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Switch 2 US Pre-Orders Paused Amid Tariff Turmoil

6292
06
Apr

Nintendo has announced a delay in opening pre-orders for the highly anticipated Switch 2 console in the United States. This decision comes in response to the newly imposed tariffs on exports from Japan, announced by US President Donald Trump.

Originally slated to begin next week, US pre-orders are now on hold as Nintendo assesses the potential impact of these tariffs and the evolving market conditions.

“Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will not start April 9 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” the company stated, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation.

Despite the pre-order delay, Nintendo reaffirmed its commitment to the original launch date of June 5 for the Switch 2. The postponement affects only the US market, with UK pre-orders proceeding as planned.

The imposed tariffs, a 24% tax on goods imported from Japan, pose a significant challenge for Nintendo. The company must decide whether to absorb the cost or pass it on to consumers, potentially impacting the console’s pricing.

President Trump defends the tariffs as a measure to bolster the US economy and protect jobs. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has labeled them a “national crisis,” highlighting the severity of the situation.

The decision has sparked concerns among fans regarding potential price adjustments for the Switch 2 in the US. The console was initially priced at $449.99, with the new Mario Kart World game costing $79.99 for a physical copy.

Whether Nintendo factored potential tariffs into its original pricing remains unclear. However, the 24% tariff rate announced by President Trump likely exceeded any prior expectations.

The situation is still evolving, and gamers in the US are eagerly awaiting further updates from Nintendo regarding the Switch 2 pre-order launch.

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Ngoc Vy

Ngoc Vy is a tech journalist specializing in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and their societal impact. She combines technical rigor with on-the-ground coverage of Vietnam’s startup ecosystem, from AI ethics debates to gov-tech adoption. Ngoc Vy is also passionate about bridging the gender gap in STEM journalism.