Nintendo formally postponed the pre-order opening date for the Switch 2 in the U.S., which previously had been scheduled for April 9, 2025. It ties into the factor of the newly revealed tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on Liberation Day (April 3, 2025). Some of the added barriers include a 24-30% import tax on Japan. In other markets, however, pre-orders remain scheduled.

What is known

Despite the delay in pre-orders in the US, the official release day for the Nintendo Switch 2 remains June 5, 2025. Nintendo stated that it needed more time to assess market conditions and potential cost increases before announcing a new pre-order date. In addition, the company has partially shifted production to Vietnam to reduce the impact of tariffs on Chinese supplies.

The base price of the Switch 2 will be $450, significantly higher than the launch price of the original model. However, due to potential tariffs, the final price in the U.S. remains uncertain. Meanwhile, an exclusive version will be available in Japan for 49,980 yen (~$343), making it an attractive option for international buyers.

The economic response to the increase in tariffs already hit the marketplace—Nintendo stock fell by 8%. Analysts forecast tariffs as affecting the gaming industry as a whole, with hardware as well as software becoming more expensive. Further adding to global supply chain challenges, retaliatory tariffs have been imposed by China, including a tax on imported games of 34%.

Regarding hardware upgrades, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a 7.9-inch 1080p display, 256GB of internal storage, and a new “C” button for improved controls. Game prices for the new console will also rise—most releases are expected to cost between $70 and $80, surpassing the prices of previous-generation titles.

Another key aspect of pre-orders was the invitation-based system, which was set to launch on May 8. It is currently unknown whether it will be reintroduced after the delay.

Nintendo has promised to provide an updated timeline for U.S. pre-orders soon. For now, American buyers will have to wait for further details on how economic changes will affect the price and availability of the console.