Gamers worldwide let out a collective groan last week when the eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date shifted from April 9 to an uncertain "who knows when?" This change was triggered by import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which caused financial markets to spiral. The ripple effect has now crossed borders, with Nintendo Canada confirming that pre-orders in their region are also facing delays. So, if you were planning to secure your console through a cousin in Winnipeg, it's time to rethink that strategy.
"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 in an announcement to the 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 echoes the statement given to IGN by Nintendo of America on April 4, although the Canadian version omits specific mention of 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."
As the original pre-order launch date of tomorrow approaches, there's still no clarity on when fans can finally start refreshing their browsers and double-checking their credit card details. This uncertainty has left gamers in limbo, with concerns about potential price hikes on the initially announced price of $449.99.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders went live in the UK today. Smaller retailers like EE, GAME, and Smyths saw their stock sell out quickly, and scalpers have already taken to eBay, selling pre-orders for £500 ($639) or more, significantly above the retail price of £395.99 ($506).
For more information, be sure to check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and don't miss our in-depth interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.
