Nintendo did not include US tariff updates in the Switch 2 price, but now the company is forced to actively analyse the situation and its possible consequences
Nintendo has officially stated that the initial pricing of the new Switch 2 console did not take into account the previous US trade tariffs. However, the recent imposition of new tariffs by the administration of President Donald Trump is forcing the company to reconsider its strategy.
Here's What We Know
Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser explained that the Switch 2 price, set at $450, is due to the improved characteristics of the device, such as a larger LCD screen and updated Joy-Con controllers. He emphasised that the previous tariffs did not affect the price of the console, as the company diversified its production from China to Vietnam and Cambodia.
However, the new tariffs, introduced on 2 April, impose a 46% duty on imports from Vietnam and 49% from Cambodia, which creates new challenges for Nintendo. In response, the company has postponed the start of pre-orders in the US, which were due to start on 9 April, to assess the potential impact of these tariffs on the market.
We are actively assessing what the impact might be
Bowser noted that Nintendo is actively analysing the situation and its possible consequences for the company and consumers. Whether this will lead to an increase in the price of Switch 2 in the US remains to be seen. It is worth noting that the shares of Nintendo and other Japanese gaming companies have already suffered a drop due to these trade restrictions.
Despite these challenges, the Switch 2 is scheduled to launch in the US on 5 June, and pre-orders in other countries are on track. It is hoped that Nintendo will find an optimal solution that will satisfy both the company and players.
Source: The Verge
