Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-orders Launch April 24 After Tariff Delay
Stay updated on the latest console and game prices and release dates—no changes, just the facts you need to plan your next gaming purchase.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders and Pricing Update
© Nintendo
Nintendo announced Friday that pre-orders for its new Nintendo Switch 2 system will open on April 24, following a recent delay. The console’s official release date remains June 5.
Pricing Remains Steady
- Switch 2 console: $449.99
- Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle: $499.99
- Mario Kart World game:** $79.99
- Donkey Kong Bananza game:** $69.99
These prices have not changed since the original announcement. However, Switch 2 accessories will see price changes due to shifting market conditions. Nintendo also stated it may adjust pricing on its products in the future based on market trends.
The company is listing current prices for peripherals on its official website.
Pre-Order Delays and Tariff Impact
Nintendo delayed US pre-orders from the initial April 9 launch date to reassess the impact of new tariffs and evolving market conditions. This announcement came on April 4.
Earlier, Nintendo revealed global pre-order dates, console details, and the $449.99 price on April 2, just hours before US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports. Since then, stock markets in the US, Japan, and worldwide have seen declines.
Production Shift and Stockpiling
Since 2019, Nintendo has been shifting parts of the original Switch production from China to Vietnam. According to The Financial Times, factories in Vietnam and Cambodia now produce over half of Nintendo’s hardware for the US market.
Nintendo has also stockpiled hundreds of thousands of Switch 2 units in the US in preparation for the tariffs.
Canada’s Switch 2 pre-orders were postponed to align with the US delay.
Background: New US Tariffs
President Trump announced a baseline 10% tariff on global imports starting April 5, with additional "reciprocal" tariffs effective April 9:
- Vietnam: 46%
- Cambodia: 49%
- Japan: 24%
- China: 34% (with an effective total of 145% including previous tariffs)
While most countries' tariffs were suspended, China continues to face high tariffs, and has retaliated with its own tariffs on US goods.
Exemptions to Tariffs
The White House exempted various products, including printed books (such as manga), steel, aluminum, cars, critical resources, smartphones, computers, and key electronic components.
Impact on Toys and Merchandise
Tariffs also affect toys, figures, and other merchandise produced in China, Vietnam, Japan, and other Asian countries.
The US administration may adjust tariff levels depending on international responses. Current policies remain fluid with frequent changes and clarifications.
Source: Email correspondence