In a significant twist for gamers eagerly awaiting the next generation of Nintendo consoles, the company has announced a delay in preorders for the much-anticipated Switch 2, initially slated for release in the US. The news broke on Friday, April 4, when Nintendo stated that it needs to "assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions." Despite this hiccup in the preorder schedule, the official launch date for the console remains unchanged, set for June 5.

This delay has been driven by newly imposed tariffs announced by the Biden administration, with a special focus on imports from Asian countries, where the majority of tech manufacturing takes place. Countries such as Vietnam are facing unprecedented tariffs as high as 46%, while China has seen rates soar up to 54%. Given that production of the previous Nintendo Switch was heavily reliant on these nations, the implications for the upcoming Switch 2 are profound.

In a report from the IPC, a prominent electronics manufacturing trade group, projections indicate that console prices could see an astronomical increase of up to 50% due to these tariffs. Originally, Nintendo had planned to offer the Switch 2 at a retail price of $449.99, but with potential hikes, this could catapult the cost to as high as $675 or even $700. Such a leap in pricing would place the new console far beyond the original Switch, which debuted at just $300.

Moreover, reactions to the new pricing structure and games have sparked outrage among fans. The pricing strategy for titles is also raising eyebrows, with a digital copy of Mario Kart World expected to retail for an eye-watering $80, and a set of Joy-Con 2 controllers pegged at $90. This has fueled a growing discontent among gamers, prompting many to take to social media and demanding, "DROP THE PRICE!” following Nintendo’s recent showcase, where fans expressed their frustrations live during a Nintendo Direct Treehouse event.

As the gaming community watches closely, Nintendo has yet to confirm whether the final retail price for the Switch 2 will be adjusted in light of these tariffs. With the industry in flux and consumer sentiment shifting rapidly, all eyes will be on Nintendo as it navigates this challenging terrain. Will they heed the call of their loyal fans, or will price hikes be inevitable? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates as we approach the console's release date!