Gaming enthusiasts in the UK can rejoice as they may now pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, but unfortunately, gamers in the United States are still left waiting for their chance. Currently, Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. are indefinitely delayed, raising concerns among fans eager to get their hands on the next-generation console.
The delay in Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. is largely attributed to newly introduced tariffs announced by former President Donald Trump. This has caused Nintendo to push back the pre-order timeline for American consumers. Not only are U.S. customers affected, but Canadians are also facing similar delays, as confirmed by reports from MobileSyrup and a statement from Walmart Canada on X.
According to a statement provided by Nintendo to Engadget, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will now not commence until April 9, 2025. This decision aims to assess the potential impact of tariffs and changing market conditions. However, the official launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.
Recently, President Trump announced a temporary 90-day pause on steep “reciprocal” tariffs affecting 75 countries. However, the tariff imposed on China has seen an increase, now set to rise to 145 percent. This development introduces uncertainty regarding the pricing and availability of the Nintendo Switch 2, particularly considering Nintendo's decision to move some of its console manufacturing to Vietnam back in 2019. The reciprocal tariff for Vietnam was initially set at 46 percent, but with the temporary pause, it is now at 10 percent.
Speculation suggests that Nintendo may ramp up production of Switch 2 units in Vietnam to ensure timely shipments to the U.S., even if it means selling at a loss initially. The starting price for the Switch 2 was initially set at $450, although this could change in light of the new tariffs.
When the time comes for Switch 2 pre-orders to open in the U.S., it is expected that major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart will be involved in the sales process. It’s essential for gamers to stay updated on retailer announcements as the pre-order date approaches.
If you wish to pre-order directly from Nintendo, there are specific requirements to bear in mind. According to the pre-order page on Nintendo's website, you must be at least 18 years old, sign in with your Nintendo account, and express your interest in pre-ordering. Once pre-orders are open, you will receive an invitation email valid for 72 hours.
Moreover, priority for invitations will be given to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months and have logged at least 50 gameplay hours by April 2, 2025. This suggests that loyal Nintendo fans who have engaged with the platform recently will have the first opportunity to secure a Switch 2.
The anticipation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is fueled by its exciting new features, as seen in the teaser trailer. The console will be larger than its predecessor and will introduce an updated design for the detachable Joy-Cons, now called Joy-Con 2, which will include a new C button, improved mouse controls, and a built-in gyroscope for tilt control.
One of the standout features is the built-in microphone, which supports a new functionality called Game Chat, allowing players to communicate with friends during gameplay. The console will boast a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and 1080p resolution. When docked, players can enjoy gaming at up to 4K on their TVs, and Nintendo has enhanced the internal speakers for improved audio quality.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will also come with enhanced connectivity options, featuring dual USB-C ports for charging and an increased base storage capacity of 256GB. Players will be able to expand storage, but it will only be compatible with newer microSD Express cards.
A range of accessories will be available for purchase separately, including the new Switch 2 camera for $50, a Pro controller for $80, an additional pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers for $90, and a Joy-Con 2 charging grip for $35. However, due to the ongoing tariff situation, it's unclear if accessory prices will be affected before the official release.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s crucial to stay informed on pre-order updates and pricing adjustments. Keep an eye on Nintendo's official announcements for the latest information.
