Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Chaos In Canada Sparks Outrage

Why Nintendo delayed Canadian preorders

Damjan

• Published in Gaming
• April 10, 2025

In recent months, rising trade tensions have forced big companies to rethink how they launch new products. When governments impose new tariffs, it ripples through global supply chains and can even change when a console or phone becomes available.

Nintendo’s latest move regarding the Switch 2 preorder schedule shows exactly how policy shifts can affect customers at home. Nintendo had planned to open Switch 2 preorders on April 9 in the US and Canada.

Then came news that President Trump was considering global tariffs on imports from China and Vietnam, the very places where Nintendo makes most of its hardware. Facing the possibility of higher costs, Nintendo paused US preorders “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.”

Now, it’s doing the same in Canada. In a statement to MobileSyrup, Nintendo explained that Canadian preorders won’t start on April 9 “to align with the timing of preorders to be determined in the US.” They stressed that the June 5 launch date hasn’t changed and promised an update on preorder timing “at a later date.”

Fans didn’t take the news lightly. On social media, frustration poured out. One person summed it up with a simple, “You can probably guess how I feel about that.” Another was even more blunt: “Okay, that’s bulls***. Basically guarantees whatever inflated price the Switch 2 gets in the US based on tariffs, Canada is gonna see as well. There’s no other reason to delay it in Canada. I’ll be furious if this is the case.”

Nintendo has postponed Switch 2 preorders in both Canada and the US.

These reactions underline a key point: customers want transparency. Nobody likes surprises at checkout, especially when it comes to a console they’ve been looking forward to for years.

Nintendo’s choice to delay preorders rather than lock in a price that might climb shows a desire to avoid confusion and backlash down the road.

At the same time, this isn’t just about Nintendo. It’s part of a bigger picture where companies that rely on overseas factories have to juggle manufacturing costs, shipping fees, and now, unpredictable tariffs. If taxes on imported parts go up, those extra dollars usually get passed on to shoppers.

By holding off on preorder dates, Nintendo is buying time to figure out exactly how much extra it will cost and how much of that cost they can absorb versus how much they’ll need to pass along.

A meme perfectly captures how most fans are feeling.

Aligning the Canadian and US schedules also keeps things fair across markets. If Nintendo released different preorder dates or prices in each country, it could create confusion and complaints when one region saw higher costs before the other.

By syncing up, everyone gets the same news at the same time, which helps avoid one group feeling shortchanged. Of course, the downside is that eager fans have to wait even longer.

With only about six weeks between the preorder date and the June 5 launch, any delay cuts into the window people have to secure their console before stock runs low. For collectors and casual gamers alike, that uncertainty is frustrating, especially when the final price tag is still up in the air.

And what about the price?!

Someone else blurted out, “Are you f... kidding me?”

"You can probably guess how I feel about that," said someone.

Fans aren't exactly thrilled.

Many others felt the same way.

"Switch 2 pre orders delayed in Canada noooooooo"

Nintendo is playing a careful game of balance. They want to keep fans excited about the Switch 2 while also protecting their own margins in a shifting trade environment.

Delaying preorders isn’t ideal for anyone itching to reserve a new console, but it may be better than springing a sudden price hike on buyers at the last minute. As we approach launch day, all eyes will be on Nintendo for the updated preorder date and confirmed pricing.

Until then, customers in Canada and the US are left waiting, wondering exactly how much their next console will cost and when they can finally lock one down.

Damjan