The Nintendo Switch 2 will not get a price-hike in the United States due to the current trade crisis spawned by goods entering the country from China.
Nintendo has finally confirmed the Switch 2 will be available to pre-order stateside from April 24 and in doing so confirms the starting price of $449.99 will remain for now. The console bundle with Mario Kart World is still $499.99.
The best Nintendo Switch 2 games will remain the same price for now too. However, there’s less good news on the accessories front with Nintendo saying gamers may “experience price adjustments” for devices like the dock, controller and more. They’ll go up from between $1-$10 Nintendo says.
The console and game prices remaining the same doesn’t mean Switch 2 fanciers are totally out of the woods. Nintendo says changes are possible for “any Nintendo product.”
The pre-order date was initially slated for April 9, but Nintendo placed a temporary hold on the process with the US president placing 145% tariffs on devices manufactured in China.
Nintendo makes most of its Switch console sin China and the rest in Vietnam which is currently subjected to less severe tariffs.
“We apologise for the retail pre-order delay, and hope this reduces some of the uncertainty our consumers may be experiencing,” Nintendo said in a statement. “We thank our customers for their patience, and we share their excitement to experience Nintendo Switch 2 starting June 5, 2025.”
The company is using an invite system to ensure the most deserving gamers get their hands on the console on June 5. It also says there’ll be midnight openings at physical stores.
Opinion
Good news but a temporary reprieve?
Nintendo has likely made a costly decision to keep the prices at the announced level. However, it might not be sustainable. If I were in the market for a Switch 2 I would try and get in now before Nintendo’s hand is forced.
