Nintendo had planned a big moment for April 2, revealing its long-awaited Switch 2 console after eight years in development. The launch event in New York was full of excitement as new games like Kirby, Mario Kart, and Donkey Kong were announced alongside the video game console. But the celebration didn’t stay for long as US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on Vietnam, where the Switch 2 is made. The tariff announcement put the console’s release plans and pricing in doubt, as per a report by The New York Times.
Trump’s tariffs trigger delay and price hike
Just after the two days of big reveal, Nintendo cautioned that the price may go up and also delayed pre-orders. The initial price announced was $450, whereas the renewed price hike is not clear, and the situation has become more uncertain. Trump has since put a halt on these tariffs for 90 days, but Nintendo has not confirmed whether that delay will impact pre-order plans and pricing.
Nintendo’s experience reflects the wider effect of tariff uncertainties on tech companies. The recent changes in policy decisions are making it difficult for firms to plan out their product launch or decide on prices. Nintendo still wants to launch the Switch 2 in June, but it has not given any clarification on when US gamers can place their pre-orders again.
Frustrated fans criticise Nintendo
Gamers have taken to social media platforms and are blaming the US government instead of Nintendo. Many of the users are frustrated because of the potential price hike as they were already struggling with the $450 price tag. One user wrote, ”The Nintendo Switch 2 price sucks.” Another posted, ”Thank you, Nintendo for making the Switch 2 so anti-consumer so I can spend my money elsewhere.” A third user post read, ”I am gonna scream if all it took to radicalize the public was Nintendo delaying the release of the ‘Switch 2’ and increasing the price because of the tariffs.’’
In 2019, Nintendo transferred its production from Vietnam to China to avoid tariffs. But Trump’s latest list included Vietnam, Japan, and others. Analysts of The New York Times roughly calculate that Switch 2 prices could go up as much as $100 if tariffs are implemented.
For now, Nintendo has already shipped around 750,000 units to the US that could avoid tariffs. But that stock may only last till one quarter. Similar tension is hovering over other tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Sony. As all of them are facing challenging roads amid trade uncertainty.
