Waiting Game for Switch 2 Pre-orders

Gamers across the U.S. and Canada are left in limbo as pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 face indefinite delays. Originally set to launch on April 9, 2025, Nintendo swiftly retracted the date following unforeseen tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump.

Nintendo’s Official Statement

In a recent statement to Engadget, Nintendo confirmed: "Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025, as we evaluate the impact of tariffs and changing market dynamics. We will update the timing soon. However, the anticipated launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged."

Potential Pre-order Dates

Speculation is swirling, with some insiders suggesting that pre-orders could potentially reopen as early as April 23 or April 30, but these details have yet to be verified by Nintendo.

Understanding the Tariff Impact

During an early April Direct presentation, Nintendo showcased more of the Switch 2 than ever, revealing the original pre-order date and a pricing estimate of around $450. Following this, tariffs on goods from China sparked a swift shift in plans, especially for a console whose production partly relies on Chinese manufacturing.

Although President Trump later announced a temporary pause on tariffs affecting 75 countries, the conditions for China remain uncertain, with tariffs on imports still soaring to staggering rates.

Manufacturing Moves to Vietnam

In light of these developments, Nintendo has increasingly shifted its manufacturing to Vietnam since 2019. During this transitional phase, the reciprocal tariff for products made in Vietnam is currently set to 10% due to the pause, which may help the company sustain production levels.

How to Get Your Switch 2

When pre-orders finally become available, fans can snag their console directly from Nintendo or through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart.

To secure a pre-order straight from Nintendo, you must be at least 18, create a Nintendo account, and express your interest in pre-ordering. Invitations will be sent via email, valid for 72 hours, giving priority to long-time Nintendo Online members.

What’s New with Switch 2?

From what we've gleaned from early teasers, the Nintendo Switch 2 promises bigger and better features! Expect revamped detachable Joy-Con controllers equipped with a new C button, mouse controls, and gyroscope technology. The console boasts an impressive 7.9-inch LCD display, supporting a stunning 120Hz refresh rate and HDR capabilities.

When docked, players can enjoy games in up to 4K resolution. Enhanced internal speakers and a built-in fan ensure optimal performance during lengthy gaming sessions. Moreover, it features dual USB-C ports and a robust 256GB of base storage, expandable with cutting-edge microSD Express cards.

Exciting Accessories Await!

To complement your new console, a slew of accessories will be up for grabs, including a cutting-edge camera for $50, a Pro controller for $80, and extra Joy-Con 2 controllers for $90.

However, with the ongoing tariff situation, stay tuned for potential pricing changes before the accessories hit the shelves!