The arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been marked by significant controversy due to the cancellation of its pre-order and official launch in several regions around the world . Although expectations were high, especially in Latin American countries, Nintendo has made a decision that affects thousands of gamers: the new console model will not be officially sold in 21 countries in Central America and the Caribbean.
This announcement, made public after meetings between Nintendo executives and regional distributors, has confirmed that there will be no official sales of consoles, games, or accessories in countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, or the Dominican Republic. Fans in these areas will have to seek alternatives through imports from other territories like the United States, which significantly increases the cost of owning the Switch 2.
Reasons for cancellation in Central America and the Caribbean
The main reason is the absence of the eShop digital store in many of these markets . Nintendo believes that the lack of infrastructure and low potential profitability make these regions "too small" to justify an official rollout. Furthermore, tariffs imposed by the US administration in recent years have increased logistics and production costs, making the console more expensive, especially in markets with more fragile economies.
Another important factor is the international business environment, as Nintendo has also had to postpone pre-orders in China due to regulatory hurdles. All of this has led the Japanese company to prioritize availability in countries considered strategic: Mexico, Colombia, the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Regions where there will be a launch and what reservations will be like
Despite the cancellation in Central America and the Caribbean, the global launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains scheduled for June 5, 2025, in major regions. Mexico, for example, opened pre-orders on April 25 at retailers like Amazon, selling out within hours. In Spain and Germany, pre-orders began even earlier, on April 8, while the United States has had several batches of orders due to high demand and adjustments related to tariffs.
Official prices, imports and resale market
The cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 varies depending on the country. In Mexico, the base console costs 13,599 pesos , while the bundle with Mario Kart World goes up to 14,899 pesos. The games aren't exactly affordable either: Mario Kart World is priced at 1,999 pesos and Donkey Kong Bank, which will be released in July, at 1,749 pesos. These prices already exceed initial expectations and have generated some debate among consumers.
In the United States, the console costs between $449,99 and $499,99 (depending on taxes), and in Europe, its price is around €469 . In Colombia, the price is approximately 2,859,900 Colombian pesos. Meanwhile, in markets without an official launch , costs can climb to $610 due to import duties and reseller markups. Second-hand consoles have seen offers that are up to double the official price.
Consequences for players and reactions to the decision
The cancellation of the Nintendo Switch 2 in Central America and the Caribbean leaves a large number of users out of the market, forcing them to rely on resellers or imports to access the new console. They face both inflated prices and a lack of official support and warranty . In countries like Mexico, the enthusiasm and anticipation are accompanied by some concern about escalating prices and potential shortages after the initial pre-orders sold out.
Criticism among fans and debate over Nintendo's distribution and pricing strategy have intensified, especially in a context of global trade fragmentation, tariffs, and logistical difficulties. Many families and gamers are forced to plan their purchases further in advance or postpone their console purchase in search of better deals.
