Nintendo Switch 2: What's the Hold-Up?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is creating quite a buzz, but not everyone can jump in just yet. Those in the UK are lucky enough to secure their pre-orders, but folks in the US and Canada are still in the waiting game. The delay? New tariffs announced by the US President are causing some headaches for Nintendo. These tariffs are making it tough for the company to set a firm date for pre-orders in North America. Nintendo's initial plan was to start pre-orders on April 9, 2025, with a launch date set for June 5, 2025. The Switch 2 was priced at $450, but with the tariff situation, that price might change. Plus, the tariffs could affect when and how the console hits the shelves in the US and Canada. The new tariffs could also impact the prices of accessories. The Switch 2 is packed with new features, like a larger 7. 9-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and 1080p resolution. It also supports 4K when docked and has improved internal speakers. The new dock even has a built-in fan to keep things cool during long gaming sessions. The Switch 2 also includes dual USB-C ports for charging and comes with 256GB of storage, which can be expanded with microSD Express cards. The console's Joy-Con 2 controllers have some cool upgrades, like a new C button, mouse controls, and a built-in gyroscope for tilt control. The Switch 2 also features Game Chat, a new way to communicate with friends during gameplay. The console's built-in mic supports this feature. Nintendo has been shifting some of its manufacturing to Vietnam since 2019. This move was partly to dodge the tariffs that were hitting China hard. The latest tariff news has put a temporary hold on the 46 percent reciprocal tariff for Vietnam, replacing it with a 10 percent tariff for 90 days. This could mean Nintendo might speed up production in Vietnam to get the Switch 2 to the US on time, even if it means selling at a loss initially. For those eager to pre-order directly from Nintendo, there are some rules. You need to be 18 or older, have a Nintendo account, and register your interest. You'll get an invitation email when it's time to place your order, but you'll only have 72 hours to act on it. Plus, Nintendo seems to be giving priority to customers who have a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership of at least 12 months and have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay by April 2, 2025. It's unclear if these rules will apply to third-party retailers as well. The Switch 2 comes with a bunch of accessories you can buy separately, like the new Switch 2 camera, a Pro controller, extra Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a charging grip. But with the tariff situation, the prices for these accessories might change before they hit the market.