Nintendo recently announced a delay for U.S. pre-orders of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Originally slated to begin on April 9, these pre-orders have been postponed as the company evaluates how recent economic policy changes might affect the market. For now, the actual release date of June 5, 2025, remains unaffected.
This decision comes in response to an announcement on April 2, when President Donald Trump unveiled a series of tariffs affecting numerous countries, including Japan and Vietnam. Although Nintendo’s headquarters are in Japan, its hardware is primarily manufactured in China and Vietnam. The decision to shift some production to Vietnam was reportedly made in anticipation of tariffs on Chinese goods. Vietnam now faces a 46% tariff, while China faces an additional 34%, significantly raising the cost of importing products like the Nintendo Switch 2.
The global economic situation is already turbulent, with JP Morgan raising the likelihood of a recession in the U.S. to 60%. This fiscal shift could further affect U.S. sales. Countries worldwide are grappling with the impacts of new tariffs on international trade, altering their growth forecasts.
For American gamers eagerly anticipating the Nintendo Switch 2, this might mean the console will carry a heftier price tag than initially expected. Given the current economic climate, with rising living costs, this isn’t the best news. Unfortunately, we’ll have to sit tight to see just how deeply these changes will affect pricing.
Are you reconsidering purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch? Share your thoughts with us!
