Nintendo has announced a delay in opening the pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the United States, sharing this update with Tom’s Hardware just a couple of days after the White House unveiled widespread tariffs affecting many countries around the world.
In an email statement to us, Nintendo explained, “We will not begin U.S. pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 9, 2025, as we are currently evaluating the potential impact of tariffs and changing market conditions. We will provide an update on timing at a later date. However, the launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.”
The Switch 2 was officially announced on Wednesday, earmarked at a launch price of $449. With the console being manufactured in both China and Vietnam, Nintendo has a bit of flexibility. Even though previous U.S. policies threatened steep import duties on Chinese products, the company can still send units made in Vietnam to North America, skirting around the tariff hikes that were imposed on China earlier this year.
Nintendo found itself in a tricky position after the White House’s sudden announcement of almost universal tariffs, which came swiftly after the Switch 2’s official roll-out. President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs pushed U.S. duties on Chinese imports to a hefty 54%, and in a surprising move, Vietnam also faced a significant 46% tariff.
This development casts doubt over whether Nintendo can keep the announced price, as the increased tariffs on Vietnamese goods could force a price adjustment. It’s a tough blow for both Nintendo and the eager consumers, especially since the new console is already priced at 50% more than the original Switch. There’s still a glimmer of hope that the company can hold onto the launched price when sales kick off on June 5.
Interestingly, some Vietnamese journalists speculate that the 46% tariff on Vietnam is President Trump’s way of encouraging negotiations. Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc is scheduled to visit the U.S. soon, and a few concessions from Hanoi might ease the tariffs.
If the 46% tariff on Vietnamese products stays in place by the time of the launch on June 5, Nintendo may have little choice but to pass the extra costs onto the consumers, raising the retail price and likely disappointing its vast fan base. Despite this, Nintendo certainly won’t be alone in navigating these extensive tariffs, as many companies are bound to face similar challenges.
