Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser has confirmed that pre-orders for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console will be delayed due to the imposition of new global tariffs imposed by President Trump. The launch date remains unchanged, but consumers in the US may face increased prices.
The delay is attributed to the potential impact of tariffs on the company’s business operations, including the Switch’s production and sales in the US market. Bowser emphasized that Nintendo will assess the tariff’s effect on pricing and make necessary adjustments.
The US price tag for the Switch 2 has raised concerns among gamers, with some speculating that it may increase due to global tariffs. However, Bowser stated that the current price of $449 is based on previous tariffs, and any changes would be announced in the future.
Bowser also addressed concerns about scalping bots and availability, stating that Nintendo America is working closely with retailers to prevent such actions. The company has a unique program to offer products to established users before general release.
The launch date for June 5, 2025, remains unchanged, but Bowser highlighted the potential benefits of this timing. The summer season offers an ideal opportunity for gamers to enjoy the Switch 2’s portability and gaming capabilities.
Bowser expressed hope that the Switch 2 will become a platform for a broad catalog of games, including titles traditionally designed for PCs. By incorporating mouse capabilities into its Joy-Con controller, Nintendo aims to expand its appeal to a wider audience.
The company is also working to address chip shortages and ensure supply chain stability. Bowser acknowledged that manufacturing is primarily located in Southeast Asia but emphasized the importance of having a long-term plan with suppliers to meet demand.
While there has been no official announcement on potential US manufacturing, Bowser confirmed that Nintendo America is continually assessing options to optimize its supply chain.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/07/nx-s1-5349650/trump-tariffs-nintendo-switch-2-doug-bowser