In a surprising turn of events, Nintendo has decided to delay the pre-orders for the much-anticipated Switch 2 in the United States. This decision comes just two days after the White House revealed a new wave of tariffs that affect almost every corner of the globe.
In a message sent to Tom’s Hardware, Nintendo explained the rationale behind this move, stating, “We won’t begin pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. on April 9, 2025. We need a moment to evaluate how these new tariffs and shifting market environments might affect us.” The statement also reassured fans that while pre-order dates are being reconsidered, the official launch date remains June 5, 2025.
The introduction of the Switch 2 happened this past Wednesday, with initial plans to sell the console for $449. Manufacturing primarily takes place in China and Vietnam. This setup once promised a workaround for previous hefty tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. However, with Vietnam now unexpectedly caught in the crossfire of these new tariffs, Nintendo’s strategy might require adjustments.
The sudden global tariff strategy announced by the White House shortly after the Switch 2 reveal certainly blindsided Nintendo. The tariffs, known as Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, saw an abrupt hike with Chinese goods now facing a 54% tariff. Surprisingly, Vietnam didn’t escape unscathed either, facing a substantial 46% duty.
Given these developments, the anticipated price tag could very well shift. The Vietnamese manufacturing angle, initially a safety net, now seems a little less secure. Navigating these new financial hurdles is tricky; it’s already a challenge for fans eyeing this console, which is priced 50% higher than its predecessor. Nonetheless, there remains a glimmer of hope that Nintendo can maintain the initially promised price once everything is in place for the June 5 release.
A few Vietnamese analysts have speculated that the tariffs on their country might be a strategic maneuver from Trump to press Vietnam into discussions. With Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc heading to the U.S. soon, there’s a possibility that some diplomatic concessions could ease these tariffs.
Should these hefty tariffs persist by launch day, Nintendo may be left with little option but to pass the extra costs onto customers. That prospect isn’t likely to sit well with the dedicated Nintendo community. Yet, considering the widespread impact of these tariffs, it’s clear that Nintendo is not alone in facing these economic challenges.
