendo fans in the US are facing an unexpected delay in their quest to snag the highly anticipated Switch 2. Citing President Donald Trump’s newly imposed economic tariffs, the gaming giant has postponed pre-orders, leaving many wondering about potential price hikes and the overall impact on the console’s launch.

In a statement to GameSpot, Nintendo’s media relations VP, Eddie Garcia, confirmed the delay, stating that the previously announced April 9th pre-order date would be pushed back “in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” While the June 5th release date remains unchanged for now, the uncertainty surrounding pre-orders has sparked concern among consumers.

Tariffs and Price Hikes: A Worrying Combination

Garcia’s mention of “evolving market conditions” and the specific reference to tariffs strongly suggest that a price adjustment for the Switch 2 in the US is a distinct possibility. Just days prior, Nintendo announced a $449.99 price tag for the console, with a $499.99 bundle including the launch title, Mario Kart World. However, Trump’s sweeping tariffs, targeting manufacturing hubs in the European Union, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and even imposing a 10% baseline tariff on countries like the UK, Australia, and Brazil, are poised to disrupt Nintendo’s supply chain and increase manufacturing costs.

As is typical with tariffs, these increased costs are likely to be passed on to consumers, resulting in a higher retail price for the Switch 2. This potential price hike has left many gamers feeling anxious about the financial implications of securing the next-gen console.

US Pre-Order Delay Only… For Now?

Currently, Nintendo has only announced pre-order delays in the US. However, gamers in countries heavily impacted by Trump’s tariffs are advised to keep a close eye on developments. The possibility of similar delays or price adjustments in other regions cannot be ruled out.

Switch 2: What We Know So Far

For those who missed the initial announcement, the Switch 2 promises to deliver a significant upgrade, featuring a 1080p screen, a 4K dock, and 120fps support for select games. The June 5th release date, while currently intact globally, remains subject to change as the situation unfolds.

The delay of US pre-orders underscores the far-reaching impact of economic policies on the gaming industry. As Nintendo navigates these challenging market conditions, gamers are left to wait and see how the situation will ultimately affect the price and availability of the highly anticipated Switch 2. Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.