Nintendo delayed the planned U.S. preorder start for Switch 2 so it could assess potential tariff impacts and evolving market conditions. The delay moved U.S. retail preorders from April 9 to April 24, 2025; Nintendo said the console’s June 5 launch date was unchanged.
Why did Nintendo delay Switch 2 preorders?
Nintendo announced on April 4, 2025, that U.S. preorders would not begin on April 9 as planned. Its stated reason was to assess “the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” according to Axios’s report of the company’s statement.
| # | 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 |
The timing came two days after Nintendo announced the console and its June 5 release date. On April 2, the White House had published a fact sheet describing tariff actions and the president’s authority to increase or decrease tariffs in specified circumstances. That provides context for Nintendo’s concern, but the available statements do not identify a particular tariff rate or establish how much of any tariff cost would reach the console.
What changed—and what did not?
On April 18, Nintendo said U.S. retail preorders would begin April 24. Its announcement kept the previously announced U.S. launch-era prices for the console and bundle, while adjusting accessory prices. Nintendo also apologized for the delay, saying it hoped the new date would reduce uncertainty for customers. See Nintendo’s April 18 announcement.
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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
| Item or date | What Nintendo announced |
|---|---|
| U.S. preorder start | April 24, 2025, moved from April 9 |
| Switch 2 U.S. launch MSRP | $449.99, as of Nintendo’s April 18, 2025 announcement |
| Switch 2 + Mario Kart World U.S. bundle launch MSRP | $499.99, as of Nintendo’s April 18, 2025 announcement |
| U.S. release date | June 5, 2025; Nintendo said the date was unchanged |
| Accessories | Nintendo said prices would be adjusted from those announced April 2 |
The prices above are historical launch announcements, not current price or stock information. Nintendo’s announcement also named Joy-Con 2, a Pro Controller, a carrying case and screen protector, and a 256GB Samsung microSD Express card among items with adjusted prices.
Was the delay worldwide?
The April 4 delay statement concerned U.S. preorder timing; it does not establish a worldwide delay. Nintendo’s April 18 announcement separately set Canadian retail preorders for April 24, but that is not evidence of the schedule in every other market. The U.S. prices above should likewise not be applied to other regions.
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 can be concluded about tariffs?
Nintendo said it was assessing potential tariff impacts alongside evolving market conditions. The cited statements do not prove that one specific tariff calculation alone caused the delay, set out a final tariff burden on Switch 2 components, or show a precise tariff cost passed on to buyers. The clearest supported explanation is Nintendo’s own: it postponed U.S. preorders to evaluate those potential impacts and changing conditions, then announced a new date while keeping the launch date and console and bundle prices it had previously announced.
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.
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.
