Nintendo’s getting ready to drop its brand-new gaming console, the Switch 2, on June 5, 2025. Just in time, the U.S. hit pause on new tariffs for 90 days, which is giving Nintendo some breathing room.
Without those extra import costs kicking in right away, the company can stay focused on building and shipping the console smoothly. This break helps them make smart moves for launch day. It also means players might avoid higher prices, at least for now.
Let’s talk more about how this break helps Nintendo and what it means for the Switch 2 launch.
Accelerated Production and Stockpiling in Vietnam
Nintendo isn’t wasting any time. With the U.S. putting a 90-day pause on higher tariffs, they’ve jumped at the chance to send more Switch 2 consoles from Vietnam to the U.S.
These consoles were going to face a big 46% tariff, but now it’s just 10%. That’s a big break. So, Nintendo is moving fast and stacking up consoles before the June 5 launch.
One of their key partners, Hosiden Corp., actually shipped more units in February than they did over the past six months.
This shows that Nintendo’s getting ready to stack up millions of consoles from a factory in Southeast Asia before the big June launch.
Since January, almost all of the devices made by Hosiden have been shipped straight to the U.S. Last year, only about 11% went there, but now it’s around two-thirds.
That shift helped Nintendo’s stock go way up—shares jumped 12% on Thursday.
Pricing Strategy Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Nintendo planned to sell the new Switch 2 for $449.99 in the U.S., but that price was decided before President Trump announced new tariffs.
The company said those extra taxes weren’t included in their pricing. Now that there’s a 90-day break from higher tariffs, Nintendo has a chance to think about its pricing again without rushing.
Experts believe that if the tariffs had stayed at 46%, the price could have gone up by $50 to $100.
Right now, the tariff is only 10%, so Nintendo might stick with the $449.99 price and just take the hit to stay in the game.
Pre-Order Delays and Anti-Scalping Measures
Nintendo’s doing something smart with the launch of the new Switch 2. They’ve pushed back U.S. pre-orders, which were supposed to start on April 9, 2025. The delay helps them look at how new tariffs and market changes might affect things. It also gives them more time to fight off scalpers—those people who buy up consoles just to sell them for crazy prices later.
This time, Nintendo’s making it harder for resellers to grab the console. If you want a chance to pre-order, you’ll need to be a real fan. That means having a Nintendo Switch Online membership for at least a year and 50 hours of gameplay before April 2, 2025. If you meet both, you’ll have a better shot at getting an invite to buy one.
With these changes, Nintendo wants to make sure the Switch 2 lands in the hands of actual players—not people just trying to make a quick buck.
Market Competition and Future Outlook
The U.S. pausing higher tariffs for 90 days, is a big break for Nintendo. Now, they can get ready for the Switch 2 launch in June by shipping more consoles from Vietnam.
Since a third of the Switch units come from there, it helps them avoid extra costs for now. This pause lets Nintendo build up a big supply for the U.S. market without rushing.
But if the higher tariffs come back later, it could raise their costs. That might mean smaller profits or higher prices for gamers.
Sony could also take a hit since most of their PlayStations are made in China, and tariffs on Chinese products are still a big deal.
