Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in Canada are delayed, mirroring a similar situation in the United States due to tariffs imposed during the Trump Administration.
- The console’s global launch is still scheduled for June 5 and will include a Mario Kart World bundle, although price increases may be anticipated.
- Despite pre-order setbacks, fans remain optimistic and are ready to camp out, although some scalpers are attempting to profit from reselling the console at inflated prices online.
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have encountered a setback in Canada, only a day before they were initially set to commence. Scheduled for a global release on June 5, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in both a standalone version and a special edition bundle featuring the highly sought-after Mario Kart World. Reports indicate that pre-orders are now expected to go live on April 9, with two significant exceptions due to unforeseen developments.
Initially, retailers in the United States, including Best Buy, were preparing for pre-orders and pickup options. However, the situation changed when Nintendo decided to postpone these pre-orders in response to tariffs impacting hardware production associated with the Trump Administration. Tariffs on imports from Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia prompted Nintendo to reassess how these additional costs would affect U.S. distribution and manufacturing processes.
Delays in Canadian Pre-Orders for the Nintendo Switch 2
Similar to the developments in the U.S., Nintendo of Canada confirmed that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 would similarly be delayed to align with the U.S. timeline. This announcement came unexpectedly, just a day before scheduled pre-orders, leaving fans frustrated. Nintendo has pledged to provide updated information regarding the new timeline in due course.
The impact of the Trump Administration’s tariffs extends beyond mere pre-order delays. Analysts are expressing concerns that these tariffs could lead to increased price points for both the console and game titles upon launch, including the popular Mario Kart World. Some retailers are already bracing for potential price hikes.
Despite the disruptions in the pre-order process across North America, Nintendo remains committed to the scheduled June 5 launch of the Switch 2. While the new pre-order timeline is unclear, savvy fans have taken to camping outside stores in anticipation of the release. Meanwhile, reports of scalpers reselling the console at exorbitant prices have emerged, despite Nintendo’s attempts to curb such practices through stringent measures on their official site.