For Nintendo’s Switch 2, Trump tariffs could be an unbeatable final boss
Last week, Nintendo continued to build excitement around its upcoming gaming system, the Switch 2, through a series of livestreams showcasing the new device and highly anticipated games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. However, gamers had a different agenda as they flooded the live chat with demands to “DROP THE PRICE” for the new system.
The Switch 2 comes with a hefty price tag of $449 US ($629 in Canada), a significant increase from the original Switch’s launch price of $299 US ($399 Cdn) back in 2017. To add to the concerns, the U.S. site listed Mario Kart World at $80 US, which is $10 higher than the usual price for flagship games. If we were to convert this to Canadian dollars, it would be around $110 Cdn or more.
Just when fans were coming to terms with the price, Nintendo dropped another bombshell by pausing pre-orders for the console in the U.S. due to the need to evaluate potential tariff impacts and market conditions. This move, although not directly linked to U.S. President Donald Trump, raised eyebrows as Nintendo typically steers clear of political matters in its messaging.
Industry analysts and advocates are worried that the unpredictable tariff situation could lead to price hikes across the gaming industry, making the Switch 2 less accessible amid financial constraints. While the pre-order pause only affects the U.S. for now, concerns remain about the broader implications of these tariffs on the gaming community.
Nintendo of America’s president, Doug Bowser, defended the Switch 2’s price, stating that it reflects the value of the machine and the overall gameplay experience. He also highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting previous Switch models, ensuring that players of all budgets can still access the gaming universe.
Analysts speculate that the high price point of the Switch 2 may be a result of anticipated tariff impacts, particularly from Trump’s global tariffs announcement. Nintendo had shifted some production from China to Vietnam to mitigate U.S. tariffs, but Trump’s significant tariff on Vietnam has potentially nullified any benefits from this move.
As the gaming industry braces for the impact of these tariffs, Nintendo finds itself in a challenging position not entirely of its own making. Competitors like Microsoft and Sony are likely monitoring the situation closely to gauge its effects on future hardware releases.
For fans eagerly awaiting the Switch 2 and its lineup of exciting games, the ultimate question may not be about its worth but rather its affordability. The current circumstances underscore the broader implications of geopolitical decisions on the gaming ecosystem, emphasizing the need for accessible and affordable gaming options for players of all backgrounds.
