The Nintendo Switch 2 has been one of the most anticipated gaming consoles of 2025, promising enhanced performance, a larger screen, and exciting new titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. However, recent announcements regarding President Donald Trump’s global tariffs have cast uncertainty over the console’s launch, potentially affecting its price, production costs, and availability. In this article, we’ll explore how these tariffs could impact the Nintendo Switch 2 and what it means for gamers eagerly awaiting its June 5, 2025 release.
Understanding Trump’s Tariffs and Their Scope
In April 2025, President Trump introduced sweeping tariffs on imports to the United States, including a 10% across-the-board tariff on all foreign goods, with higher rates for specific countries. Notably, Japan, where Nintendo is headquartered, faces a 24% tariff, while Vietnam and Cambodia—key manufacturing hubs for Nintendo—face 46% and 49% tariffs, respectively. These tariffs aim to boost U.S. manufacturing but could significantly increase costs for companies like Nintendo, which rely on global supply chains.
For the gaming industry, these tariffs are particularly impactful because consoles and components are often produced in Asia. The Nintendo Switch 2, with its announced base price of $449.99, may face challenges as these new costs ripple through production and distribution.
Potential Price Increases for the Nintendo Switch 2
One of the most immediate concerns for gamers is whether the Nintendo Switch 2’s price will rise. When the console was unveiled, its $449.99 price tag (and $499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle) already sparked debate, as it’s significantly higher than the original Switch’s $299.99 launch price in 2017. While some analysts speculated that Nintendo might have factored tariffs into this price, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser clarified that the announced price did not account for the new tariffs.
With Japan facing a 24% tariff on goods like game cartridges and Vietnam a 46% tariff on console manufacturing, Nintendo may have to choose between absorbing these costs or passing them on to consumers. If passed on, estimates suggest the Switch 2’s price could climb substantially—potentially exceeding $600 in the U.S. For example, a 46% tariff on a $450 console could add over $200 to the cost, assuming no other adjustments.
This potential price hike could make the Switch 2 less competitive, especially against alternatives like Valve’s Steam Deck or mobile gaming platforms. Gamers already expressed sticker shock at the $80 price for Mario Kart World, and further increases could dampen enthusiasm for the console’s launch.
Delayed Pre-Orders and Launch Uncertainty
The tariffs have already disrupted Nintendo’s plans. Originally, U.S. pre-orders for the Switch 2 were set to begin on April 9, 2025, but Nintendo postponed them to “assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” This delay, which also affected Canada, highlights the company’s uncertainty about pricing and supply chain logistics.
While Nintendo has maintained that the June 5, 2025 launch date remains unchanged, prolonged delays in pre-orders could signal deeper challenges. If tariff negotiations or production adjustments take longer than expected, Nintendo might struggle to meet demand, especially in the U.S., which accounts for over a third of its market. Scalping and limited availability, already concerns for Nintendo, could worsen if supply chains are strained.
Rising Production Costs and Supply Chain Challenges
Nintendo’s production strategy has been tested by tariffs before. During Trump’s first administration, the company began shifting Switch manufacturing from China to Vietnam and Cambodia to avoid U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. However, the new 46% tariff on Vietnam and 49% on Cambodia undermines this strategy, potentially erasing cost savings.
The Switch 2’s components, such as its larger 1080p screen and enhanced processing power, rely on a complex global supply chain. Tariffs on these parts could increase production costs, forcing Nintendo to either reduce profit margins or raise prices. Additionally, physical game cartridges, manufactured in Japan, face the 24% tariff, which could drive up game prices further—potentially making $80-$90 titles the norm.
Moving production to the U.S. to avoid tariffs is unlikely in the short term. Industry analysts estimate that building a U.S. factory would cost billions and take years, making it impractical for the Switch 2’s timeline. Instead, Nintendo may need to optimize its existing supply chain or negotiate with suppliers to mitigate costs.
Impact on Gamers and the Gaming Industry
For gamers, the tariffs could mean paying more not just for the Switch 2 but for gaming as a whole. Competing consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox, which also rely on Asian manufacturing, face similar tariff-related cost pressures. This could lead to higher prices across the board, squeezing consumers already navigating inflation and rising costs for essentials.
The tariffs’ broader economic impact might also reduce consumer spending on non-essential items like gaming consoles. If prices rise too steeply, some fans may delay purchasing the Switch 2, opt for older models, or turn to digital or mobile gaming alternatives. Nintendo’s family-friendly appeal could help maintain demand, but a significantly higher price tag risks alienating budget-conscious buyers.
Nintendo’s Response and What’s Next
Nintendo is actively assessing the tariffs’ impact, with Bowser noting the company’s need to address this “challenge.” A recent 90-day pause on some of the steepest tariffs offers temporary relief, giving Nintendo time to adjust its strategy. Possible steps include:
- Price Adjustments: Nintendo could raise the Switch 2’s price to offset tariffs, though this risks backlash from fans.
- Cost Absorption: The company might absorb some costs to maintain the $449.99 price, sacrificing margins to preserve market share.
- Supply Chain Tweaks: Nintendo could explore alternative manufacturing locations, though this would take time and investment.
- Digital Focus: Emphasizing digital downloads over physical cartridges could reduce exposure to Japan’s 24% tariff.
In the coming weeks, Nintendo is expected to announce a new pre-order date and clarify pricing. Gamers should stay tuned to official Nintendo channels for updates, as the situation remains fluid.
Conclusion
Trump’s tariffs have thrown a wrench into Nintendo’s Switch 2 launch, raising questions about price hikes, production costs, and availability. While the console’s June 5, 2025 release date holds for now, the delay in U.S. pre-orders and potential cost increases could reshape its market debut. For gamers, this means bracing for a higher price tag—possibly over $600—and keeping an eye on Nintendo’s next moves.
As the gaming industry navigates this trade war, the Switch 2 remains a highly anticipated device with powerful hardware and beloved franchises. Whether Nintendo can maintain its momentum amid these economic challenges will be a defining moment for the company and its fans.
