If you thought the buzz around the Nintendo Switch 2 was already intense, brace yourself for the next twist — and it’s all about some jaw-dropping figures.
A recent report from the well-respected Asian magazine Nikkei reveals that one of Nintendo’s key suppliers has raised a red flag that might affect the final price of the console in the U.S.: products made in China could face an import tariff soaring as high as 145%.
New Tariff Policy To Hike Prices of Other Techs Too
It seems that the statement was sent not just to Nintendo, but also to other big players in tech like Apple. This new tariff policy is set to hit consoles and electronics made in China.
As a result, it could have a direct impact on what American consumers pay. For instance, the Nintendo Switch 2, which has already been announced at a price of $449.99, might not be able to avoid this potential price hike.
According to the report, “the majority of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles are being manufactured in China, with only a relatively small proportion being produced in Vietnam.”
This puts a strain on the company’s logistics, making it tough to deal with the effects of tariffs. They’re left with a tricky choice: either swallow the costs themselves or pass them on to the customers. No prizes for guessing which path the companies are going to take.
How Much Will The Nintendo Switch 2 Cost?
When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 on April 2, the live stream wrapped up without disclosing the price. Instead, anyone curious had to hop over to the website to find out that the starting price is set at $450, while a bundle featuring Mario Kart World comes in at $500.
However, industry leaders feel the price may further go up by $50-$100 after the latest tariff policy.
90 Day Break Period Leading to Uncertainty?
While Bloomberg has shared that there’s a 90-day break on implementing tariffs, which lets Nintendo keep its original pricing for now, the future is still a bit of a mystery. This three-month period could play a key role in shaping how they restock, adjust production, or even rethink their sales strategies.
When is Nintendo Switch 2 Coming Out?
The official release date of the Switch 2 remains set for June 5, 2025 — at least for now.
Not The First Time for Nintendo Switch 2
It’s important to point out that this isn’t the first time Nintendo has changed its plans because of commercial and political factors. Back in early April, the company made the surprising move to delay pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the United States.
This decision was directly linked to the “impact of government tariffs from the Trump administration and shifting market conditions.” Pre-orders were originally scheduled to kick off on April 9, but there’s still no word on when they might start again.
A Deja Vu For the Gaming Industry?
This situation brings back a familiar worry in the gaming world: the fragility of global supply chains and the heavy reliance on production hubs in Asia, particularly China. Ever since the pandemic and the fallout from the trade tensions between the US and China, companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have been on the lookout for alternatives in places like Vietnam, India, and Mexico. However, shifting all production isn’t a quick or cheap process.
As we get closer to the launch of the Switch 2, a lot of questions are surfacing: Can Nintendo keep the original price in the US? Will there be enough units ready for launch? Will prices vary by region? And perhaps the biggest question of all: will consumers end up footing the bill for this economic conflict?
