Nintendo postponed U.S. preorders for the Switch 2 in April 2025 so it could assess the potential impact of tariffs and changing market conditions. The delay moved the planned preorder date from April 9 to April 24; Nintendo said the console’s June 5, 2025 launch date would not change. The console’s announced U.S. launch price also remained $449.99.
Why did Nintendo delay Switch 2 preorders?
Nintendo’s stated reason was that it wanted to assess tariffs’ potential impact and evolving market conditions before opening U.S. preorders. A Nintendo spokesperson gave that explanation in a statement reported by TechCrunch on 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 statement explained the postponement, not a specific tariff cost, manufacturing change, shortage, or price increase. Nintendo did not identify a particular tariff as having caused a particular change to the console’s cost.
What changed, and when?
- April 2, 2025: Nintendo announced the Switch 2 and a June 5 release date.
- April 4: Nintendo said U.S. preorders would not begin on the originally scheduled April 9 date while it assessed tariffs and changing market conditions. It said the launch date remained June 5.
- April 18: Nintendo announced that U.S. retail preorders would begin April 24.
- April 24: Preorders opened shortly after midnight amid high demand. The Associated Press reported that some buyers encountered delays, errors, or canceled orders.
- June 5: The console launched on the date Nintendo had announced.
Nintendo’s April 18 announcement and original product details are available in its preorder update and Switch 2 announcement. The Associated Press covered the preorder opening and the June launch.
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- 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
Did Nintendo raise the console price because of tariffs?
No console-price increase was announced in Nintendo’s April 18 U.S. preorder update. The stated U.S. launch prices remained $449.99 for the standalone console and $499.99 for the bundle with Mario Kart World. Nintendo said some accessory prices would be adjusted from the prices announced April 2 because of changes in market conditions; it did not say in that announcement that tariffs caused a particular accessory adjustment.
| Product | Announced U.S. launch price |
|---|---|
| Switch 2 console | $449.99 |
| Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle | $499.99 |
| Mario Kart World | $79.99, physical or digital |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | $69.99 |
These are historical U.S. launch prices announced in April 2025, not confirmation of current 2026 prices or availability.
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.***
Did the preorder delay affect the launch date?
Nintendo said on April 4 that the June 5, 2025 launch date would remain unchanged, and the console launched on that date. The company’s announcement of a later preorder start therefore did not amount to a postponement of the Switch 2 release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does “halts” mean in the headline?
It refers to Nintendo’s April 2025 postponement of U.S. preorders that had been scheduled for April 9. It was not a continuing halt: Nintendo set April 24 as the new U.S. retail preorder date, and orders opened then. The announcement concerned U.S. preorder timing; it should not be read as a claim about all countries or current sales.
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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.
