In a surprising turn of events, Nintendo has announced that it will no longer open pre-orders for the highly anticipated Switch 2 console in the United States next week. This decision comes in direct response to the steep tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from Japan, where the gaming giant is headquartered.

The big reveal for the Switch 2 took place on Wednesday, coinciding with Trump's announcement of sweeping new global tariffs targeting various goods. Initially, Nintendo had planned to kick off US pre-orders just days later; however, they have now decided to reassess their strategy due to the potential economic impact of these tariffs.

“Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the US will not begin on April 9 as previously scheduled in order to evaluate the potential effects of tariffs and changing market conditions,” stated the company in a press release.

Despite this setback, Nintendo remains committed to launching the Switch 2 on June 5, as was originally planned. It’s crucial to note that the halt in pre-orders affects only the US market; pre-orders in the UK will continue as scheduled without interruption.

But what does this mean for the consumers? Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed on imported goods, and Japan is facing a hefty 24% tariff. This significant financial burden raises questions about whether Nintendo will absorb the costs or pass them on to consumers.

President Trump has touted these tariffs as a means to bolster the US economy and protect American jobs. However, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has labeled this trade war a "national crisis," emphasizing the urgency of a government response to mitigate its effects on the economy.

The decision to halt pre-orders has sparked concerns among fans that a price change for the console may be on the horizon. On the day of the announcement, it was revealed that the Switch 2 would retail for $449.99, with its flagship game, Mario Kart World, priced at $79.99—a price that could be discounted if bundled with the console.

Despite Nintendo's know-how in pricing strategies, it remains unclear whether they had anticipated such a substantial tariff when setting the console's launch price. One thing is certain: gamers and industry watchers alike will be keenly observing how this situation unfolds and what it means for the future of gaming and global trade.

As the situation develops, consumers are left pondering: Will the Nintendo Switch 2 become a luxury item due to rising prices? Stay tuned as we continue to cover the impact of Trump's tariffs on industries across the board!