Gamers worldwide let out a collective groan last week when the eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date shifted from April 9 to "who knows when?" This sudden change came in the wake of new import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which sent financial markets into a tailspin. The ripple effect has crossed borders, with Nintendo Canada confirming that pre-orders in their region are also on hold, dashing hopes of securing a console through cross-border connections, such as via a cousin in Winnipeg.
"Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in Canada will not start on April 9, 2025, to align with the timing of pre-orders to be determined in the U.S.," Nintendo of Canada stated to Canadian tech site MobileSyrup.
"Nintendo will provide updated information at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged."
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This mirrors the announcement made to IGN by Nintendo of America on April 4, although the Canadian statement omits any direct reference to the new tariffs.
Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start on April 9, 2025, to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.
Despite the original pre-order date looming tomorrow, there's still no clarity on when fans can start eagerly refreshing their browsers and double-checking their credit card security numbers, leaving gamers in a state of uncertainty and worried about potential price hikes beyond the initially announced price of $449.99.
Meanwhile, in other regions, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders have already begun in the UK, with smaller retailers like EE, GAME, and Smyths quickly selling out. Scalpers have taken to eBay, reselling their pre-orders for £500 ($639) or more, significantly higher than the retail price of £395.99 ($506).
For more details, don't miss everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and check out our in-depth Nintendo Switch 2 interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen.
