Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders delayed in the US over new tariffs

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are on hold in the US. Nintendo just confirmed
it won’t open pre-orders next week as originally planned, thanks to new tariffs that just shook up its launch plans.

Nintendo revealed the much-anticipated Switch 2 on Wednesday. On the same day, President Trump announced steep global tariffs, including a 24% hit on Japanese exports. Bad timing all around.

Nintendo had planned to open US pre-orders on April 9, but now that’s off the table. In a statement, the company said it needs time “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” The delay only applies to the US, though, as UK pre-orders are still moving ahead.

The console itself is still set for launch on June 5. No delays there, at least for now. But this decision raises new questions about pricing. Switch 2 was announced at $449.99 in the US, while Mario Kart World was priced at $79.99. It’s unclear if Nintendo had already baked tariffs into these numbers, but let’s be honest—no one expected the rate to jump this high.

For Nintendo, the situation is tricky. Either they eat the 24% cost themselves or pass it on to consumers, which could push prices into uncomfortable territory. Fans are understandably worried that the delay signals a price adjustment is coming.

As of now, Nintendo hasn’t confirmed if the delay will change the launch date, but they’ve made it clear they’re watching the situation closely. With US tariffs now looming over Japanese imports, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders saga isn’t over yet.