Nintendo fans eager to secure their pre-orders for the Switch 2 will have to wait a bit longer. The company has delayed pre-orders, originally scheduled for April 9, due to concerns about the recent global tariff hikes announced by US President Donald Trump.
As reported by Bloomberg, a Nintendo spokesperson confirmed the delay on Friday, explaining that the company needs additional time to assess how these tariffs might impact production costs and market conditions. The good news, however, is that despite the delay in pre-orders, the Switch 2 is still set to launch in the US on June 5, with a price tag of $450 (approximately ₹38,435). The exact date for when pre-orders will open remains uncertain.
US Tariff Hikes
This delay follows Trump’s announcement of significant new tariffs, including a 24% tax on imports from Japan and a hefty 46% tariff on goods from Vietnam. With Nintendo moving a portion of its production to Vietnam, these changes could have a substantial effect on the company’s plans.
In a recent livestream, Nintendo revealed more details about the Switch 2, including exciting new titles. Among the new games is Mario Kart World, the latest installment in the iconic racing series, which will launch alongside the console. The game will feature 24 racers and introduce a free roam mode, allowing players to explore expansive environments beyond the usual racetracks.
New Features
The Switch 2 boasts several upgraded features, including a unique function that lets players flip their controllers to use them as a computer mouse in certain games. Additionally, the console introduces a new C button specifically for GameChat, which allows players to communicate with friends using the built-in microphone. The social aspect is further enhanced with the ability to share your screen with others while playing.
For those interested in live streaming, Nintendo will offer a separate camera for purchase, enabling players to appear on-screen during gameplay, similar to streaming experiences on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The Switch 2 will also support a multiplayer feature, allowing users to play select games locally or online, even if they don’t own a copy of the game themselves.