Nintendo has officially postponed pre-orders for its highly anticipated Switch 2 console in the United States. The delay comes in direct response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs on imports from Vietnam, where the next-generation console is being manufactured.
Nintendo has delayed Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. to assess the recent tariff impacts pic.twitter.com/ztNX2uwP8m
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) April 4, 2025
The tariffs, which hit a whopping 46% on Vietnamese imports, have thrown a wrench into Nintendo’s U.S. launch plans. While the actual release date remains unchanged for now, the company needs time to reassess its pricing and distribution strategy for the American market.
This sudden trade policy shift has created a serious headache for Nintendo, which had previously moved production away from China to avoid earlier tariffs. Vietnam had become a manufacturing haven for many tech companies seeking to escape Chinese import taxes, but this new 46% tariff effectively closes that loophole.
For American gamers, this delay could signal trouble ahead. Nintendo has historically maintained tight margins on hardware, focusing instead on making money from game sales. These new tariffs threaten to disrupt this model by forcing either significant price increases or reduced availability in the U.S. market.
Industry analysts suggest that Nintendo might consider diverting U.S.-bound stock to European and Asian markets where tariff issues don’t exist. This could lead to shortages in America even after the console launches.
The tariffs are part of broader U.S. economic policies aimed at rebalancing international trade, but their impact on consumer products like gaming consoles has raised concerns about accessibility and affordability in the entertainment sector.
For now, Nintendo fans in the U.S. will need to exercise patience as the company navigates these unexpected trade complications. Pre-order dates will be announced once Nintendo finalizes its approach to handling the tariff situation.
