In an unexpected move, Nintendo has put a hold on U.S. pre-orders for their upcoming Switch 2 console. This decision comes just days after the White House implemented extensive tariffs affecting almost every country worldwide.
In an email to Tom’s Hardware, Nintendo explained that “pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not begin on April 9, 2025, as originally planned. The decision aims to evaluate the impact of tariffs and changing market dynamics. An updated timeline will be provided later.” However, they confirmed that the console’s official release date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.
The announcement of the Switch 2, set at a launch price of $449, was made on Wednesday. Production takes place in both China and Vietnam. Although the U.S. has previously issued threats of hefty import taxes on imports from China, products manufactured in Vietnam were thought to be safe from such duties, allowing Nintendo to potentially bypass earlier imposed tariffs.
However, Nintendo was likely surprised by the near-global tariffs introduced shortly after unveiling the Switch 2. These changes, titled as part of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff scheme, hiked U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 54%, and surprisingly, Vietnam didn’t escape unscathed, facing a new 46% duty.
This development poses a significant challenge for Nintendo since these increases might necessitate altering the announced price, which is already a hefty jump from the original Switch. Nevertheless, there’s still a glimmer of hope that the price won’t need further adjustment before the product hits the shelves on June 5.
There’s some speculation, particularly among Vietnamese media, that the 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods is part of a strategy to bring Vietnam to the negotiation table. In fact, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ho Duc Phoc, is set to visit the U.S. soon, and successful talks could potentially reduce the tariff burden.
But if these tariffs linger through June, Nintendo might have no choice but to pass on the extra costs to customers, leading to increased prices at retail. This potential hike will likely disappoint the brand’s loyal fanbase. Unfortunately, Nintendo won’t stand alone in navigating these increased tariffs; many companies will be facing a similar conundrum.
