Nintendo has officially delayed pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States, citing the need to reassess market conditions following sweeping tariffs announced by the Trump administration. While the Switch 2 launch date of June 5, 2025 remains unchanged, fans in the US will have to wait a little longer to reserve the next-gen hybrid console.
In a statement shared with IGN and other gaming media outlets, Nintendo confirmed that pre-orders, initially scheduled to begin on April 9, will not proceed as planned.
“Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” the company said. “Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
The delay comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policy, which introduced a 10 percent global tariff and steeper tariffs on imports from countries like China, Japan, and Vietnam. These measures have rattled global financial markets, erasing over $6 trillion in value on Wall Street in just two days.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and Bundles
As of now, the Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99 (approximately ₹38,500) in the US for the base model featuring 256GB of internal storage. Additionally, a Mario Kart World bundle will retail for $499.99 (around Rs.42,725).
Also Read: US to impose additional 50% tariff on China if…: Trump’s warning amid trade war
Industry experts had previously speculated that the pricing of the new console factored in the anticipated tariffs. However, it remains unclear whether Nintendo will adjust prices ahead of the June 5 launch, depending on further developments in the trade policy landscape.
ESA Warns of Industry-Wide Fallout
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a leading industry trade body, issued a stark warning about the potential ramifications of the new tariffs. In a statement to IGN, ESA spokesperson Aubrey Quinn said:
“The tariffs would have a real and detrimental impact on the industry,” emphasizing that they could affect pricing, consumer spending, and revenue. The ESA also raised concerns about potential layoffs in an already strained gaming industry.
Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiling and Expectations
Nintendo fully unveiled the Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct livestream on April 2, offering a first look at its features, specifications, and upcoming games set to release throughout 2025 and beyond. The successor to the immensely popular Nintendo Switch is expected to offer enhanced performance, improved visuals, and robust third-party support.
Despite the pre-order delay in the US, global excitement around the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to build, with gamers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Nintendo’s hybrid console journey.
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