Nintendo postponed planned U.S. pre-orders for Switch 2 because it wanted to assess the potential impact of tariffs and changing market conditions. The delay applied to pre-orders, not the console’s launch: Nintendo kept the June 5, 2025 release date, and U.S. retail pre-orders began April 24.
Why did Nintendo delay U.S. pre-orders?
On April 4, 2025, Nintendo said U.S. pre-orders would not begin on the planned April 9 date while it assessed “the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” The statement, reported by TechCrunch, described a potential impact under assessment; it did not quantify tariff costs or say tariffs alone had caused a particular price change.
| # | 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 |
Nintendo said it would provide updated timing later. It also said the console’s June 5 launch date was unchanged. The announcement concerned U.S. pre-orders, not a delay to the Switch 2 release.
When did U.S. pre-orders start?
Nintendo announced on April 18, 2025, that U.S. retail pre-orders would begin April 24. That was 15 days after the originally planned April 9 start. The April 18 notice apologized for the delay and said the new timing was intended to reduce some customer uncertainty.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
| Milestone | Date | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| Original U.S. pre-order start | April 9, 2025 | Planned date; pre-orders did not begin as scheduled. |
| Updated U.S. retail pre-order start | April 24, 2025 | Nintendo’s announced date for retail pre-orders. |
| Switch 2 launch | June 5, 2025 | The previously announced launch date, which Nintendo kept. |
Nintendo’s April 18 announcement is available at Nintendo of America; its original launch announcement is at Nintendo of America.
What prices did Nintendo announce in 2025?
When it set the April 24 pre-order date, Nintendo kept the April 2 U.S. launch prices for the console, bundle and two named games. These are historical 2025 launch prices, not current price guidance.
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.***
| Item | Announced U.S. launch price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 console | $449.99 | Launch MSRP announced April 2 and maintained in Nintendo’s April 18 notice. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle | $499.99 | Included the console and a download code for Mario Kart World. |
| Mario Kart World | $79.99 | Launch MSRP for physical and digital versions. |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | $69.99 | Launch MSRP for physical and digital versions. |
Nintendo said accessory prices would be adjusted because of market conditions. Its April 18 list gave these accessory prices at that time: Samsung 256 GB microSD Express card for Switch 2, $59.99; Switch 2 Pro Controller, $84.99; and carrying case with screen protector, $39.99. Those, too, are historical April 2025 figures, not current pricing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the 2026 U.S. MSRP compare?
Nintendo Co., Ltd.’s May 8, 2026 investor materials scheduled the U.S. Switch 2 MSRP to rise from $449.99 to $499.99 effective September 1, 2026. Nintendo says U.S. prices exclude tax. This is a change to the console MSRP, distinct from the 2025 $499.99 bundle price; retailer prices and tax-inclusive totals may differ. Nintendo’s materials describe the decision in terms of changes in the market environment, but do not establish that tariffs alone caused the revision. See the Nintendo investor materials for the dated regional price information.
Quick Recap
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.
What the delay did—and did not—change
- It changed: the planned U.S. retail pre-order timing, from April 9 to April 24, 2025.
- It did not change: the June 5, 2025 U.S. launch date, which Nintendo announced in April and kept.
- It did not establish: a quantified tariff cost for the console, or proof that tariffs alone determined a later price decision.
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.
