Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Are on Hold Due to US Tariffs

Nintendo just hit the brakes on something millions of gamers were waiting for: Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. are halted. If you were counting down to April 9 to lock in your console, bad news — it’s not happening. And the reason isn’t some random technical issue. It’s tariffs. Yep, politics just stepped on your game plans.

The Switch 2 is one of the most hyped gaming products in years. It’s been eight long years since the original Switch launched in 2017. After countless rumors, leaks, and speculation, we finally had a confirmed launch window, rumored specs, and an April 9 preorder start.

Now? Silence.
No new date. No updated pricing. No answers from retailers.
And that’s where things get tricky.

Let’s break down what’s going on, what it means for you, and what you can do about it.

Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Halted, No New Date

Nintendo confirmed that U.S. preorders for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 are on hold indefinitely. The launch is still set for June 5, 2025, but you can’t lock in your system just yet.

So what’s the hold-up?

The company is reacting to a new 24% import tariff on Japanese goods — including video game consoles — announced by President Trump during his April 3 “Liberation Day” policy rollout.

Nintendo, being a Japanese company with global supply chains based heavily in Asia, is directly in the crosshairs.

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What the US Tariff Actually Means

Here’s the real issue: that 24% tariff could raise the cost of every single Switch 2 unit shipped into the U.S. If Nintendo eats that cost, their profits drop. If they pass it on, you could be looking at:

• A Switch 2 that costs $499 instead of $399
• Limited bundle-only options to hide price hikes
• Delays in shipments to avoid the tariff burden

And this doesn’t just hurt Nintendo — it screws with retailers, launch plans, and fan expectations across the board.

Nintendo’s Strategy: Delay Now, Avoid Bigger Problems Later

Nintendo didn’t make this move lightly. According to sources at The Verge and New York Post, this pause is about buying time. Here’s what’s likely going on behind the scenes:

• Crunching numbers on how the tariff affects pricing
• Exploring alternative supply routes (like assembly in Southeast Asia)
• Waiting to see if the policy gets challenged or reversed

In short: they’re trying to avoid launching a product that’s either too expensive or too limited.

It’s a strategic delay — not a disaster.

What You Can Do (Instead of Panic)

If you’re sitting there annoyed (understandably), here’s what you should do next:

1. Stay Locked In on Official Updates

Follow Nintendo’s social accounts and sign up for alerts from your favorite retailers. When preorders resume, you want to be first to know.

2. Start Saving (Assume a Higher Price)

Plan for a $499 price point. If it comes in lower, great. But being prepared means no last-minute wallet panic.

3. Don’t Feed Scalpers

No matter how bad the FOMO gets, don’t give in. Nintendo will restock. They’ve done this before. Scalpers only win if people pay.

Conclusion

This isn’t just a Nintendo issue. It’s a glimpse at how international trade policy hits regular people. Other Japanese electronics brands are watching this closely — including Sony. But Nintendo’s timing is just unfortunate. Launching a console right after a sudden 24% tariff? Brutal.

Retailers like Best Buy and Amazon were reportedly ready to go live with listings on April 9. Now they’re in a holding pattern with no idea when stock will move. Nintendo is expected to issue more info by mid-April — depending on how the tariff situation plays out.

If the policy gets challenged or tweaked, preorders could resume quickly. If not, expect a launch with bundles, limited quantities, and higher prices.