Nintendo has postponed pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the U.S. due to tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s administration, which affect manufacturing costs. While the release date remains set for June 5, 2025, the company is evaluating the impact of these tariffs, which could lead to increased prices for consumers. Production has partially shifted to Vietnam, but challenges remain. Pre-orders are still open in Europe and Asia, where tariffs do not apply directly.
Update on Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders
If you’re an enthusiastic Nintendo supporter in the U.S., you might have been excitedly planning to line up for the pre-orders of the highly anticipated Switch 2. However, it’s time to rethink those plans.
Nintendo has announced a delay in pre-orders in the United States, and the reason behind this unexpected change is quite intriguing: the tariffs implemented during Donald Trump’s administration. This political backdrop is now affecting the launch of a beloved gaming console.
In an official announcement, Nintendo elaborated that they need to “evaluate the potential impact” of these new tariffs before proceeding. Essentially, these tariffs might lead to increased costs for imported consoles, prompting Nintendo to take a strategic pause. Consequently, while the pre-orders originally set for April 9, 2025, have been postponed, the official release date remains unchanged at June 5, 2025.
The Impact of Tariffs on Production and Pricing
Nintendo, much like other tech giants, has historically produced a significant portion of its consoles in China. However, amid rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which intensified during Trump’s presidency (2017-2021), the company began diversifying its manufacturing locations to lessen its reliance on China. As early as 2019, Nintendo shifted part of its Nintendo Switch production to Vietnam, attracted by its skilled workforce and advantageous location in Southeast Asia, especially given the uncertainties surrounding Chinese tariffs.
In early April 2025, the Trump administration imposed hefty tariffs: 54% on products from China, 46% on those from Vietnam, along with additional taxes on various other nations. This sudden move complicates the launch of the Switch 2, which is now facing a delay in pre-orders to “evaluate the potential impact” of these tariffs. The concern is that these new taxes could significantly hike the import costs of consoles into the U.S., potentially squeezing Nintendo’s profit margins or necessitating a price increase (initially set at $449.99). Analysts predict that without strategic adjustments, the price could soar beyond $600 for American consumers.
In an effort to mitigate the situation, Nintendo has started shipping Switch 2 units to the U.S. before the tariffs take effect, but this will likely be insufficient to meet long-term demand. The bulk of production remains in Asia, and alternative options are limited; relocating manufacturing to Japan or other countries could take months or years and drive up costs. Meanwhile, pre-orders are moving forward smoothly in regions like Europe and Asia, where U.S. tariffs do not directly affect the pricing—at least for the time being.
For a deeper dive into the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our comprehensive recap video on YouTube that summarizes the latest announcements. We also had the opportunity to get a hands-on experience with the Switch 2 ahead of its release, so don’t miss our initial written and video reviews.
Additionally, you can read our detailed breakdown of the announcements, uncover the ten secrets of the console revealed by its creators in “We asked the impossible of the hardware team,” explore the purpose of the new C button in “Nintendo Switch 2: we now know what the new C button is for,” and learn about the six major technical advancements in “Nintendo Switch 2: here are the 6 technical improvements of the console.” While there are a few disappointments to discuss, we cover it all here!
Lastly, retailers have already begun accepting pre-orders for the Switch 2; you can find an up-to-date list of participating stores by clicking here.