Nintendo Postpones U.S. Preorders for Switch 2 Amid Tariff Evaluations

San Francisco - Nintendo has announced a delay in the U.S. preorders for its eagerly awaited Switch 2 gaming console, attributing the decision to an ongoing assessment of the implications of recent trade tariffs introduced during the Trump administration. The preorders, originally scheduled to commence on April 9, 2025, will now be postponed as the company evaluates the potential effects of these tariffs and the current market landscape. However, the planned launch date for the console remains unchanged, set for June 5, 2025.

The Japanese gaming giant unveiled details about the Switch 2 earlier this week, marking the evolution of the original Switch model that has achieved remarkable sales of over 150 million units since its debut in 2017. Despite the excitement surrounding the new console, Nintendo's stock experienced a significant decline in the days following the announcement. The recommended retail price for the Switch 2 is set at $449.99 in the United States, which is at least 33% higher than that of its predecessor, contributing to investor concerns.

The decline in Nintendo's stock value has been exacerbated by the impact of tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, specifically targeting imports from Vietnam and Cambodia. Reports indicate that Nintendo has increasingly shifted parts of its production to these countries in recent years, where tariffs have been set at 46% and 49%, respectively. In a recent statement, former President Trump mentioned a constructive conversation with Vietnam's leadership regarding the possibility of reaching an agreement on these tariffs.

The original Nintendo Switch gained immense popularity thanks to its versatile design, allowing users to play both on-the-go and while connected to a television. As the company navigates these new challenges, industry analysts will be watching closely to see how the evolving trade landscape impacts not only Nintendo's operations but also the broader gaming market.