Tariffs and Tech: How Trump's Trade Move Delays Nintendo Switch 2 Launch in the U.S.

Gamers hoping to get their hands on the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2 are facing an unexpected roadblock—not from the console itself, but from international politics. Nintendo recently confirmed that while preorders for its new console will officially open on April 24, U.S. orders were delayed due to a sweeping tariff plan introduced by former President Donald Trump. Despite a temporary 90-day pause on some tariffs, the 145% duty on Chinese goods remains intact, raising concerns about rising prices once the pause ends.

Originally, Nintendo had planned to open preorders for the Switch 2 on April 9. However, the company postponed the release in light of Trump's new "reciprocal" trade tariffs, which have caused widespread uncertainty across the tech industry. The company stated it needed time to evaluate how these aggressive tariff policies could impact their pricing strategy and product availability in the U.S.

Most of Nintendo's hardware production happens in Asia, with past manufacturing of the original Switch taking place in China and Vietnam. Under Trump’s new plan, products from China face a staggering 145% tariff, while Vietnam faces a lower—but still significant—10% rate, which was temporarily reduced from 46% as part of the 90-day negotiation pause. These steep fees threaten to increase costs for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Despite the complications, Nintendo has confirmed that the pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 will remain consistent with earlier announcements. The base console will be priced at $449.99, launching June 5, 2025. Bundled versions like the “Mario Kart World” edition will cost $499.99, while digital titles such as “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza” are set at $79.99 and $69.99 respectively.

However, not everything is immune to price changes. Nintendo acknowledged that accessories for the Switch 2 will see modest price hikes due to the ongoing tariff uncertainties. For example, players can expect to pay $10 more for the docking station, $5 more for most accessories, and an extra dollar for the controller strap. These increases reflect the company’s attempts to balance production costs without drastically altering base product pricing.

In a public statement, Nintendo apologized for the delay in preorder availability and reassured fans that it remains committed to delivering the best possible experience. “We thank our customers for their patience,” the company said. “And we’re excited to bring the Nintendo Switch 2 to fans this summer.”

Retail giant Best Buy confirmed on Friday that it too will begin accepting preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, games, and accessories on April 24. Despite the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, demand for the console remains high, and industry watchers are closely monitoring how these geopolitical moves will impact gaming hardware pricing moving forward.

(img : nintendo.com)