In a shocking turn of events, Nintendo executives announced today that pre-orders for the highly anticipated Switch 2 are on indefinite hold as the company engages in an intense game of “Hide and Seek” with U.S. tariffs. This news has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, leaving millions of gamers to wonder if they will ever get their hands on the new console or if they will simply have to continue playing their old Switch until the screen turns to dust. “We thought we could launch our console without a hitch,” said a Nintendo spokesperson, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the top-secret nature of their tariff assessment strategies. “But now we’re just trying to figure out where tariffs are hiding. They seem to be lurking around every corner, making our launch feel like a fantastical quest in a Mario game—except there are no power-ups or extra lives, just a giant, shadowy tax monster.” Experts predict that the new U.S. tariffs on electronics could set the stage for an epic battle between consumers and economic realities. “It’s like we’re all part of a dystopian video game,” said an economist who wasn’t too optimistic. “Just imagine: instead of receiving your console in a mere few weeks, you might receive your first electricity bill that’s higher than Bowser’s castle complex.” Gamers across the nation have taken to social media in fits of despair and hilarity, with memes flooding platforms of sleepy Yoshis waiting in line at GameStops nationwide. “Every time I think about the Switch 2, I can’t help but imagine it hiding behind a bush, laughing as I chase it around with my credit card,” tweeted one frustrated user. “Throw in a few tariffs, and it might be gone until I turn 65!” The intense scrutiny over tariffs has also sparked a rarely seen unity within the gaming community. Players have banded together, forming a “Tariffs Against Fun” coalition. “We believe that joy should be tariff-free,” declared the group’s fearless leader, an avid gamer sporting a plaid shirt and mismatched socks. “We just want to trade our time for pixels without financial repercussions!” In response to the uproar, President Biden has vowed to look into the situation, though he recently remarked, “If I had a dollar for every time I had to deal with tariffs, I’d buy myself a Switch 2. Oh wait, never mind. Those tariffs are in my way!” As the developers scramble to navigate the labyrinth of duties and tariffs like a character on a bad speed-run, consumers are left counting down the days to the unknown pre-order date of April 9, 2025. Until then, Nintendo fans are encouraged to sharpen their hide-and-seek skills—who knows when their long-awaited prizes might finally appear!