Nintendo has postponed pre-orders for the Switch 2, originally set for April 9, 2025, due to economic uncertainties and trade tensions affecting import tariffs. While the console’s launch remains scheduled for June 5, 2025, concerns over significant price increases in the U.S. market may force adjustments. The situation reflects broader challenges facing tech companies amid fluctuating market conditions, with potential implications for pricing across the electronics sector.
Nintendo Postpones Switch 2 Pre-Orders Amid Economic Uncertainty
Just two days after unveiling the highly anticipated Switch 2, which has already faced backlash from consumers regarding its steep price tag of 470 euros in France, Nintendo is re-evaluating its launch strategy. In a recent announcement to various American media outlets, including Insider-Gaming, the company revealed that it will not initiate pre-orders for the console on April 9 as originally scheduled. This decision is primarily influenced by the ongoing trade tensions affecting the pricing structure of imported goods.
Nintendo stated, “Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States will not commence on April 9, 2025, as we assess the potential impacts of tariffs and changing market conditions. An updated schedule will be shared in due course. However, the launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.” While pre-orders in France have already kicked off, consumers there are experiencing some price reductions.
Will the Switch 2 See a Price Increase in the U.S.?
The question on many minds is whether Nintendo will need to increase the price of the Switch 2 for the U.S. market, or if the company is concerned about potential sales failures. This drastic decision comes just days after the announcement of the console, revealing that Nintendo may not have fully accounted for the significant tariffs currently proposed, which have already led to a stock market slump on April 3, 2025. Imports from China will face a staggering 34% tax, while products from Vietnam and Cambodia—key manufacturing locations for Nintendo—will incur increases of 46% and 49%, respectively. Even Japan is affected, facing a 24% tax.
For instance, a console priced at $450 could end up costing Nintendo over $200 per shipment if they hadn’t factored in these customs fees, a financial burden that could compel them to raise prices for consumers. This situation is particularly unfortunate for Nintendo, as many were hoping for a price reduction. Consequently, U.S. consumers may end up being the first to face higher costs.
The potential for price hikes isn’t limited to Nintendo’s products; other electronics may also see similar increases. While Nintendo’s current focus is on the U.S. market, the company might extend this strategy to other regions to maintain competitiveness. They may be opting to delay pre-orders to gauge consumer sentiment, fearing that a price increase could deter potential buyers. The timing of this launch appears less than ideal, and the delay in pre-orders indicates that the company wants to avoid binding itself to the initially announced price amid such uncertainty. Their competitors might find themselves in similar predicaments if the circumstances remain unchanged.
Nintendo’s recent announcement stands as one of the most significant reactions from a tech company to current economic policies. Meanwhile, Apple, which suffered a 13% dip in value within two days, has yet to address the implications of this situation for its business. Nintendo is likely hoping for tax relief, but so far, no exemptions have been granted by the administration.
For the time being, Nintendo expresses confidence in its plans to launch the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. However, should the economic landscape shift, particularly with potential reactions from other markets, the Switch 2 might become an early casualty of the new tariffs.