Nintendo Switch 2 U.S. Preorders Delayed to April 24, 2025, Due to New Tariffs; Price Remains $449.99

US • Business • 04/18 17:34
Nintendo Switch 2 U.S. Preorders Delayed to April 24, 2025, Due to New Tariffs; Price Remains $449.99

Nintendo has rescheduled the U.S. preorder date for the Nintendo Switch 2 to April 24, 2025, due to new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on imports from China and Vietnam. Despite these tariffs, the console will still be priced at $449.99 in the U.S., with a global release set for June 5, 2025. While console prices remain unchanged, accessory prices have increased due to market conditions. Nintendo is shifting more production to Vietnam to mitigate tariff impacts. Retailers like Best Buy will begin preorders on April 24, with plans for a midnight launch on June 5.

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Nintendo Switch 2 U.S. Preorders Delayed to April 24, 2025, Due to New Tariffs; Price Remains $449.99

Nintendo has rescheduled the U.S. preorder date for the Nintendo Switch 2 to April 24, 2025, due to new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on imports from China and Vietnam. Despite these tariffs, the console will still be priced at $449.99 in the U.S., with a global release set for June 5, 2025. While console prices remain unchanged, accessory prices have increased due to market conditions. Nintendo is shifting more production to Vietnam to mitigate tariff impacts. Retailers like Best Buy will begin preorders on April 24, with plans for a midnight launch on June 5.

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Preorder Timeline Shift Triggered by Tariff Announcement

Nintendo initially planned to open preorders for the Switch 2 on April 9, just one week after the console’s global unveiling on April 2. However, the company postponed the U.S. and Canadian preorder dates indefinitely after the Trump administration introduced sweeping tariffs on electronics imported from China and Vietnam. The tariffs include a 145% rate on Chinese goods and a 10% rate on Vietnamese imports, down from a previously proposed 46% following a 90-day pause for negotiations.

In a statement, Nintendo said the delay was necessary “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” The company later confirmed that preorders would resume on April 24, aligning with the revised schedule for both the U.S. and Canada.

Pricing Remains Unchanged for Console and Games

Despite concerns that the new tariffs could lead to higher retail prices, Nintendo has maintained the original pricing for the Switch 2 console. The base model will retail for $449.99, while a bundle that includes the console and the game "Mario Kart World" will be available for $499.99. The standalone digital and physical versions of "Mario Kart World" and "Donkey Kong Bananza" will be priced at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively.

Nintendo emphasized that these prices are consistent with those announced during the April 2 reveal event. The company also reiterated that the June 5 launch date remains unchanged.

Accessory Prices Adjusted in Response to Market Conditions

While the console and game prices remain stable, Nintendo has implemented price increases for several Switch 2 accessories. The company cited “changes in market conditions” as the reason for the adjustments, which appear to be a direct response to the tariff environment.

The updated accessory pricing includes:

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: $84.99 (up from $79.99)
  • Joy-Con 2 Pair: $94.99 (up from $89.99)
  • Charging Grip: $39.99 (up from $34.99)
  • Joy-Con Strap: $13.99 (up from $12.99)
  • Joy-Con Wheel Set: $24.99 (up from $19.99)
  • Switch 2 Camera: $54.99 (up from $49.99)
  • Dock Set: $119.99 (up from $109.99)
  • Carrying Case & Screen Protector: $39.99 (up from $34.99)
  • All-In-One Carrying Case: $84.99 (up from $79.99)
  • AC Adapter: $34.99 (up from $29.99)

These increases range from $1 to $10 per item and reflect the broader cost pressures facing electronics manufacturers operating in Asia.

Manufacturing Strategy Adjusted to Navigate Tariff Landscape

To mitigate the impact of the tariffs, Nintendo has reportedly allocated a significant portion of its Switch 2 production in Vietnam specifically for the U.S. market. This strategic move is intended to reduce exposure to the steepest tariffs, particularly those affecting Chinese-made goods.

Historically, Nintendo has relied on manufacturing facilities in both China and Vietnam. The company’s decision to prioritize Vietnamese production for U.S. shipments underscores the logistical challenges posed by the new trade policies.

Retailers Prepare for Launch

Retailers such as Best Buy have confirmed that they will begin accepting preorders for the Switch 2 on April 24. In anticipation of high demand, many stores plan to open at midnight on June 5 to accommodate early buyers. This marks the first time in six years that Best Buy will host a midnight launch for a Nintendo product.

Nintendo expressed appreciation for customer patience during the delay. “We apologize for the retail pre-order delay, and hope this reduces some of the uncertainty our consumers may be experiencing,” the company said in a statement.

Broader Tariff Context

The Trump administration’s tariff policy has had wide-reaching implications for the global electronics supply chain. While some categories like smartphones and laptops have been exempted, video game consoles have not. The tariffs are part of a broader strategy to impose “reciprocal” trade measures on countries with significant trade surpluses with the U.S.

Vietnam, a key manufacturing hub for electronics, has been particularly affected. Although the proposed 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods was reduced to 10% following a temporary pause, the uncertainty has prompted companies like Nintendo to reassess their supply chain strategies.

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