Nintendo’s next console, the Nintendo Switch 2, is still on track for its planned launch window—but US customers may be waiting longer than expected to lock in a preorder. The company has indicated that while it intends to maintain its overall rollout, it’s holding back on opening US preorders as it evaluates the impact of tariffs and shifting market conditions.
### Why Switch 2 Preorders Are Delayed in the US
According to Nintendo, the pause is tied to uncertainty around US tariff policy and the broader economic environment. That kind of volatility can affect everything from manufacturing and shipping costs to retail pricing strategy, which makes setting a firm preorder date—and potentially a stable MSRP—more complicated than usual.
In other regions, preorder plans appear to be progressing more normally, which only highlights how uniquely unpredictable the US situation is right now. Nintendo hasn’t provided a revised preorder date yet, but it has said updates will come once the company has a clearer picture of the financial impact.
### What This Could Mean for Pricing and Availability
Whenever a major platform launches, early stock is always a concern, and a delayed preorder window can make the initial rush even more chaotic. If Nintendo ultimately adjusts pricing or bundle offerings to account for increased costs, that could also ripple out to retailers, accessories, and even first-party software pricing.
For players, the practical takeaway is simple: if you’re planning to buy at launch, be ready for a shorter notice period when preorders finally go live in the US. It may also be worth keeping an eye on official Nintendo channels rather than relying solely on retailer listings, which can change quickly when timelines shift.
### Actus Gaming Take
Nintendo delaying US preorders is less about hesitation and more about risk management in a market where costs can change overnight. For the industry, it’s another reminder that hardware launches aren’t just driven by hype and specs—they’re increasingly shaped by geopolitics, logistics, and pricing pressure. If tariffs do push costs upward, Switch 2 could become an early test of how much price flexibility the console market really has in 2026.
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