TechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.Nintendo delays Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. over Trump tariffsNintendo delays Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. over Trump tariffsThe Japanese company has explained it must 'assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.'Chris Kerr, News EditorApril 4, 20252 Min ReadImage via Nintendo Nintendo has delayed Switch 2 pre-orders in the United States in response to tariffs rolled out by the Trump administration.Pre-orders for the $449 console were scheduled to begin on April 9, 2025, but have been delayed until further notice."Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions, said Nintendo in a brief statement first spotted by GameSpot reporter Tamoor Hussain. "Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged."The news comes around 48 hours after Nintendo shared more details about the console during a special Switch 2 focused Nintendo Direct, revealing a device laden with new multiplayer and social features such as GameChat and GameShare and more robust innards.The grand reveal took place just before President Donald Trump unveiled new tariffs on imports to the countrymeaning it will now cost more for companies to bring goods into the United States.As noted by The BBC, the United States has imposed a 10 percent tariff as a baselinebut will hit some countries with rates of up to 50 percent. Nintendo's home country of Japan has been hit with a 24 percent tariff.Nintendo hardware production hubs hit by some of largest U.S. tariffsRelated:The company had been working to shift hardware production away from China to regions such as Cambodia and Vietnam (thanks Forbes).The rub, however, is that Vietnam and Cambodia have been hit with 46 percent and 49 percent tariffs, respectively. Two of the highest rolled out by Trump's administration.It remains to be seen how Nintendo will deal with the situation. But the big question is whether the company will eat the cost or pass on the outlay to customers.The Switch 2's RRP of $449 has already caused some sticker shock online, with players recently bombarding a Nintendo Treehouse live broadcast with repeated (and rather blunt) calls for the company to "drop the price." Good spot, NintendoLife.The price of first-party software such as Mario Kart World has also raised eyebrows, with Nintendo revealing the title will cost $80 at launchalthough it will be available in a Switch 2 launch hardware bundle that effectively knocks $30 off that RRP.Read more about:NintendoNintendo Switch 2Top StoriesAbout the AuthorChris KerrNews Editor, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, andPocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like