The Nintendo Switch 2 is flying off shelves, at least in the United Kingdom, but American gamers are left waiting. Pre-orders for Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 console are selling out quickly in the UK, but there are still delays in the US and Canada.
Nintendo is adjusting its plans as President Trump's global tariffs shake up the tech world. Although pre-orders in North America have been paused, Nintendo says the June 5 launch date remains unchanged.
Meanwhile, Sony is raising PS5 prices in key markets as the gaming industry prepares for more price changes.
According to analysts in the gaming industry, the price increases might be a calculated attempt to preserve prices in the largest video game market in the world, the United States, as per a report by CCN.
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Gamers are anxiously awaiting the impact of the higher import taxes on Nintendo's much-awaited debut as the video game industry adjusts to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.
Last week, the U.S. President increased import duties on Chinese goods to 125% while pausing the most severe tariffs for the majority of countries.
Nintendo has confirmed that the console's launch date is still the same, but it has not yet provided a new date for U.S. pre-orders, as per a report by CCN.
"In order to evaluate the possible impact of tariffs and changing market conditions, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not begin on April 9, 2025," a Nintendo representative informed Engadget. "Nintendo will update the timing later," as quoted in a report by CCN.
According to recent reports, Nintendo may increase production in Vietnam during the 90-day tariff freeze and sell the console for less than its cost in order to offset short-term losses.
"We believe the Switch 2's bill of materials is around $400, meaning Nintendo would still be selling consoles at a loss in the U.S. with the 10% tariff, but the loss would be something Nintendo could absorb," Hideki Yasuda of Toyo Securities told Bloomberg.
Sony revealed its plans to increase the cost of its PlayStation 5 systems in a number of important markets, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa, on April 13.
FAQs
Why can't I preorder the Switch 2 in the United States yet?
Nintendo postponed US pre-orders to assess the impact of new tariffs.
Is the Switch 2 still scheduled to launch in June?
Yes, it is still scheduled for release on June 5, 2025.
Nintendo is adjusting its plans as President Trump's global tariffs shake up the tech world. Although pre-orders in North America have been paused, Nintendo says the June 5 launch date remains unchanged.
Meanwhile, Sony is raising PS5 prices in key markets as the gaming industry prepares for more price changes.
According to analysts in the gaming industry, the price increases might be a calculated attempt to preserve prices in the largest video game market in the world, the United States, as per a report by CCN.
ALSO READ: Movie studio throws its weight behind Blake Lively amid backlash storm, silencing critics with one bold decision; here's what it did
Gamers are anxiously awaiting the impact of the higher import taxes on Nintendo's much-awaited debut as the video game industry adjusts to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.
Why are U.S. pre-orders delayed?
Originally, the Switch 2 was supposed to go live for pre-order in North America on April 9. However, Nintendo promptly postponed the sales to consider the possible ramifications after Donald Trump imposed tariffs on more than 50 countries.Last week, the U.S. President increased import duties on Chinese goods to 125% while pausing the most severe tariffs for the majority of countries.
Nintendo has confirmed that the console's launch date is still the same, but it has not yet provided a new date for U.S. pre-orders, as per a report by CCN.
"In order to evaluate the possible impact of tariffs and changing market conditions, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not begin on April 9, 2025," a Nintendo representative informed Engadget. "Nintendo will update the timing later," as quoted in a report by CCN.
How are tariffs affecting gaming prices?
Prior to those tariffs being halted, the Trump administration imposed a 46% import tax on Vietnam, which is home to a significant amount of Nintendo's manufacturing operations.According to recent reports, Nintendo may increase production in Vietnam during the 90-day tariff freeze and sell the console for less than its cost in order to offset short-term losses.
"We believe the Switch 2's bill of materials is around $400, meaning Nintendo would still be selling consoles at a loss in the U.S. with the 10% tariff, but the loss would be something Nintendo could absorb," Hideki Yasuda of Toyo Securities told Bloomberg.
Could the Switch 2 price go up in America?
Nintendo has not, however, ruled out raising the current $450 starting price in the United States.Sony revealed its plans to increase the cost of its PlayStation 5 systems in a number of important markets, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa, on April 13.
FAQs
Why can't I preorder the Switch 2 in the United States yet?Nintendo postponed US pre-orders to assess the impact of new tariffs.
Is the Switch 2 still scheduled to launch in June?
Yes, it is still scheduled for release on June 5, 2025.
