Nintendo Delays Switch 2 Preorders Over Tariff Chaos — Not That I Was Ready Anyway

Okay, real talk—I was not emotionally, financially, or spiritually ready to spend $450 on a basic Switch 2. That's before tax. Before accessories. Before I inevitably drop another $80 on a Mario game I already technically own on four different consoles. So no, I had zero intention of pre-ordering the Switch 2 on April 9 like some kind of responsible adult with disposable income.

But now, turns out I couldn't even if I wanted to.

Nintendo just announced it's delaying preorders in the U.S. over the latest round of Trump-era tariffs, and they're "assessing the potential impact" before opening the floodgates. The actual console launch on June 5 is still on (for now), but we have no clue when preorders will start. Nintendo was planning to roll out "priority invitations" for early preorders starting May 8, but that's all up in the air now too.

At $449.99, the Switch 2 comes with a bigger screen, better storage, and a brand spanking new "C-button" for in-game chat. And we haven't even gotten to the games, which will cost up to $89.99. Add tariffs to that mix, and we may be looking at Switch 2 prices that make the PS5 pro look like a bargain bin deal.

I just wanted to race around a track.