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Javier Márquez
WriterI've been in media for over a decade, but I've been marveling at the possibilities that technology brings us much longer. I believe we live in a world where the digital revolution is changing everything and that Xataka is the best place to write about it.
Karen Alfaro
WriterCommunications professional with a decade of experience as a copywriter, proofreader, and editor. As a travel and science journalist, I've collaborated with several print and digital outlets around the world. I'm passionate about culture, music, food, history, and innovative technologies.
Nintendo is preparing to shake up the gaming world again. The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, expected to elevate the brand’s hybrid-console concept, has already sparked waves of excitement. Following its reveal during a Nintendo Direct event, the company’s website opened a waitlist for early access.
But in the U.S., things just hit pause.
Tariffs cause delay in the U.S. Nintendo has postponed the launch of Switch 2 preorders in the U.S., citing recent trade sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump. The move signals one of the first visible effects of the White House’s escalating trade war on the video game industry.
As usual, Nintendo doesn’t allow reservations on the same day as an announcement. Originally, U.S. consumers were set to begin preordering on April 9. That date has now been scrapped.
The company said in a statement that the delay is necessary to “assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.”
Launch date remains unchanged—for now. While the delay in reservations has introduced uncertainty, Nintendo confirmed that the console’s official launch date remains unchanged. Shipments are still scheduled to begin June 5. With just weeks to go, however, the window for accepting preorders is narrowing.
The delay only applies to the U.S. market. Other countries remain on schedule.
What’s behind the delay. The decision comes just days after Trump announced his long-threatened “reciprocal tariffs,” which include a 24% levy on goods from Japan and a 46% tariff on products from Vietnam. Both countries are key players in Nintendo’s supply chain, with Vietnam hosting a growing share of the company’s hardware and component production.
A price increase may be coming. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, tariffs operate as taxes on imports—costs that are typically passed down to consumers rather than absorbed by companies. That raises the possibility of price hikes on the Switch 2 or its accessories.
Wider impact on tech. Nintendo isn’t the only company feeling the heat. Major tech firms like Apple, which also rely heavily on overseas manufacturing, now face new challenges. Many have tried to diversify their supply chains to avoid trade barriers, but the sweeping nature of these tariffs makes it difficult to dodge every hit.
Image | Nintendo
Related | China Responds to U.S. Tariffs by Attacking One of Its Vulnerabilities: Rare Earth Elements
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