Nintendo’s eagerly awaited Switch 2 gaming console was poised to launch into the U.S.
pre-order market this week. Instead of celebrating the release, the gaming giant was forced to hit pause. The change came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep new tariffs on Japanese imports. The abrupt about-face underscores a growing reality—geopolitical decisions can now delay or even reshape consumer tech launches in real time.
Nintendo, headquartered in Kyoto, had initially planned to open American pre-orders for
the Switch 2 on April 9. That schedule was scrapped after Trump’s across-the-board
tariff expansion, including a hefty 24% tariff on Japanese exports to the United States.
The company cited the need to “assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving
market conditions” as the reason for its decision while reiterating that the global launch
date of June 5 remains unchanged. The move won’t influence the UK or European
markets, where pre-orders will continue.
While Nintendo hasn’t directly said the tariffs will impact pricing, the timing of the delay
has caused concern among fans and analysts alike. The initial U.S. retail price for the
Switch 2 was already $449.99, a significant jump from the $299 price point the original
Switch debuted in 2017. The console’s launch title, “Mario Kart World,” was listed at
$79.99 for a physical copy. It’s unclear whether those forecasts factored in tariff
estimates or whether Nintendo will have to change them.
For Nintendo, which manufactures most of its hardware in Japan and exports globally,
an added 24% tariff on its marquee product is considerable. The company now has to make an unpleasant decision: absorb the increased cost internally or pass it along to
consumers through higher prices. Both alternatives are risky; the former cuts into
margins, while the latter risks scaring off buyers in one of its largest markets.
What’s more, the situation is evolving quickly. With Trump’s announced tariffs and global
markets reacting in real-time, Nintendo’s hesitation may reflect a wait-and-see
approach. It’s possible the company is hoping for revised trade terms, a carve-out for
consumer electronics or further guidance from U.S. customs authorities before moving
forward.
The postponement reflects a growing tension in the tech world—global trade strategy is
no longer just a background problem. For consumers, it can now directly affect when
and how much they pay for their favorite devices.
It’s not the first time the gaming world has found itself in the crosshairs of global
economics. During the height of the U.S.–China trade war in 2019, the big console
makers, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, released a rare joint statement warning that tariffs would harm consumers, put thousands of jobs at risk and stifle innovation.
Now, history is repeating itself—this time, however, with Japan at the forefront.
For now, all eyes are on Nintendo’s next move. Will the Switch 2 launch in the U.S. with
its original pricing intact? Or will the company be forced to revise its strategy amid
mounting economic pressure?
One thing is for certain; in the tech world today, the toughest boss fight may not be
within the game, it may be the global economy.
