Nintendo fans erupted in frustration Friday after the company announced it would delay preorders for the highly anticipated Switch 2 console in the United States—citing President Donald Trump's tariffs as the reason.
Set to launch globally on June 5, the Switch 2 carries a $449 price tag, already higher than most fans expected for the Nintendo console. But now, U.S. gamers won't be able to preorder on the originally scheduled date of April 9, as the company re-evaluates pricing amid rising import costs.
"Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions," Nintendo said in a statement, while confirming the launch date remains unchanged.
The announcement comes just two days after Trump revealed a new global tariff package that is especially aggressive in countries like Vietnam and Cambodia—where a majority of Nintendo's hardware is now manufactured after production shifted away from China in response to tariffs issued in his first term. Vietnam is now subject to 46% tariffs, while Cambodia faces 49%.
Say thank you to the worst president of US history — domiii ☆ (@horejsiii) April 4, 2025
Online, users were quick to fault Trump for the disruption. "Say thank you to the worst president of US history," one user wrote on X, with another declaring, "Trump ruining things as usual."
"I hate everyone who voted for Trump," a user said, spreading the blame to include Trump's supporters. "If you're a US gamer and you voted for Trump (or didn't vote at all), the Switch 2 pricing and pre-order delay shit is 100% on you," another user accused.
Many pointed out that the Switch 2 is already rumored to be priced higher in the U.S. than in international markets, and some speculated that the console could easily push past $500 stateside if Nintendo adjusts for the new tariff costs.
"Now it'll cost a billion dollars, thanks orange man," quipped one gamer. "Another reason why TARIFFS ARE BAD!!!!!" a frustrated Nintendo fan wrote.
The uproar is one of the first major consumer-facing consequences of Trump's revived trade war.
He fucked with gamers pic.twitter.com/ddTmb6Kyzg — Sycamore's Source (@sycamoressource) April 4, 2025
While gamers are disappointed by the news, some cautioned that there could be more disappointment coming down the pipeline. "Get ready because this is only the beginning of everything taking a significant jump in price."
these tariffs really got everyone pressed not even mario can jump over this one — ʚɞ (@holigirll) April 4, 2025
cwistofu on April 5th, 2025 at 15:14 UTC »
I’ve seen MAGAbrains saying it’s now time to boycott Nintendo for making the Switch 2 launch political. They’re a lost cause at this point.
Brokkyn2024 on April 5th, 2025 at 14:56 UTC »
Getting people to realize how Trump is destroying our lives in every conceivable way I'll take it. Schools, the economy, civil rights, voting... Nintendo Switch... whatever you care about this guys is bad for it. He and his agenda need to be destroyed at the midterms.
GuyHamburgers on April 5th, 2025 at 14:53 UTC »
They are blaming the right person. They should also blame congress for ceding their power willingly.