Pre-Orders For The Nintendo Switch 2 Pushed After This Latest Wave Of US Tariffs

Just this week, Nintendo held its awaited and highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct to showcase the new hardware just over the horizon. The presentation unveiled its $449 price tag with a June release date pair with the announcement. Commodities for the new launch also welcomes a new GameCube Virtual Library that will be part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier for the subscription.

New information has emerged for the Nintendo Switch 2 following the initial showcase on Wednesday. For starters, there is a new cartridge type. There are now 64 GB versions alongside a ‘Game-Key Card’ that will not hold the who game natively. Additionally, Nintendo as pressured that it is taking new strategies to tackle scalpers & resellers for the launch later this summer.

However, with pre-orders set to go live next week, there is a new obstacle. This week, President Donald Trump issued new 10% tariffs on all trade which affects the already expensive price tag of the Nintendo Switch 2. Impacting countries that handles manufacturing, Nintendo has shared in a statement to GameSpot that the console’s pre-order has been postponed.

“Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged,” Nintendo issued in the statement to the publication. So while putting money down is still undetermined, the release is still rocksteady for early June.

Speaking to IGN, Entertainment Software Association (ESA) spokesperson Aubrey Quinn elaborated on the impact of the decision from the current administration affecting the gaming industry and the greater American population. “This isn’t a video game issue. I represent the video game industry, so I’m very aware of the impact on the video game industry, the potential impact, but it’s not a video game industry. This is going to affect all consumer products from food to fashion to electronics,” she presses.

Quinn adds: “I think the more members of government, elected officials, and their staff who hear that their constituents are concerned, the more likely we are to be heard and to potentially make an impact. […] And so our goal is to work with the administration, to work with other elected officials to try to find a solution that doesn’t damage U.S. industries, U.S. business, but also American gamers and families.”

Are you surprised by the impact of these tariffs on the Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025.

Source: GameSpot, IGN