In April 2025, Nintendo postponed the planned start of U.S. Switch 2 pre-orders while it assessed potential tariff effects and changing market conditions. It did not delay the console’s launch: the June 5 date remained in place. A Japanese industry report also recorded sharp declines across several gaming stocks on April 7, though that market reaction cannot be attributed to tariffs alone.
What Nintendo delayed—and what it did not
Nintendo had announced that Switch 2 would launch on June 5, 2025, with a U.S. price of about $449. U.S. pre-orders were scheduled to begin April 9. On April 4, the company said those pre-orders would not start as planned so it could assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo said the launch date was unchanged, as Axios reported on April 4, 2025.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
So the headline shorthand “Switch 2 delayed” needs a distinction: the U.S. pre-order schedule was postponed; the console’s launch was not. Nintendo’s statement, quoted by Axios, said: “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.”
How Japanese gaming stocks moved on April 7
A Japanese industry publication reported broad declines in Japanese stocks on April 7, 2025, including the following gaming and software companies. These are reported changes from the previous session, not current share-price data. GameBusiness.jp reported Nintendo fell below ¥9,000 intraday before closing at ¥9,194, down 7.85%.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
| Company | Reported April 7, 2025 close change |
|---|---|
| Nintendo | −7.85%; closed at ¥9,194 after falling below ¥9,000 intraday |
| Sony Group | −10.04% |
| Bandai Namco Holdings | −7.37% |
| GungHo Online Entertainment | −7.15% |
| Capcom | −6.61% |
| Square Enix | −5.62% |
| Koei Tecmo | −5.41% |
The figures are from GameBusiness.jp’s April 8, 2025 report. They are secondary reporting rather than exchange records independently verified here. The publication connected the broad sell-off with concern about escalating U.S. tariffs and possible retaliation, and said Nintendo’s pre-order announcement added to worries about potential price increases. That is contemporaneous market interpretation, not proof that tariffs alone caused each company’s decline.
Why tariffs raised questions about Switch 2 pricing
The tariff concern was tied not only to Japan. Axios reported that more than half of Nintendo hardware imported into the United States came from Vietnam and Cambodia, citing the Financial Times, analysts and import data. In its April 4, 2025 coverage, Axios described announced tariff rates of 46% for Vietnam and 49% for Cambodia. Those figures belong to the April 2025 announcement context; they should not be read as rates currently in force.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
GameBusiness.jp cited analyst Daniel Ahmad saying Nintendo had moved some production from China to Vietnam, and that the newly announced tariff threat could affect prices beyond Japan. The broader issue was uncertainty over how trade measures might affect products made across multiple countries and sold in the U.S. The reporting does not establish a specific tariff cost per console or a resulting price increase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The Switch 2 launched on schedule
The later outcome confirms that the pre-order postponement did not become a launch delay. The Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025. The Associated Press reported on June 11 that Nintendo said it had sold more than 3.5 million consoles in the first four days; AP gave the baseline launch price as $449.99. These are launch-period figures, not current sales totals or a current price quote. AP’s June 11, 2025 report covers the launch and sales statement.
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
How to read the tariff and stock figures now
This is a historical account of the April 2025 announcement and market reaction. The cited tariff rates are period-specific announced figures, and the stock changes refer only to the April 7 session. The available reporting does not establish what tariff schedule applies today, nor does it isolate tariff policy as the cause of each company’s share-price move.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
