Nintendo postponed the planned April 9, 2025 start of U.S. Switch 2 preorders so it could assess “the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” The company said the console’s June 5 launch date was unchanged. U.S. retail preorders later began April 24, and Nintendo maintained the console’s previously announced price.
Why did Nintendo delay U.S. Switch 2 preorders?
On April 4, 2025, Nintendo said U.S. preorders would not begin on the previously planned April 9 date. In a statement reported by The Washington Post, the company said the pause was “in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.”
| # | 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 |
That was Nintendo’s stated rationale. The announcement did not quantify a tariff cost for the console or say that a particular amount would be added to its price. The June 5 launch date remained unchanged.
When did preorders begin, and what happened to the price?
On April 18, Nintendo announced that U.S. retail preorders would begin April 24 and that it would maintain the previously announced Switch 2 price. The company also apologized for the delay, saying it hoped the update would reduce some of the uncertainty customers might be experiencing. The announcement is available from Nintendo.
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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
The Associated Press reported the maintained U.S. baseline price as $449.99. Nintendo’s decision on the console price should not be confused with accessory pricing: AP reported that some Switch 2 accessories had price adjustments.
Did the delay affect the Switch 2 launch?
No. The April 4 announcement kept the planned June 5, 2025 launch date, and the console launched on June 5. AP reported that U.S. preorders began April 24 and covered the launch in its launch-day explainer.
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.***
AP described the launch pricing in rounded terms as about $450 for the base console and about $500 for the Mario Kart World bundle; its more precise figure for the baseline U.S. console price was $449.99. Those are 2025 reported prices, not a statement of current retail pricing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The timeline at a glance
| Event | Date | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| Originally planned preorder start | April 9, 2025 | Nintendo postponed U.S. preorders to assess potential tariff impacts and evolving market conditions. |
| Revised U.S. retail preorder start | April 24, 2025 | Nintendo maintained the previously announced console price. |
| Console launch | June 5, 2025 | The Switch 2 launched as planned. |
The episode was a delay to the U.S. preorder window, not a postponement of the console launch. Nintendo cited tariffs and market conditions as the reason for pausing orders, then resumed the preorder schedule while keeping the previously announced baseline console price.
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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.
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.
