Nintendo has announced that it will delay preorders for its newly unveiled Switch 2 console in the US, citing concerns over the potential impact of President Donald Trump's recently announced tariffs. The move comes as a surprise, as preorders were initially set to begin on April 9.

The decision to delay preorders is a precautionary measure, according to a Nintendo spokesperson, who stated that the company wants to "assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions" before proceeding. Despite the delay, Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2's launch date of June 5 remains unchanged, with the console set to retail for $450.

The Switch 2, unveiled on Tuesday, marks Nintendo's first new console since the original Switch was introduced in 2017. The console will be available for purchase on its own or as part of a bundle featuring Mario Kart World, a new game designed specifically for the Switch 2.

The timing of Nintendo's announcement couldn't be more coincidental, as it came on the same day that President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on both China and Taiwan. The tariffs, which are expected to be around 30%, are likely to have a significant impact on the tech industry, with many companies reliant on imports from these countries.

While Nintendo hasn't explicitly stated how the tariffs will affect its business, the delay in preorders suggests that the company is taking a cautious approach to mitigate any potential risks. The move may also be seen as a strategic decision to avoid any potential price increases or supply chain disruptions that could result from the tariffs.

The delay in preorders may come as a disappointment to fans eagerly anticipating the Switch 2's release, but it's a prudent move by Nintendo to ensure a smooth launch. As the company continues to navigate the uncertain trade landscape, it remains to be seen how the tariffs will ultimately impact the gaming industry as a whole.

Industry experts are already sounding the alarm, warning that the tariffs could lead to increased costs for consumers, as well as potential shortages of popular gaming hardware. With the Switch 2 set to be a major player in the gaming market, Nintendo's decision to delay preorders may be a sign of things to come for other companies in the industry.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the gaming industry is bracing for impact. With Nintendo's Switch 2 delay serving as a harbinger of potential disruptions to come, gamers and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how the tariffs ultimately shape the market.