America’s younger population might be upset about this.
President Donald Trump’s bold new tariff policy is already shaking up global tech markets, with Nintendo announcing a delay in U.S. preorders for its highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console.
The Japanese gaming giant said Friday it will pause preorder plans in America to evaluate the financial impact of new import tariffs announced by President Trump, which are aimed at correcting trade imbalances and protecting American workers.
“Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 will not start on April 9, 2025, as planned,” Nintendo said in a statement. “We are currently assessing the potential impact of tariffs and market conditions.”
🇺🇸 Trump’s Tariffs: A Bold Move to Bring Back American Jobs
This delay comes on the heels of President Trump’s economic revival initiative, which included a sweeping set of new tariffs announced Wednesday. The tariffs—part of what Trump called a “Declaration of Economic Independence”—target goods from nations like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and China, where multinational corporations have long outsourced their labor.
Vietnam, a key manufacturing hub for Nintendo, was hit with a 46% tariff, prompting the gaming giant’s sudden shift in plans.
In his official Truth Social post, President Trump explained that he recently spoke with Vietnamese Communist Party leader To Lam, who expressed interest in eliminating tariffs entirely through a new bilateral agreement. Trump stated:
“I just had a very productive call with To Lam… Vietnam wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make a deal with the U.S.”
🎮 Nintendo Switch 2 Still Launching June 5—Here’s What to Expect
While preorders have been delayed, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 console will still release on June 5, 2025, at a retail price of $449.99. This next-generation console follows the massive success of the original Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 150 million units, making it the third-best-selling console of all time.
This powerful update includes enhanced graphics, upgraded battery life, and new exclusive game titles—but the preorder pause adds uncertainty to an already volatile market.
💼 Markets React: $2 Trillion Lost as Global Investors Scramble
On Thursday, the U.S. stock market suffered its biggest single-day drop since 2020, with nearly $2 trillion in wealth erased. Dow futures fell 1,500 points Friday morning, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures each dropped over 3%.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hồ Đức Phớc, has requested that the United States delay tariff implementation by 1–3 months, citing economic pressure. Meanwhile, China lashed out, accusing the United States of “unilateral bullying” and imposing a 34% retaliatory tariff on all American imports.
But Trump, unfazed, doubled down:
“CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED – THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!”
📊 What Are Reciprocal Tariffs? U.S. Trade Office Explains
According to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, these new tariffs are “reciprocal duties”—calculated to offset trade deficits that have harmed American workers for decades.
“These tariffs are necessary to level the playing field,” reads the fact sheet. “Persistent trade deficits are caused by tariff and non-tariff barriers that prevent fair competition.”
🛍️ Retailers React: GameStop Issues Statement Amid Confusion
Retailers like GameStop are adapting quickly. On X (formerly Twitter), the company said:
“We’re working closely with Nintendo and will provide updates on preorder timing as soon as possible.”
For consumers hoping to get their hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, patience is key. Whether or not President Trump’s tariffs lead to revised pricing or future production shifts, one thing is clear: global companies can no longer sidestep America-first economic policy without consequence.
👀 What to Watch Next
- Will Vietnam agree to eliminate tariffs under a new U.S. deal?
- Could Nintendo bring production closer to U.S. shores?
- How will these tariffs reshape the electronics and tech industries?
✍️ Final Thoughts
For American taxpayers and retired investors, this is a turning point. After decades of one-sided trade, President Trump is making foreign nations think twice about relying on cheap labor and weak trade deals.
While gamers wait on preorder updates, millions of older Americans are applauding Trump’s America-first stance—and wondering which foreign corporations might be next to face the heat.