Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Delayed in Canada Due to Tariff Concerns

Nintendo of Canada has officially delayed preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Canada. The company made the announcement just days before preorders were set to open on April 9, 2025. Nintendo explained that the delay is due to recent U.S. tariff changes and said it’s now reassessing the timing to better align with U.S. plans.

The delay comes as questions grow about a possible 24% tariff on Japanese imports, including gaming devices. Nintendo still plans to release the highly anticipated Switch 2—launching with Mario Kart World—on June 5. But it hasn’t announced when preorders will open in Canada or the U.S.

Why the Delay?

Nintendo confirmed the delay is a direct response to new tariffs imposed by the United States. On April 3, the U.S. government introduced a 24% reciprocal tariff on certain Japanese imports, which includes electronics like gaming consoles. As Nintendo is based in Japan, the company is now assessing how these tariffs could affect product pricing and supply chains in both the U.S. and Canadian markets.

In a statement, Nintendo of Canada said it’s pushing back the Canadian preorder launch date “to align with the timing of preorders to be determined in the U.S.” The company has not confirmed a new date.

Release Date Still on Track

Despite the delay in preorders, Nintendo is standing by the official launch date. Nintendo will release the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, with Mario Kart World as its flagship launch title. The company plans to price the next-gen system between $629 and $699 CAD, though that may change based on tariff evaluations.

Price Hike Speculation

Analysts have already started to speculate. In the U.S., the system may jump from an expected $449.99 to around $530 due to the added costs from tariffs. It’s unclear whether Canada will also see a price increase, but concerns are growing.

With high demand and the risk of reseller markups, many gamers are anxious to secure a preorder. For now, however, both Canadian and American fans are stuck waiting.

What to Expect Next

Nintendo says it will announce updated preorder information soon, but hasn’t shared a specific timeline. With the June release date approaching, consumers hope the company acts quickly to avoid another high-demand launch fiasco—like what happened with the PS5.

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