Summary
Square Enixhalted select product pre-orders, citing tariff uncertainties stemming from the Trump administration’s trade policies. The decision potentially affects allSquare Enixfans in North America, not just the United States.
As was the case in his first term, President Trump made tariffs the central piece of his economic policies at the start of his second stint in the Oval Office. The efforts to force other countries into new trade deal negotiations intensified on April 2, which Washington proclaimed “Liberation Day,” when universal tariffs were implemented across the board. A week later, the administration announced a 90-day pause on all “reciprocal” tariffs, except for those imposed on China, which currently faces a 145% total tariff. Since then,Trump has also lifted tariffs on certain electronics.
Amid all this uncertainty, Square Enix decided to stop accepting pre-orders for certain products offered via its North American store. As noted bySiliconera, the decision went into effect on April 9, the same day that Washington announced its three-month pause on reciprocal tariffs. “In light of ongoing international tariff uncertainties, we have decided to temporarily pause some new merchandise pre-orders,” the store notice reads, also thankingSquare Enix fansfor their understanding in the matter.
Square Enix Store’s New Tariff Notice
For the time being, the Japanese company has only halted pre-orders on various merchandise rather than games. 181 products in this categorycan still be pre-orderedas of April 16. Game Rant has confirmed that the contents of the North American pre-order page are the same for both the U.S. and Canada, suggesting that the decision may also affect Canadian consumers. Square Enix has yet to clarify how long this recently implemented pause will remain in effect. However, since the company cited economic uncertainty as the main reason for the decision, this pause may last until at least mid-July 2025, when the future of certain tariffs on Japanese imports might become clearer due to Washington’s three-month tariff pause coming to an end.
In light of ongoing international tariff uncertainties, we have decided to temporarily pause some new merchandise pre-orders. We appreciate your understanding and support.
Trump’s tariffs have already hurt Japanese game companies' stock, although some have been affected more than others. Square Enix’s share price is mostly unchanged since Trump took office three months ago, on January 20. If the steep reciprocal tariffs are reintroduced in July 2025, Square Enix will plausibly pass the increased cost to consumers, or decide not to offer some products in North America altogether.
TheNintendo Switch 2 U.S. pre-orders have also been delayedas a result of the ongoing economic uncertainty. Their official start date remains unknown, although prominent leaker Billbil-kun recently claimed it will be either April 21 or 30, depending on the retailer. The console itself is still scheduled for release on June 5. Square Enix will offer one Switch 2 launch title,Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and has already confirmed thatFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergradewill be ported to the upcoming console at a later date.
