Nintendo delayed the planned April 9, 2025 start of U.S. Switch 2 preorders so it could assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. The company said the console’s June 5 launch date would not change. On April 18, Nintendo set U.S. retail preorders for April 24 and kept the announced launch prices for the console and bundle.
Why did Nintendo delay U.S. preorders?
Nintendo’s stated reason was to assess how potential tariffs and changing market conditions could affect the U.S. launch. In a statement reported by Axios on April 4, 2025, the company said: “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.” Axios, April 4, 2025
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The timing mattered because Nintendo had announced the console on April 2 with U.S. preorders planned for April 9. The White House also published a tariff fact sheet on April 2 describing authority to increase or decrease tariffs in specified circumstances. That context helps explain why Nintendo cited uncertainty, but it does not establish a specific tariff cost for the console or prove that a particular tariff rate alone caused the delay. White House fact sheet, April 2, 2025
What changed—and what did not?
The delay applied to U.S. preorder timing, not the announced console launch date. Nintendo said the June 5, 2025 release remained unchanged when it announced the preorder delay. Nintendo announcement, April 2, 2025
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#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
On April 18, Nintendo announced that U.S. retail preorders would begin April 24. The company apologized for the delay and said it hoped the new date would reduce uncertainty for customers. Its announcement also listed Canada for April 24, but that does not establish preorder timing in every other country. Nintendo announcement, April 18, 2025
What happened to the announced U.S. prices?
As of Nintendo of America’s April 18, 2025 announcement, the launch-era U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) for the console and bundle were unchanged. Nintendo said it would adjust prices for accessories from those announced April 2.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
| Product | U.S. launch-era MSRP as of April 18, 2025 | Nintendo’s update |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 console | $449.99 | Previously announced price remained unchanged |
| Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle | $499.99 | Previously announced price remained unchanged |
| Accessories | Varied by product | Prices were adjusted from those announced April 2 |
These are historical launch-announcement prices, not a statement of current retail prices or availability. Nintendo’s April 18 update named Joy-Con 2, a Pro Controller, a carrying case and screen protector, and a 256GB Samsung microSD Express card among the accessories affected. Nintendo announcement, April 18, 2025
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the delay does—and does not—tell buyers
The postponement shows that Nintendo wanted time to evaluate tariff exposure and broader market conditions before opening U.S. retail preorders. The public statements do not specify how much any tariff would add to the console’s cost, the final tariff burden on its components, or that one tariff calculation determined the launch price. The clearest outcome is that Nintendo later opened U.S. preorders on April 24 while keeping the announced console and bundle MSRPs and the June 5 launch date.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
