In a surprising twist that’s shaking both the gaming and political worlds, Nintendo has officially delayed U.S. preorders for the much-awaited Switch 2 console. The reason? Tariff decisions by former President Donald Trump.
📦 What Just Happened?
According to multiple reports, including The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo had planned to start preorders on April 9. The global launch is still scheduled for June 5, 2025. However, Nintendo paused U.S. preorders due to newly introduced tariffs.
💸 So, Why Are Tariffs Involved?
Trump recently introduced import taxes on electronics, especially those made in China and Vietnam. These tariffs are part of his efforts to boost domestic manufacturing. As a result, products like gaming consoles face up to 25% in extra costs.
Since Nintendo assembles most of its consoles in Asia, the company now faces unexpected financial pressure. To manage this, Nintendo is reviewing its U.S. strategy. So far, no delay has been announced for the global release.
😡 Gamers React: “Worst President in U.S. History”?
The gaming community is not holding back. On platforms like Reddit and Twitter (X), users expressed frustration. Many feel betrayed. Hashtags such as #Switch2Delay and #BlameTrump have gone viral.
One gamer wrote:
“I’ve waited four years for this console and now it’s delayed because of tariffs? Trump is literally the worst president in U.S. history for gamers.”
Some believe this delay is a sign of deeper problems. Others worry the console might never arrive in the U.S. on time—or could come with a higher price tag.
🎮 What Is the Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2017 hit, the original Nintendo Switch. It promises several exciting upgrades, including:
- A more powerful custom NVIDIA chip
- 4K output when docked
- Improved Joy-Con controllers
- Backward compatibility with Switch games
Because of these features, expectations are sky-high. Fans worldwide were counting down the days to preorder.
🧠 Why Does This Matter for the Gaming Industry?
This delay proves that global politics now directly affect gaming. It’s not the first time, though. During COVID-19, chip shortages delayed releases. Now, tariffs are disrupting the supply chain again.
Retail analysts warn that other tech companies may also delay U.S. launches. Increased costs could lead to higher prices. In turn, consumers might look for used products or wait for price drops.
Clearly, this is not just a Nintendo issue. It’s part of a bigger shift in how tech companies plan their launches.
🔮 What’s Next?
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed a new preorder date for U.S. customers. However, insiders say the company is exploring new options. These may include U.S.-based assembly or tariff-friendly trade routes.
Will that happen before the June 5 release? It’s unclear. But fans are hoping Nintendo can pull it off.
📝 Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about a console. It’s a reminder that politics can hit close to home, even for gamers. From factories in Asia to living rooms in the U.S., global decisions matter.
Whether you’re excited about the Switch 2 or not, this delay shows how complex the modern tech landscape has become. Let’s hope for a smooth launch — sooner rather than later.
