The US gaming market is about to get a lot more expensive. Donald Trump’s trade war is causing chaos, with massive tariffs on imports from around the world. This isn’t just a problem for China – it’s a global issue. And it’s not just affecting basic goods, either. The latest consoles, like the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, are also getting caught in the crossfire.
Nintendo has announced that it’s delaying pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the US. This is because the company wants to assess the market situation before taking any further steps. The problem is, with tariffs set to soar, the console’s price could become unaffordable for many gamers. As of April 9, 2025, US fans won’t be able to pre-order the Switch 2. But it’s a different story in other regions – Europeans and UK gamers can already pre-order, and Japanese fans will be able to do so soon.
Despite the delay, Nintendo is confirming that the Switch 2’s release date remains the same: June 5, 2025. The issue is largely due to Trump’s 10% tariff on all imported goods. But that’s not all – products from China and Japan will face even higher tariffs, at 54% and 24%, respectively.
Even though Nintendo manufactures half of its Switch 2 consoles in Vietnam and Cambodia, it’s not immune to the problem. On April 9, tariffs on goods from these countries will rise to 46% and 49%, respectively. If Nintendo has to absorb these costs, it might not be able to keep the console’s price at $450 in the US. It remains to be seen how the company will navigate this crisis.