Nintendo has hit the pause button on opening pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the U.S., as they informed us at Tom’s Hardware. This decision comes shortly after the White House laid out new tariffs that span across most countries on the globe.
In an email statement, the company clarified, “U.S. pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 won’t kick off on April 9, 2025, as originally planned. We’re taking some time to evaluate the impact of these tariffs and the changing market dynamics. Hang tight for updates on this timing. However, mark your calendars—the launch date of June 5, 2025, holds steady.”
Revealed just this Wednesday, the Switch 2 comes with a price tag of $449. It’s made in both China and Vietnam, a strategic move since although the U.S. has previously cracked down on Chinese imports with high tariffs, shipping from Vietnam to North America seemed like a viable workaround—until now.
The timing of the new tariffs, which were announced just hours after Nintendo’s official reveal of the Switch 2, caught the company—and likely many others—off guard. These tariffs, dubbed “Liberation Day” tariffs, have hiked U.S. duties on Chinese imports to a hefty 54%. In a surprise twist, Vietnam also didn’t escape unscathed, facing a 46% tariff.
With such unexpected changes, Nintendo might have to reconsider their initially stated price. It’s a tough spot for both the company and consumers since the Switch 2 was already set to launch at a 50% higher cost than its predecessor. Nevertheless, there’s hope that Nintendo can find a way to maintain the $449 price point when the console officially hits the shelves on June 5.
Meanwhile, some Vietnamese journalists have speculated that the hefty 46% tariff is a strategic move by Trump to draw Vietnam into negotiations. As a response, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc is set to visit the U.S. soon. There’s a chance that some diplomatic agility might lead to a reduction in these tariffs if certain concessions are made.
Should these tariffs persist till June 5, Nintendo might have no other option than to increase the retail price in the U.S., which would surely be a letdown for fans eagerly waiting for this console. Unfortunately, Nintendo isn’t alone; with these widespread tariffs, many companies might find themselves navigating similar challenges.
