Cancel that cross-border Switch 2 smuggler’s run: Nintendo’s delaying preorders in Canada, too
US tariffs are now squeezing Canadian gamers (and those in the US who planned on preordering a Switch 2 to a PO box in Vancouver). After delaying Switch 2 preorders in the US on Friday on account of — you guessed it — tariffs, Nintendo is now doing the same for early orders in Canada, according to a statement provided to Sherwood News by Nintendo of Canada.
“Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in Canada will not start on April 9, 2025 in order to align with the timing of pre-orders to be determined in the U.S. Nintendo will provide updated information at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
The ability to snag a spot in line for the console is already live in the UK and Japan.
Why Nintendo of Canada must align its preorder date with the US isn’t exactly clear. The delay could be an effort to disincentivize US buyers from making Canadian preorders, or there could be a necessity for Nintendo to iron out its Canadian logistics (i.e. avoid US ports and tariffs).
In an interview with CNBC yesterday, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser said that the Trump administration’s tariffs were not factored in to the console’s $450 price tag — something that doesn’t exactly bode well for those hoping the gaming juggernaut doesn’t pass tariffs on to consumers through higher prices.
