The buzz surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is electric, but for eager fans in the U.S. and Canada, the wait continues as pre-orders remain tantalizingly out of reach. Originally slated for an April 9 launch, Nintendo abruptly postponed these plans, citing the looming impact of tariffs introduced by President Trump.

Nintendo issued a statement via Engadget, confirming, "Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start on April 9, 2025, as we assess the impact of tariffs and market dynamics. We'll provide updates soon. The anticipated launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged." Rumors suggest pre-orders might now open on April 23 or April 30, but nothing is set in stone.

The Tariff Twist and What It Means for Switch 2 Pricing

During its April Direct presentation, Nintendo unveiled new details about the Switch 2, including that original pre-order date and a starting price of $450. This excitement was tempered when Trump announced significant tariffs on imports from China just after the pre-order reveal.

In an unexpected turn, Trump declared a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs against 75 countries while simultaneously raising tariffs on China to a staggering 245 percent. While the future of pre-orders hangs in the balance, it's interesting to note that Nintendo had already begun shifting production to Vietnam back in 2019, reducing some tariff concerns on shipments from there.

Navigating Pre-Orders: How to Secure a Switch 2

When pre-orders finally do open, securing your console may be easier at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart, in addition to purchasing directly from Nintendo. However, keep in mind Nintendo has specific pre-order requirements: you must be at least 18 years old and a registered Nintendo account holder.

Additionally, invitation emails for pre-orders will prioritize those with a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership of at least 12 months and 50 gameplay hours logged by April 2, 2025. Players who’ve been loyal to Nintendo might get the first chance to snag a console when the pre-orders finally launch.

Exciting New Features of the Switch 2!

The Switch 2 promises to revolutionize gaming with a stunning 7.9-inch LCD screen that sports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR capabilities, and 1080p resolution. When docked, it supports up to 4K for a visually immersive home experience.

Not to mention, the newly designed detachable Joy-Con 2 controllers come loaded with features like a C button, mouse controls, and a gyroscope for tilt functionality. Additionally, a built-in mic will introduce an exciting Game Chat feature.

Other notable enhancements include improved internal speakers, dual USB-C ports for charging, and a base storage capacity bumped up to 256GB—expandable via the newer microSD Express cards. A variety of accessories will also be available, like a Switch 2 camera ($50), Pro controller ($80), and more—but keep an eye on potential price adjustments due to tariffs!

What Comes Next? Stay Tuned!

While the wait may feel unbearable, rest assured, Nintendo is hard at work behind the scenes. As new updates emerge, gamers can keep their hopes high for an exciting launch on June 5, 2025. Whether you’re aiming to snag a pre-order or simply curious about this groundbreaking console, one thing is certain: the Nintendo Switch 2 is gearing up to take the gaming world by storm!