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Because of tariffs: Nintendo Switch 2 delayed - prices over 600 US dollars!
Nintendo postpones pre-sales of Switch 2 due to new tariff regulations from Trump, price increases expected.
Because of tariffs: Nintendo Switch 2 delayed - prices over 600 US dollars!
On April 4, 2025, Nintendo announced that the pre-sale start of the highly anticipated Switch 2 in the USA would be delayed. The decision not to start pre-orders on April 9, 2025 as originally planned is largely due to the new tariffs and current market conditions. However, the console's sales start date remains set for early June 2025. The first Switch, which was introduced in 2017, was a huge success.
The Switch 2 will retain many of the features of the previous model, but with a larger and higher resolution screen. The new console also offers improved computing power, making it possible to enjoy popular games such as “Super Mario”, “Donkey Kong”, “Princess Peach” and “Toad” in even better quality. However, the Trump administration's new tariff policy is causing headaches for the gaming industry.
Customs policy and price developments
President Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on nearly all products and countries, including a 24 percent tariff on Japanese goods that will take effect April 5, 2025. These measures have raised concerns in financial markets about a possible global trade conflict. The industry fears that prices for consoles, particularly the Switch 2, could rise significantly in the US. The current price for the Switch 2 has been set at $449.99, but analysts are warning of a price premium of over 35%, which could push the cost above $600.
Consumers will also have to prepare for rising prices for physical games, which can cost up to $90 for the standard version. Nintendo has already taken steps to minimize the impact of the tariffs, such as pre-shipping from Vietnam, where Switch 2 production is split 50-50 between Vietnam and China.
Market development and consumer reactions
Consumers are uncertain about the upcoming price increases. The Consumer Technology Association expects further price increases for video game consoles, while digital sales already accounted for 95.4% of global gaming sales in 2024, underscoring the relevance of digital distribution.
It's not just the Switch 2 that will be affected by the new tariffs; Other consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S also have to expect higher prices. The ongoing tariff policy could also fuel inflation and weigh on the US economy, which could put additional strain on the economy.
In summary, the realignment of customs policy and the associated impact on console and game prices are forcing customers to be patient. Fans will have to wait even more for the new Nintendo console while uncertainty about pricing remains.