Nintendo postponed the planned April 9, 2025 U.S. preorder start for Nintendo Switch 2 while it assessed the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. U.S. retail preorders were later set to begin April 24; the console’s planned June 5 launch date did not change.
Why Nintendo postponed Switch 2 preorders
Nintendo said it needed time to assess “the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” That was the company’s stated reason for delaying U.S. retail preorders from the planned April 9 date. The explanation does not establish that tariffs were the only factor behind the pause.
| # | 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 |
On April 18, Nintendo announced the new U.S. retail preorder date and apologized for the delay, saying it hoped the announcement would reduce customer uncertainty. The notice did not change the June 5 launch plan.
When U.S. preorders opened, and what Nintendo said about prices
Nintendo set U.S. retail preorders for April 24, 2025. Its April 18 announcement kept the originally announced U.S. launch prices for the console and Mario Kart World bundle, while noting that accessory prices would be adjusted in response to market conditions.
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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
| U.S. launch option | Announced price on April 18, 2025 | What was included |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | $449.99 MSRP | Console |
| Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle | $499.99 MSRP | Console and Mario Kart World |
These are Nintendo’s announced 2025 U.S. launch MSRPs, not current retailer prices. Nintendo also said future prices for its products could change.
Did the tariff-related delay change the launch date?
No. Nintendo announced April 2, 2025 that Switch 2 would launch June 5, and its April 18 preorder update kept that date. The system did launch June 5. The Associated Press reported Nintendo’s claim that it sold more than 3.5 million systems in its first four days.
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.***
What Nintendo said later about tariffs and costs
In a May 2025 financial-results Q&A, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said the company’s forecast assumed U.S. tariff rates effective April 10 would continue through that fiscal year, with packaged software treated as exempt under an April 11 announcement. Nintendo factored a negative profit impact of “several tens of billions of yen” into its FY2026 forecast. Furukawa said tariffs are generally recognized as a cost and incorporated into prices, while noting that Nintendo weighs market conditions and platform momentum when making pricing decisions.
This later explanation provides business context; it is not a detailed retrospective account of the April preorder pause.
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- 【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.
The later U.S. price increase
Nintendo’s May 2026 investor presentation listed the U.S. Switch 2 MSRP as increasing from $449.99 to $499.99 effective September 1, 2026. Nintendo attributed the decision to a review of its business outlook in light of changing market conditions. The presentation also cited an approximately 100.0 billion yen combined forecast cost impact from higher component prices, particularly memory, and tariff measures. That figure combines factors; it is not a tariff-only estimate. The 2026 price change was a later development, not an announced consequence of the April 2025 preorder delay.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Nintendo’s April 18, 2025 U.S. preorder and pricing announcement
- Nintendo’s April 2, 2025 Switch 2 launch announcement
- Associated Press report on first-four-day sales
- Nintendo’s May 2025 Financial Results Briefing Q&A summary
- Nintendo’s May 2026 investor presentation
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.
