Nintendo has announced a delay in preorders for the Switch 2 console in the United States, initially scheduled for April 9. The decision is attributed to the company’s need to evaluate the potential impacts of tariffs and changing market conditions. Despite the postponement of preorders, the launch date of June 5 remains unchanged. Nintendo has stated that an update regarding preorder availability will be provided at a later time.

This move is considered unprecedented in the gaming console industry and is a direct response to recent announcements by President Donald Trump concerning comprehensive tariffs. Following this announcement, the stock market experienced a downturn, and there are expectations of rising costs for essential goods, prompting significant concerns within the tech sector. Nintendo had originally planned to start preorders on the same day it unveiled the console to the press, which coincided with the announcement of the tariffs.

Mat Piscatella, a video game analyst from the market research firm Circana, commented on the unexpected breadth of the tariffs. Piscatella suggested that Nintendo might have had certain expectations regarding the tariffs, which turned out to be significantly more extensive than anticipated.

The question of whether the price of the Switch 2, set at $450, will increase remains unresolved. There is a possibility of a price hike, according to Piscatella, as businesses dependent on international supply chains may need to reassess their pricing strategies in the U.S. market.

Industry analysts and organizations, including the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), have expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of the tariffs on the video game industry. In February, the ESA issued a statement warning that the tariffs could adversely affect millions of Americans and diminish the industry’s economic contributions to the U.S. economy. Nintendo’s announcement highlights the potential disruptions caused by the tariffs.

Piscatella noted that other regions have historically faced higher video game prices and suggested that the U.S. might soon join this trend. He also remarked on the disorganized nature of the tariff announcements, which has left many companies scrambling to adapt to the changes.

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