Trump’s Trade War Hits Pause on Nintendo’s Switch 2

Nintendo delays pre-orders as MAGA economics crashes the launch.

You know it’s bad when even Mario can’t jump over Trump’s tariffs.

Nintendo has hit pause on pre-orders for its hotly anticipated Switch 2 console, just days before they were set to go live on April 9, 2025—and the reason? President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on imports from China, along with looming retaliatory tariffs that could spike prices on everything from game consoles to gym socks.

Nintendo made the decision official in a statement:

“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. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”

Translation: we’d love to take your money now, but we have no idea how much we’re going to owe Uncle Sam next week.

Tariff Panic Mode: Activated

This delay is no coincidence. On April 10, China is set to implement a 34% retaliatory tariff targeting U.S. imports like electronics, clothing, and sporting goods. It’s a direct response to Trump’s decision to revive and expand the tariff war he started during his first term.

And for Nintendo—a company that sources key components and manufacturing from Asia—that’s a financial gut punch. The Switch 2 isn’t cheap—with a launch price of $449.99 for the base model and $499.99 for the Mario Kart bundle and that’s before Trump’s tariff bomb dropped.

Now, with new costs looming, those already steep prices could climb even higher.

How Much Would the Switch 2 Cost With Tariffs?

Trump’s tariffs aren’t theoretical. They’re a tax. And if Nintendo—like most companies—passes that cost to consumers, prices are about to go up. Fast.

The base price of the Switch 2 is $449.99, while the Mario Kart bundle clocks in at $499.99. But those prices are based on a pre-tariff supply chain. If the estimated production or import cost falls between $300 and $350, a 34% tariff adds roughly $100 to $120 per unit.

And let’s be honest, Bowser isn’t the one eating that cost. You are.

So instead of $449, you’re now looking at $550 to $570. That $500 bundle? Try $600 to $620. And that’s before local taxes, shipping, or whatever surge pricing retailers slap on when inventory’s tight.

Bottom line: Trump’s tariffs could turn the Switch 2 into a $600+ console—and that’s the optimistic scenario. Because nothing says “America First” like paying more for the exact same thing.

The MAGA Math Doesn’t Add Up

Trump loves to claim tariffs make America strong. What they actually do is make everyday products more expensive while delivering zero benefit to the average consumer. Companies raise prices. Supply chains tighten. Foreign governments retaliate. And suddenly, your kid’s birthday present now costs as much as a car payment.

The worst part? None of this is new. Trump’s first-term trade war had nearly identical fallout: higher costs, market instability, and no meaningful wins for U.S. workers. The only difference now is that he’s back in office—and this time, he’s speedrunning the damage.

Nintendo’s just one of the first casualties. More will follow.

Game Over…for Now

The Switch 2 was poised to be Nintendo’s next big win—a next-gen launch timed perfectly for summer, packed with new titles, and ready to go toe-to-toe with Sony and Microsoft.

Now? The pre-order button is grayed out, prices could spike, and all thanks to one man’s obsession with tariff-fueled bravado.

So if you were planning to spend your summer on Rainbow Road… you might want to budget for tolls. Because Trump’s bringing tariffs to the track and somehow, you're the one paying for them.