Nintendo delays US pre-orders for highly anticipated Switch 2 console amid worries over Trump tariffs

New York Post - Apr 4th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Nintendo has announced a delay in pre-orders for its highly anticipated Switch 2 console in the United States due to new tariffs on Japanese exports. Initially scheduled to begin on April 9, the pre-orders have been postponed following President Trump's announcement of a 24% tariff under his 'Liberation Day' policy. Despite this setback, Nintendo assured that the global release date remains set for June 5, with pre-orders in other regions like the UK continuing as planned.

The delay underscores the impact of geopolitical trade policies on global business operations. The newly imposed tariffs could potentially affect pricing and market strategy for Nintendo in the US, one of its largest markets. The situation highlights broader concerns regarding trade tensions and their implications for international companies reliant on cross-border supply chains. Nintendo's decision to pause US pre-orders reflects a cautious approach to navigating these evolving market conditions, emphasizing the significance of stable trade relations for the tech and gaming industries.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story effectively communicates Nintendo's decision to delay pre-orders for the Switch 2 console in the United States due to new tariffs. While it accurately reports the main facts, it could benefit from more detailed context and expert perspectives to enhance balance and transparency. The article is timely and of public interest, but its impact and engagement could be improved with a deeper exploration of the broader economic and political implications. Overall, the story provides a clear and accessible account of the situation, though it leaves room for further analysis and discussion.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The news story accurately reports on Nintendo's decision to delay pre-orders for the Switch 2 console in the United States due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The factual claim about the tariffs affecting Japanese exports and the subsequent delay in pre-orders is consistent with the information available from reliable sources. The article correctly states the global launch date remains unchanged and specifies that the delay only affects the American market. However, it does not provide the specific tariff percentages or the broader economic context, which could enhance the story's precision.

7
Balance

The article provides a clear perspective on Nintendo's business decision without showing bias towards any particular viewpoint. However, it could benefit from including perspectives from economic analysts or industry experts to offer a more rounded view of how tariffs might impact the gaming industry. The focus is primarily on Nintendo's response without exploring potential consumer reactions or broader market implications, which could provide a more balanced narrative.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a logical flow of information. It uses simple language to convey the news, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, it could improve clarity by breaking down complex terms like 'tariffs' for readers unfamiliar with trade policies. The structure is effective in presenting the main points, though additional context could enhance comprehension.

6
Source quality

The article lacks explicit attribution to specific sources or statements from Nintendo representatives, which could enhance its credibility. While it references Nintendo's official statement, the absence of direct quotes or links to primary sources diminishes the reliability of the reporting. Including expert opinions or additional authoritative sources would strengthen the overall quality.

5
Transparency

The article does not provide in-depth context about the tariffs or their implications, which affects transparency. It mentions the tariffs and Nintendo's response but does not explain the methodology behind Nintendo's decision-making process or how the tariffs might impact pricing. Greater transparency about the potential economic impact and Nintendo's strategic considerations would improve the reader's understanding.

Sources

  1. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/04/nintendo-delays-switch-2-pre-orders-in-the-us-amidst-new-trump-tariffs
  2. https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/nintendo-has-delayed-switch-2-pre-orders-in-the-us-to-assess-the-potential-impact-of-tariffs-and-it-feels-like-a-straight-warning-of-the-hardware-price-rises-to-come/
  3. https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-delays-switch-2-pre-order-date-in-the-us-to-assess-impact-of-trumps-tariffs