Nintendo has decided to postpone pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the U.S. Initially set to launch on April 9, the company cited the effects of tariffs and changing market conditions as reasons for the delay. While an updated pre-order date is not yet available, the official release date of June 5, 2025, is still on track.
In a statement, Nintendo explained that this delay allows them to evaluate how tariffs might affect pricing. They have indicated that this pause is specific to the U.S. market; pre-orders in the UK remain unaffected.
The Switch 2 is priced at $449.99. It will come with a new set of Joy-Con controllers and a Mario Kart World bundle priced at $499.99, with the game at $79.99.
Concerns are rising about the possibility of further price increases. Former Nintendo PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang expressed their worries, stating that this pricing strategy appears troubling. Ellis remarked that it feels like a critical moment for Nintendo.
The backdrop of this delay includes recent market turmoil. Following heightened tariffs from China in response to U.S. tariffs, many are questioning the stability of prices for tech products in general. Tariffs effectively act as taxes on imported goods, which often lead to increased prices for consumers. Analysts predict that rising costs could particularly impact gaming products.
Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad highlighted the potential for higher prices due to reciprocal tariffs impacting not just China but also other manufacturing locations like Vietnam and Japan. Companies generally try to absorb these costs, but the trend often shifts, resulting in higher retail prices.
The discussion around Nintendo’s pricing strategy is part of a broader economic situation that many consumers now face. News outlets are reporting that the era of low-priced imports may be coming to an end, suggesting a shift in what consumers can expect to pay for goods, including gaming consoles.
For more insights into recent developments, check out Niko Partners for their take on Nintendo’s new console reveal.
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