Gamers across the U.S. will have to wait a bit longer to lock in their next console purchase. Nintendo has officially delayed the pre-order date for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States, citing trade policy uncertainties as the reason behind the hold.
In a statement to IGN, Nintendo explained that the decision was made to “assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” This comes just days after former President Donald Trump announced a new 24% tariff on imports from Japan, directly affecting companies like Nintendo whose consoles are manufactured and shipped from the region.
Pre-Orders Paused, But Launch Still On
While the pre-order delay has caused some concern among fans, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will still launch as scheduled on June 5. This means the console release is moving forward, but consumers may have less time—or potentially less availability—when pre-orders eventually open.
No new pre-order date has been announced, leaving U.S. buyers in limbo while Nintendo evaluates the financial impact of the incoming tariff.
How Trump’s Tariff Could Impact the Switch 2
The newly proposed 24% import tariff on Japanese goods is part of Trump’s aggressive economic platform as he campaigns in 2024. If enforced, this could lead to increased retail prices, supply chain disruptions, or strategic shifts in regional distribution for gaming hardware.
For Nintendo, which heavily relies on Japanese manufacturing and exports, this policy presents a direct challenge to its U.S. market strategy—particularly during the critical launch window of its next-gen console.
What Gamers Should Expect
This delay doesn’t mean the Switch 2 is off the table. Rather, it suggests that Nintendo is being cautious and responsive to real-world political and economic changes. Gamers should stay tuned to official updates, as a new pre-order window could open with little notice—especially as the June 5 launch date draws closer.
TL;DR:
Nintendo has delayed U.S. pre-orders for the Switch 2 due to concerns about Trump’s new 24% tariff on Japanese imports. The console will still launch on June 5, but the pre-order timeline is now uncertain.
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