Nintendo Switch 2 Holds Steady at $450 Despite Tariffs, Pre-Orders Open April 24

In a bold move that’s turning heads in the gaming world, Nintendo has announced that the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will maintain its original price points—$449.99 for the base console and $499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle—despite the looming shadow of new U.S. tariffs. Even more exciting for fans, pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada are set to kick off on April 24, 2025, after a brief delay caused by economic uncertainties. Here’s what this means for gamers, why Nintendo’s decision is a big deal, and a detailed look at the accessory prices that will accompany the console’s launch.

Tariffs and the Gaming Industry: A Quick Recap

The tech and gaming industries have been on edge since President Donald Trump’s administration introduced new tariffs, which notably affect products manufactured in countries like Vietnam, where the Switch 2 is produced. These tariffs, which could inflate costs for imported electronics, prompted Nintendo to postpone its original pre-order date of April 9, 2025, to assess their potential impact. The delay left U.S. and Canadian gamers in limbo, while other regions like the U.K. moved forward with pre-orders.

Nintendo’s hesitation wasn’t unwarranted. The Entertainment Software Association has warned that such tariffs could have a “real and detrimental impact” on the gaming industry as a whole, potentially driving up costs for consoles, accessories, and even games. Some analysts even predicted a possible 20% price hike for the Switch 2 over the next two years due to these trade policies. Yet, Nintendo has managed to keep the console’s price steady at launch, a move that’s both surprising and welcome.

Price Stability: A Win for Gamers

Announced on April 2, 2025, during a Nintendo Direct, the Switch 2’s $449.99 price tag already raised eyebrows for being $150 pricier than its predecessor’s launch price. The Mario Kart World bundle, which includes a digital copy of the game, comes in at $499.99. Despite the tariffs, Nintendo confirmed on April 18 that these prices will remain unchanged for the console’s June 5, 2025, launch.

This decision is significant. Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, emphasized that the original $449.99 price was set without factoring in the new tariffs, suggesting that Nintendo had already accounted for potential cost increases in its pricing strategy. By sticking to these prices, Nintendo is absorbing or mitigating the tariff-related costs, at least for now, to keep the Switch 2 accessible to its fanbase.

However, while the console and game prices are holding firm, Nintendo-made accessories are seeing a price bump due to “changes in market conditions.” The table below outlines the updated prices for Switch 2 accessories, reflecting the adjustments announced on April 18, 2025, compared to their original prices from April 2.

Note: Prices are in USD and reflect manufacturer’s suggested retail prices. The GameCube Controller and MicroSD Express Card prices remain unchanged, but pre-orders for these items are initially limited to those also pre-ordering a Switch 2 console via the UK My Nintendo Store.

Pre-Orders Open April 24: What to Expect

After the tariff-induced delay, Nintendo has set April 24, 2025, as the new pre-order date for both the U.S. and Canada, aligning the two regions’ timelines. Retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and the My Nintendo Store are gearing up to accept orders for the $449.99 console and the $499.99 Mario Kart World bundle.

For those eyeing a pre-order through the My Nintendo Store, there’s a catch: priority is given to Nintendo Switch Online members with at least 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 hours of gameplay. This exclusivity has sparked some frustration among fans, with some expressing disappointment over not receiving invite emails despite years of loyalty.

On the game front, pricing for launch titles like Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) will also remain unchanged in the U.S., though physical versions may cost more in other regions like the U.K. Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag has already stirred debate, with analysts suggesting it reflects the rising costs of the Switch 2’s new storage-heavy cartridges.

Why This Matters

Nintendo’s ability to maintain the Switch 2’s price amidst tariff pressures is a testament to its strategic planning. By keeping the console at $449.99, Nintendo is signaling confidence in its value proposition—premium features like enhanced hardware, backwards compatibility, and innovative game-key cards that reduce physical cartridge storage needs. These features, combined with a strong launch lineup, aim to justify the higher price point compared to the original Switch.

However, the accessory price hikes, ranging from $1 to $10, reflect the reality of tariff-related costs. While these increases are relatively modest, they could add up for gamers looking to fully equip their Switch 2 setup. The unchanged prices for the GameCube Controller and MicroSD Express Card are a small silver lining, though their limited pre-order availability may frustrate some fans.

Nintendo’s apology for the pre-order delay underscores its commitment to transparency, but gamers are advised to act fast when pre-orders open, as stock shortages have already plagued regions like the U.K. The company’s decision to ramp up production in Vietnam may help meet demand, but it’s unclear if this will lead to selling units at a loss in the short term.

Looking Ahead

As April 24 approaches, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation. The Switch 2 promises to be a hardware upgrade in every way, with hands-on demos praising its design and performance, even if some launch games have yet to fully win over critics. For U.S. and Canadian gamers, the chance to secure a pre-order is finally within reach, and Nintendo’s price stability for the console and games is a reassuring sign in an uncertain economic climate.

If you’re planning to pre-order, mark your calendar for April 24 and keep an eye on major retailers. And while you’re budgeting for the console, factor in the updated accessory prices—those extra dollars could make a difference. The Switch 2 era is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be a thrilling ride.