Monday, April 21, 2025
Mark your calendars for next Thursday, April 24. Nintendo will finally begin taking preorders for the Switch 2 after delaying them over tariff-related uncertainty.
Good news for gamers: The handheld console will still be $449.99. Some wondered whether Nintendo would raise prices in the wake of President Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" on Vietnam, Cambodia, and China, where the Switch hardware is manufactured.
In addition, the company says, "The Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will remain as announced at $499.99. Pricing for both physical and digital versions of Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) will also remain unchanged at launch."
However, Nintendo is preparing to increase prices for Switch 2 accessories, citing “changes in market conditions,” a sign that Trump’s tariffs will have some impact on the console. "Other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future, depending on market conditions,” the company adds.
Nintendo's updated list shows the Joy-Con 2 controllers will cost $94.99, up from $89.99 when the accessories were first announced. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and Nintendo Switch 2 Camera also receive a $5 price increase to $84.99 and $54.99, respectively. The Switch 2 Dock will land at $119.99, up from $109.99.
Though Trump delayed reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam and Cambodia for 90 days earlier this month, he still imposed a 10% tariff on both countries. Chinese imports, meanwhile, currently face a 145% tariff, which includes video game consoles.
Best Buy and GameStop confirm that they will offer Switch 2 preorders beginning April 24. Nintendo's press release doesn't mention the invite system that favors longtime fans, but the page to sign up for that is still live. The first invites were expected to roll out on May 8, so stay tuned.
According to Bloomberg, Nintendo has built up a stockpile of Switch 2 consoles in the US to head off the tariffs. However, pricing could swing depending on whether Trump escalates his trade war or countries reach trade deals with the US.
By: DocMemory Copyright © 2023 CST, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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