Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pre-Orders Affected by Tariffs, but June 5 Launch Date Remains Unchanged

Nintendo has announced a delay in the launch of pre-orders for its upcoming Switch 2 console in the U.S., following a sweeping announcement of tariffs by the White House affecting numerous countries worldwide. Speaking to Tom’s Hardware, the gaming giant shared that it needs more time to evaluate how these new tariffs might impact their strategy and market conditions.

In a message to us, Nintendo stated, “We have decided to postpone the opening of pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. beyond the initial date of April 9, 2025. We want to take a closer look at how the tariffs and shifting market dynamics might play out. Rest assured, the console’s anticipated launch on June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.”

Revealed just last Wednesday, the Switch 2 boasts a launch price of $449. Produced in factories across China and Vietnam, Nintendo’s supply chain strategies might have to adjust since the U.S. could impose significant duties on imports from both countries. Although hardware made in Vietnam could have once skipped the Trump administration’s hefty tariffs on China, the recent trade decisions put a wrench in that plan, as they came with unexpected broader impacts.

Seemingly blindsided by this swift tariff expansion, Nintendo now faces new challenges. The White House’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariff announcement increased taxes on imports from China to 54% while unexpectedly slapping a 46% duty on Vietnamese goods as well.

This development means the initially set price for the Switch 2 might need to change, given the sudden spike in tariffs on Vietnamese products. This is particularly troublesome since the console’s current price is already a steep 50% rise from the original Switch. Still, there’s hope in the air that they might retain the $449 mark for the June 5 release.

On another front, some journalists in Vietnam are suggesting that the hefty 46% tariff could simply be a bargaining tactic by the U.S. The upcoming visit of Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ho Duc Phoc, to Washington might open a window for negotiations that could lead to tariff reductions.

However, should these discussions fail to bring any change by the June launch, Nintendo might have to pass these additional costs onto consumers, triggering a price increase. This potential hike could understandably disappoint many loyal fans. Yet, in this complicated trade environment, Nintendo is certainly not the only company grappling with such issues.