Nintendo recently announced that pre-orders for the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. have been postponed from the originally planned April 9 date. The delay comes as the company evaluates the impact of a significant shift in economic policy on the market. The statement provided to the media noted, “pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not commence on April 9, 2025, as initially planned, to understand the potential effects of tariffs and shifting market conditions. We will provide updates on timing later. Our launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.”
In a sweeping move on April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled an extensive array of tariffs affecting numerous countries, including Japan and Vietnam. Although Nintendo is headquartered in Japan, its manufacturing takes place predominantly in China and Vietnam. Interestingly, Nintendo shifted some manufacturing to Vietnam, reportedly anticipating U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. Vietnam is now facing a hefty 46% tariff, while China has been hit with an additional 34% tariff. These tariffs are likely to have a considerable impact on importing the Nintendo Switch 2 into the U.S.
This development comes amidst global economic instability, with JP Morgan raising the chance of a recession to a sobering 60%. The announcement of tariffs has sent ripples through economies worldwide, expected to cause significant shifts in both imports and exports, thereby altering growth forecasts across various regions.
For those eager to get their hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S., this could mean higher-than-anticipated prices. It’s not the news anyone wants to hear, especially when financial constraints and a steep cost of living are already looming large. Unfortunately, we’ll have to bide our time to learn the full extent of the impact on U.S. consumers.
Are these developments influencing your decision to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 at launch? Share your thoughts with us!
