Gamers in the U.S., brace yourselves—your dreams of locking in a Nintendo Switch 2 preorder have hit a sudden (and frustrating) pause. While the new console is still set to release on June 5, 2025, Nintendo announced that U.S. preorders, which were supposed to go live on April 9, are now officially delayed. Why? I have two words: trade tariffs.
Here’s What’s Happening
Nintendo is blaming the delay on new tariffs introduced by the U.S. government, including a 54% duty on imports from China and a jaw-dropping 46% duty on products from Vietnam, both major production locations for the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo had recently switched production of the Nintendo Switch 2 from China in anticipation of the incoming tariffs (it didn’t really work out well, huh?). Translation? A whole lot of cost and complication suddenly hit the supply chain that caused the delay of the Nintendo Switch 2.
This unexpected twist has sparked concerns over whether the $449.99 price tag, already an issue with gamers, will hold steady. Some were already side-eyeing the $79.99 price on select games, wondering if those will creep even higher. Oof.
Meanwhile, other regions like the UK are still moving full-speed ahead with preorders, leaving American fans in limbo. Nintendo says it’s evaluating the situation and will release a new timeline for preorders once they get a better sense of the long-term impact.
Final Thoughts
So, United States fans aren’t happy. Social media has already erupted with confusion, jokes, and concerns that this delay might signal bigger trouble ahead. But for now, Nintendo insists the console’s actual release date remains unchanged.
It’s a bump in the road but not a game over yet. While we wait for the preorders to restart, keep your eyes open for updates from Nintendo and what they’ll do going forward. If nothing else, this delay shows how global politics and gaming can collide in weird, unexpected ways. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the situation clears up soon, and we all get to hold that sleek new console in our hands this summer.
