Summary: Nintendo is reassessing its strategy in light of recent tariffs introduced by the Trump administration, leading to a delay in the opening of preorders for its upcoming console, the Switch 2. Despite the changes, the launch date remains unchanged for June 5, with a price point set at $449. Earlier this week, Nintendo announced the Switch 2, nearly eight years after the original Switch hit the market. Preorders were initially scheduled to start on April 9, but the company has now stated that this timeline will be delayed specifically in the US.

The decision comes as Nintendo wants to evaluate the potential impact of the new tariffs on its production and market conditions before making the console available for preorder. Updates regarding the preorder timing will be provided later. The tariffs, introduced by Trump, have a significant weight as they impose a 34% tax on imports from China, prompting retaliation from Chinese authorities that could elevate costs further. With the majority of the Switch’s manufacturing occurring in China, along with parts sourced from other regions in Southeast Asia, Nintendo recognizes the need for careful planning regarding how these tariffs may affect the launch of the Switch 2.

Despite these challenges, the company still aims to release the Switch 2 for $449. Contextually, the original Switch was priced at $299 upon its debut in 2017, which, after adjusting for inflation, translates to roughly $387 today. Given the rising costs of components, the new price tag appears to be a reasonable expectation for consumers. More details about the Switch 2 and its relevance in the US market are anticipated in the upcoming weeks.