Pre-Orders for Nintendo’s Switch 2 Delayed Due to Trump Tariffs; June 5 Launch Remains Unchanged

In a recent twist, Nintendo has announced a delay in opening pre-orders for its Switch 2 console in the United States. This decision follows closely after the White House introduced new tariffs affecting numerous countries around the globe.

The company communicated to Tom’s Hardware via email, stating, “We’re pausing pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S., originally set for April 9, 2025, due to potential tariff impacts and changing market factors. We’ll provide a new timeline soon, but the launch date of June 5, 2025 remains unchanged.”

Earlier this week, Nintendo took the wraps off the Switch 2, setting its launch price at $449. With production taking place in China and Vietnam, Nintendo had previously navigated the threat of U.S. import duties by also producing in Vietnam, sidestepping earlier tariffs imposed on China. However, with the latest sweeping tariffs, even this strategy is now under pressure.

The sudden announcement of global tariffs from the White House seems to have caught Nintendo by surprise. Known as “Liberation Day” tariffs, these measures have dramatically increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to 54%. Vietnam, unexpectedly, faces a 46% increase.

With these new tariffs, Nintendo may have to reconsider its announced pricing strategy for the Switch 2, which initially appeared 50% pricier than the original model. Despite the challenges, there’s hope Nintendo can maintain its launch price for the June date.

Some Vietnamese commentators have suggested that the hefty tariffs on Vietnamese imports could be a strategic move by the U.S. administration to bring Vietnam to the negotiating table. In the coming days, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc will visit the U.S., and if successful in making some concessions, there’s potential to soften these import duties.

If the tariff remains unchanged, Nintendo might find itself in a position where it must adjust the console’s price for consumers, a move that would surely be disheartening to its loyal fanbase. Yet, Nintendo is just one among many companies that might feel the pinch from these expansive tariffs, an issue likely to ripple across various sectors.