Nintendo has announced a delay in pre-orders for its new Switch 2 console in the United States. Originally set to begin on April 9, the plan has shifted due to recent steep tariffs on imports from Japan.
The company introduced the much-awaited console just as President Donald Trump unveiled his global tariffs. In a statement, Nintendo emphasized that the pre-orders won’t open as planned, citing the need to evaluate how these tariffs might affect the market. Despite this, the console’s launch date remains unchanged and is still scheduled for June 5.
Interestingly, this delay only affects the U.S. market; pre-orders in the UK will proceed as intended. Tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods, have hit Japanese products hard, with Nintendo facing a 24% tariff rate. This could lead to higher prices for consumers if the company decides to pass on these costs.
Trump argues that these tariffs will help the U.S. economy and protect American jobs. However, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has labeled them a "national crisis," stressing the need for comprehensive government action to address the situation.
The uncertainty around tariffs has sparked concerns among gamers about potential price increases for the Switch 2, which is already priced at $449.99 in the U.S. Additionally, a physical copy of the popular game, Mario Kart World, is set to retail for $79.99, although discounts are available with console purchases.
It’s unclear if Nintendo had anticipated these high tariffs in their pricing strategy. The company’s original pricing could have reflected an assumption of lower tariff rates. An industry expert, Jane Smith, a market analyst, noted that companies often have to adapt quickly to changes in trade policy, which can have a ripple effect on pricing and availability.
As the situation evolves, fans are closely monitoring discussions online. Social media is abuzz with reactions ranging from disappointment to speculation about potential price hikes. Many are wondering how this could impact their gaming experience in the future.
For more detailed information on this topic, you can read about it here and discover insights about the tariffs affecting the gaming industry here.
Check out this related article: Powell Warns Tariffs Could Drive Up Inflation: What This Means for Future Fed Rate Decisions
Source link