AThe highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, but not without a few bumps along the way. While fans in the UK can already secure their pre-orders, those across the pond in the U.S. and Canada are facing delays. Here’s everything you need to know about the Switch 2’s release date, pre-order availability, pricing, and the impact of recent tariffs.
U.S. Pre-Orders Delayed: The Impact of Tariffs
For U.S. gamers eagerly awaiting the opportunity to secure their Switch 2 on April 9th, 2025, there’s some bad news. Nintendo has announced that pre-orders will be delayed indefinitely due to newly imposed tariffs on imports. This decision stems from the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, as outlined by President Donald Trump. As a result, U.S. pre-orders won’t begin on the originally planned date.
In an official statement to Engadget, Nintendo clarified:
“Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025, in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
This statement has left many wondering about the long-term effects of tariffs, which have escalated in recent months. While the launch date remains unaffected, the uncertainty surrounding Switch 2’s pricing and pre-order process has put a damper on what was supposed to be an exciting lead-up to its release.
The Tariff Complications: What’s at Stake?
President Trump’s latest decision to raise tariffs on China to an unprecedented 145% has stirred concerns about the impact on Switch 2 production. Since 2019, Nintendo has been diversifying its manufacturing processes, moving some of its Switch production to Vietnam. This shift was in response to prior tariff impositions. With the new tariff hike specifically targeting Chinese imports, speculation is rife that Nintendo could increase production in Vietnam to mitigate the fallout.
However, there’s a wrinkle: The U.S. government has also announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs affecting 75 countries, including Vietnam. While this reprieve is good news for Nintendo, it remains unclear how this will affect pricing, especially with the Switch 2’s complex production and logistics chain. Industry insiders suggest that Nintendo might even sell units at a loss initially to keep the Switch 2’s release on track in the U.S.
Pre-Order Process: What You Need to Know
For those looking to pre-order directly from Nintendo, be prepared for some new rules. According to the official Nintendo pre-order page, you must meet specific criteria before securing your device:
- Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older.
- Nintendo Account: You’ll need to sign in with your Nintendo account and register your interest.
- Pre-order Invitation: If selected, you’ll receive an email invitation, which will be valid for 72 hours.
However, there’s an additional catch. Nintendo has stated that priority will be given to those who meet the following conditions:
- Nintendo Switch Online Membership: You must have a paid membership of at least 12 months.
- Gameplay Hours: You must have accumulated a minimum of 50 gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025.
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Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order delay
This means that Switch Online subscribers with active membership and substantial playtime on their consoles will have the edge when it comes to securing their pre-order spots. As of now, it’s unclear whether these same restrictions will apply when pre-ordering from third-party retailers.
The New Features of Switch 2: A Sneak Peek
Beyond the pre-order drama, Switch 2 is shaping up to be a powerhouse. Nintendo has already teased the console’s new design, which promises a larger screen, improved Joy-Con controllers, and enhanced performance across the board. Key features include:
- Display: A 7.9-inch LCD screen supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. When docked, the Switch 2 supports up to 4K resolution on your TV.
- Joy-Con 2: The redesigned controllers feature a new C button, mouse controls, and gyroscopic tilt controls for more immersive gameplay.
- Game Chat: A built-in mic enables real-time communication with friends in-game through the new Game Chat feature.
- Internal Storage: With a starting storage of 256GB, the Switch 2 offers more space than its predecessor. For those who need more, the system is compatible with microSD Express cards.
Nintendo has also improved the console’s internal speakers and added a built-in fan to keep the unit cool during long play sessions, ensuring that performance remains stable even in the heat of battle.
New Accessories and Pricing: What to Expect
The Switch 2 will launch alongside several exciting accessories, which are available for separate purchase:
- Switch 2 Camera: $50
- Switch 2 Pro Controller: $80
- Extra Joy-Con 2 Controllers: $90
- Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $35
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Accessories in Nintendo Switch 2
However, with the looming question of tariffs, prices for these accessories may fluctuate before the official release. While the full extent of these changes remains uncertain, Nintendo fans can expect the price points to vary based on the evolving global trade situation.
Will the Pre-order Process Stay the Same?
As we edge closer to June 5, 2025, Nintendo will need to address these unresolved issues surrounding tariffs, production timelines, and pre-order strategies. What we do know is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will mark a major leap forward in terms of performance, design, and accessory offerings—but only time will tell whether U.S. fans will be able to get their hands on the console in time for its official release.
