(Nintendo)
Oh no. Nintendo is delaying preorders for the Switch 2, citing President Trump’s tariffs, which threaten to raise the price of the video game console.
“Preorders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will not start April 9, 2025, in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” the company says. “Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
The news doesn’t bode well for the Switch 2’s price, which is currently $449.99. On Wednesday, Trump announced a widespread “reciprocal tariffs” plan, which targets imports across Asia, including Vietnam and Cambodia, which make the bulk of Nintendo hardware.
Specifically, Trump’s policy will impose a 46% tariff on products from Vietnam and 49% tariff on goods from Cambodia. So it’s possible a Switch 2 could cost closer to $660 if Nintendo decides to pass on the added tariff costs to consumers.
The new tariffs take effect on April 9, the same day Nintendo had planned to open Switch 2 preorders at retailers like Best Buy and GameStop. The latter just confirmed that preorders will not begin on April 9.
Along with the Switch 2, Nintendo is also probably reviewing whether it needs to raise the price on the console’s various accessories.
Many fans have already been complaining that $449 is too expensive; the original Switch debuted at $299. Gamers are bombarding Nintendo’s YouTube streams with comments that say “DROP THE PRICE.” It doesn’t help that Nintendo also plans on selling one of the first games for Switch 2, Mario Kart World, for $79.99.