

Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Start April 24 in Canada and U.S. After Tariff Delay
After a short delay, Nintendo has officially announced that preorders for the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 will commence on April 24, 2024, in both Canada and the U.S. This news follows an unanticipated postponement earlier this month, which left fans wondering when they could secure the next-generation console.
Initially set for April 9, the preorder launch was delayed due to worries about new tariffs and fluctuating global market situations. The U.S. recently implemented considerable tariffs on imports from nations such as Japan and Vietnam—where much of Nintendo’s hardware is produced—leading the company to reevaluate its pricing and logistics approach.
Nintendo of Canada released a statement expressing regret for the delay, appreciating fans’ understanding, and reaffirming that the console’s official release date is June 5, 2025. “We share their enthusiasm to experience Nintendo Switch 2,” the company stated.
Console Pricing Down
In spite of the economic challenges, Nintendo has confirmed that the base price of the Nintendo Switch 2 will stay the same. In Canada, the standard console will be priced at $629.99 CAD, while a bundle that includes a digital copy of Super Mario Kart World will be offered at $699.99 CAD.
However, the same is not true for accessories and games, many of which have experienced price hikes due to the ramifications of tariffs. Below is a summary of the revised Canadian pricing for some of the key items:
Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories and Game Prices (CAD)
– Super Mario Kart World – $109.99
– Donkey Kong Bananza – $99.99
– Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – $109.99
– Joy-Con 2 Pair – $124.99
– Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip – $49.99
– Joy-Con 2 Strap – $19.99
– Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set – $29.99
– Nintendo Switch 2 Camera – $69.99
– Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set – $154.99
– Carrying Case & Screen Protector – $49.99
– All-In-One Carrying Case – $109.99
– AC Adapter – $39.99
– Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB) – $84.99
These revisions represent the heightened expenses of importing components and manufacturing hardware in countries impacted by the new tariffs—26% for Japan and 46% for Vietnam. Nintendo has cautioned that further price adjustments may happen based on future market dynamics.
Preorder Requirements and Retailer Options
Nintendo has also detailed the criteria for customers wanting to preorder the Switch 2 directly from its site. To qualify, users must:
– Hold an active Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months
– Accumulate at least 50 hours of gameplay before April 2, 2025
Eligible users can register online to receive an invitation email, allowing them to place a preorder through Nintendo’s official shop.
For those who don’t fulfill these requirements—or prefer to buy from a third-party—retailers like GameStop Canada will implement their own preorder systems. These are designed to help alleviate the risk of scalping and guarantee that consoles reach genuine consumers, a lesson learned from the tumultuous launches of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in 2020.
Backward Compatibility and Launch Lineup
A silver lining for early adopters is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will support backward compatibility with existing Nintendo Switch games and Online memberships. This ensures that players can continue enjoying their current libraries while awaiting more titles for the new system.
The launch lineup features the much-anticipated Super Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, both demonstrating the console’s enhanced graphics and processing power. Additional titles and features are expected to be unveiled in the months leading up to the June 2025 launch.
Looking Forward
While the delay in preorders may have caused some annoyance, the announcement of a new preorder date rekindles excitement for Nintendo fans throughout North America. The company’s choice to maintain the console’s price in spite of economic pressures is a heartening relief—though the elevated costs of accessories may pose a challenge for some.
With preorders commencing on April 24 and the official launch scheduled for June 5, 2025, the countdown to the Nintendo Switch 2 is officially back on. As always, fans are encouraged to act swiftly, as demand is expected to be high and initial stock may be limited.
For further details and to register for preorder invitations, visit Nintendo’s official website or check with authorized retailers such as GameStop Canada.
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