For Nintendo’s Switch 2, Trump’s tariffs may be the ultimate boss of the game
Last week, Nintendo kept the hype train of the upcoming new gaming system, Switch 2, a series of live streams showing new devices and the highly anticipated upcoming games Mario Karting World and Donkey Banana.
However, gamers have other ideas. Live chat next to YouTube live streams is filled with people who post “price cuts” and similar pleas, for hours on end.
The new system’s $449 US price tag ($629 in Canada) proved to be a difficult pill to swallow. Original Open About 2017 launched $299 ($399 CDN).
Nintendo’s list of US websites adds concerns Mario Karting World US$80, the current flagship game price is $10 more than normal. The Nintendo Store in Canada does not currently list the manufacturer’s recommended retail price (MRSP), but converts directly to $110 or more.
Then on Friday (two days after the Switch 2 Showcase) – another bombshell: Nintendo suspended reservations for the U.S. console to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions”.
The statement continued: “Nintendo will update the timing at a later date. The release date of June 5, 2025 has not changed.”
While it does not mention the name of U.S. President Donald Trump, using only the term “tariff” is a favored preference for Japanese gaming companies away from politics in their products or messaging.
Industry analysts and advocates expressed concern that unpredictable tariff situations could lead to price increases, which makes the Switch 2 (in general) accessible amid a wider affordability crunch.
Booking pauses appear to affect the United States only. A representative from Nintendo, Canada, confirmed to CBC that bookings for the country are still scheduled to begin on April 9.
Nintendo America Boss says Switch 2 price is “appropriate”
Nintendo has yet to comment on the negative reaction to the Switch 2 price. During a media roundtable Q&A with the Switch 2 hardware architect last Wednesday, the host quickly deflected a question about price, saying the group was there to answer questions about “fun stuff.”
That day, US President Doug Bowser Nintendo (not related to Mario’s nemesis) did a little bit.
“When we look at the Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll consider the feature set I’m talking about… We believe the price is suitable for the value of the machine and the gaming experience in general,” he said.
Bowser, who spoke with CBC before the U.S. booking pause, noted that the previous generation of switchgear will still be supported, including a series of new games later this year.
“We recognize that some people may not be able to afford it. [the Switch 2’s] Price point. That’s why we want to make other switch platforms available, so [people] There is still a chance to enter our gaming worlds, be part of these characters in these worlds, and see value in any platform they enter, if you will. ”
Bowser won’t share target numbers, but he said Nintendo believes the Switch 2 can be as successful as its immediate predecessor. It’s a premium bar, as the original switch sold over 150 million units worldwide, making it the third best gaming console ever.
“Of course, there are some external situations that can have a positive or negative impact. We don’t necessarily control those. What we can control is that we think we have a device that brings more developers to the platform, and we can be leaning towards ourselves as developers or publishers. As a result, we’re going to bring a lot of smiles to people,” he said, smiling at people’s faces. ”
About those “external situations”
Talk before booking, Analysts tell GamesIndustry.biz They believe the high prices may be in anticipation of Trump’s global tariff announcement.
“The U.S. console costs more than Japan, which could be a Nintendo algorithm driven by tariff impacts, weak yen and local market conditions,” he said. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research and Insights at Niko Partners, said.
“The reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam and Japan are higher than expected, and if the tariffs come into effect fully, Nintendo will feel the impact.”
Nintendo moved some of its Switch 2 production from China to Vietnam to partially avoid the impact of U.S. tariffs. But Trump’s 46% tariff on Vietnam is higher than market observers predict and may completely eliminate the benefits of the move.
Nintendo unveiled the sequel Switch 2 in New York this week, doubling its huge switch. We touched the new console.
A spokesperson for the American Entertainment Software Association Tell the game website IGN They expect Trump’s tariffs to have a significant impact on the entire Olympic industry and beyond, although Nintendo’s Switch 2 reveals Trump’s “Liberation Day” to the tariff announcement, which is “a misfortune and coincidental timing.”
“Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced global tariffs will have a real and harmful impact on our industry and millions of Canadians who love to play games,” Paul Fogolin, president of the Canadian Entertainment Software Association, told CBC News.
Fogolin notes that like other consumer goods, consoles and consumer electronics that others use to play games, it is much like parts construction from multiple countries and may pass through several borders and ultimately affected by tariffs during construction.
One of the new details about Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console and the June 5 release date and some of the games that will be offered and some of the games that will be offered. Will that prevent the buyer?
“The industry relies on an affordable console because the goal is to provide players with the latest technology to play the latest games, so we expect tariffs to cause a ripple effect that affects players and companies across the ecosystem,” Fogolin said.
Nintendo finds himself in his own narrow location. There is no doubt that competitors like Microsoft and Sony will keep a close eye on the tariff situation and how it affects its own future hardware versions.
For gamers of all ages, Mario Kart or MetroidSwitch 2 questions may not be, “Is it worth it?” Instead, simply, “Can I afford it?”
