Trump tariffs disrupt Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in US

One gamer with a strong message saying we're forged by endless boss battles against impossible odds

We do not give up. We do not stop. We are the terminators of the culture wars

Now, while that reaction might sound extreme, it reflects just how deeply gamers feel about their hobby

Newly announced terrorists from the Trump administration have prompted Nintendo to pause U.S. pre-orders for its next-gen console, the Switch 2

And online, that announcement ignited a mix of disappointment, confusion, and strong political opinions

Wednesday, Nintendo announced the specs for the new Switch 2, including a June 5th launch date and a price tag of $449.99

Fans were excited for new features like a bigger screen, faster device, mouse controls, and built-in chat

Also included in the price, a Mario Kart World bundle. An upgraded Zelda release will become available only on the Switch 2, and classic GameCube favorites for Nintendo Online subscribers

That excitement was short however after it was revealed new games like Mario Kart World will cost up to And now that price may be going even higher A 34 tariff on goods from China and a 46 duty on products from Vietnam has disrupted Nintendo production pipeline

Both countries are major manufacturing hubs for the company, though Nintendo hasn't specified where exactly the Switch 2 will be made

A spokesperson for Nintendo tells CNBC pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions

In the meantime, online, the reaction has been loud, unfiltered and emotional in comment sections

Gamers shared everything from satire to scathing political takes, many expressing a sense of loss and others a deep frustration with who they blame for the delay

One Reddit user who supports Trump said he believes if he had the chance to speak with the president, he might be able to persuade him to reconsider tariffs on video games

Pre-sale orders were slated to begin April 9th. Nintendo has not given a new date for the U.S., but pre-orders in other regions are still moving forward as planned

With Straight Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more