Over the past 24 hours, the Nintendo Switch 2 has become the focal point of the gaming community, with massive pre-order and high demand.
In the UK and Ireland, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have seen overwhelming demand.
Major retailers such as Argos, Very, and EE reported swift sell-outs, with stock depleting shortly after becoming available.
Bundles, particularly those including popular titles like Mario Kart World, have been especially sought after.
Some retailers managed to extend availability through additional bundles, but overall, securing a pre-order proved challenging for many consumers.
This scarcity has led to a surge in the resale market, with pre-orders being listed on platforms like eBay at prices significantly higher than the retail price.
For instance, the standard console priced at £395.99 has been spotted for over £1,000 on resale platforms.
However, this is not the case in the United States and Canada, pre-orders have been delayed indefinitely due to uncertainties stemming from newly imposed tariffs by the Trump administration.
These tariffs, which include a minimum 10% levy on all imports and higher rates on specific countries, have prompted Nintendo to reassess the financial implications.
Despite these delays, Nintendo maintains that the official release date of June 5, 2025, remains unchanged.
To mitigate the impact of these tariffs, Nintendo has strategically shifted a significant portion of its manufacturing from China to Vietnam.
Recent reports indicate a surge in console shipments from Vietnam to the U.S., with February’s figures surpassing those of the previous six months combined.
This proactive approach aims to build a substantial stockpile in anticipation of the console’s launch, ensuring availability despite the tariff-induced challenges.
Retailers are adapting to these challenges by offering incentives and preparing for the eventual launch.
Best Buy, for instance, has announced plans to open stores at midnight on June 5 for pre-order pickups and is offering up to $100 in credits for members purchasing Nintendo games and gear.
GameStop has also introduced a trade-in program, providing up to $175 in credit for customers trading in older Switch models towards the purchase of a Switch 2.