Nintendo announced Friday that pre-orders for the highly anticipated Switch 2 console will open in the United States on April 24, after previously being delayed due to hefty tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. There was widespread concern among fans that these trade restrictions might push the price higher, but the company confirmed that the Switch 2 will maintain its original announced price of $449.99, with an official release date set for June 5.
Though pricing for the primary console remains steady, Nintendo indicated in a statement that accessory prices will increase slightly, attributing the hikes to shifting market conditions. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, initially priced at $79.99, will now retail for $84.99; the Joy-Con controllers will climb to $94.99 from their previous $89.99 tag; and the new Switch 2 camera attachment will be listed at $54.99, up from $49.99.
However, game prices for major launch-day titles are unaffected. Nintendo assured customers that both Mario Kart World, priced at $79.99, and Donkey Kong Bananza, at $69.99, will remain unchanged regardless of physical or digital formats.
Nintendo expressed regret over the earlier postponement of pre-order availability, acknowledging the resulting uncertainty faced by consumers and hoping the announcement would provide clarity.
Meanwhile, Nintendo is not the only gaming hardware manufacturer adjusting prices in response to the global economic landscape. Earlier in the week, Sony raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand due to similar market pressures, with industry observers anticipating potential U.S. adjustments in the near future.
Unlike video game consoles, products such as smartphones and laptops were expressly exempted from recent tariff measures, leaving gaming companies particularly vulnerable to the increased costs.
