Tariffs, Tension, and the Switch 2: Why Nintendo Is Delaying Preorders

If you were hoping to lock in your Nintendo Switch 2 preorder this spring, you might be waiting a little longer than expected.

In a surprising move, Nintendo has reportedly delayed preorders for the Switch 2, and many believe it's directly tied to renewed U.S.–China trade tensions — specifically, the tariffs reintroduced by former President Trump and continued under the current administration.

The Tariff Timeline

Tariffs on Chinese electronics have been a recurring issue, originally introduced during President Trump's first term. These tariffs hit a wide range of tech products, including video game consoles, PC components, and accessories. While there was some easing in recent years, the latest policy shifts have brought them roaring back — and this time, they’re hitting harder than ever.

In early 2025, the Trump campaign reintroduced tariffs by announcing a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods, effective April 5. On top of that, a 34% retaliatory tariff was applied specifically to imports from China — bringing the total tariff rate on Chinese electronics to a staggering 54%.
📎 Source: China Briefing

For the gaming industry, the impact is immediate and painful. According to the Consumer Technology Association, these tariffs could increase retail prices by:

• 40–58% for video game consoles
• 46–68% for laptops and tablets
• 26–37% for smartphones
  📎 Source: CTA Research

With 2025 off to a great start, tariffs have become both an economic lever and a political talking point — and companies like Nintendo are stuck in the middle. In response, Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders for the Switch 2, which were originally set to go live on April 9.
📎 Source: Polygon

Why It Matters for Handhelds

Nintendo, like many tech companies, relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing partners for its hardware. That includes everything from screens and chips to final assembly. When tariffs increase the cost of importing those devices into the U.S., companies are forced to make a tough choice:

• Eat the cost and lose margin
• Raise prices and risk backlash
• Delay and wait for things to stabilize

For Nintendo, the delay in Switch 2 preorders may be a strategic move. Why launch a high-profile handheld into a pricing storm when you can wait a few months and potentially avoid unnecessary drama?

A Bigger Picture: Handhelds and Global Supply Chains

As someone who works in gaming hardware, this kind of delay isn’t surprising. Behind every console is a web of supply chain decisions, regional pricing models, and geopolitical risk.

Handhelds, in particular, are sensitive to these changes. Unlike traditional consoles, they combine console-grade hardware with the compact, efficient form factor of a mobile device. That means more specialized components — which often come from a small number of suppliers, mostly based in Asia.

And if you're trying to hit a specific MSRP for a family-friendly device like the Switch 2? Every dollar matters.

So What Happens Now?

The Switch 2 is still expected to launch in 2025, and most reports suggest it's in full production — or close to it. But U.S. customers may be waiting longer to put money down, especially if Nintendo is hoping to avoid locking in pricing while tariffs are uncertain.

If nothing else, this shows how fragile the global handheld market really is. It’s not just about raw performance anymore — it’s about navigating international politics, logistics, and market timing.

🎮 Stay locked to PocketPixels.gg for updates on the Switch 2, handheld industry trends, and how politics and policy are shaping the future of portable gaming.