Hold onto your Joy-Cons, folks! The Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order saga is more unpredictable than a game of Mario Party. U.S. and Canadian fans were all set to smash that pre-order button on April 9, 2025, until—plot twist—President Trump’s hefty tariffs on Chinese goods sent Nintendo scrambling. The official line? They’re ‘assessing the impact.’ Which, in gamer speak, means ‘hold your horses.’
Now, the rumor mill’s churning out whispers of possible pre-order dates: April 23 or 30. But let’s be real, without Nintendo giving the nod, these dates are as solid as a house of cards in a wind tunnel.
Why the Sudden Pause?
Thanks to a 245% tariff spike on Chinese imports, Nintendo’s in a pickle. They’ve been playing 4D chess, though, shifting some production to Vietnam since 2019. With Vietnam’s tariffs taking a breather at 10%, the big question is: Will Nintendo go all-in on Vietnam to save the June 5 launch, or will they take the hit? Stay tuned.
Pre-order Like You Mean It
When the floodgates open, you’ve got options. Hit up Nintendo directly, or swing by Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, or Walmart. But here’s the catch—Nintendo’s got a VIP list. Want in? You’ll need a Nintendo account, be over 18, and have a Switch Online membership with a year paid up and 50 hours logged by April 2, 2025. It’s like they’re testing your dedication.
What’s Cooking with the Switch 2?
This isn’t your older sibling’s Switch. We’re talking a beefier 7.9-inch LCD screen that’s smoother than butter at 120Hz, HDR, and 1080p (4K when docked). The Joy-Con 2.0? They’ve got a fancy C button and mouse controls. Plus, there’s a built-in mic for those late-night gaming sessions. And for the gearheads, new accessories are on the menu—though tariffs might make them pricier than a rare Amiibo.
So, keep those notifications on and your excitement levels high. The Switch 2 rollercoaster isn’t stopping anytime soon. 🎢