Will Trump Tariffs Raise Switch 2 Prices to $650?

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This morning, Nintendo has temporarily halted pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States, due to President Trump’s recent tariff announcement. They are taking this action to evaluate the possible effects of tariffs and changing market conditions. While no definitive decisions have been made, it seems that U.S. consumers may potentially face higher prices for the Nintendo Switch 2 console. However, it remains unclear how this might impact the cost of the next Nintendo console when it becomes available on June 5th.

Ever since those tariffs were unveiled, it’s been a roller coaster ride for the Stock Market – taking a major nosedive. It’s not just investors who are feeling the heat though, as businesses within and beyond U.S. borders are gearing up to weather the storm.

For instance, PSA, a trading card grading company, has hit pause on their services for customers outside the U.S., all in an effort to help us steer clear of those hefty tariff fees on graded cards. On the gaming front, Nintendo has put a hold on preorders for Switch 2 within the U.S. alone.

As we stand here, it’s still unclear what the full extent of these tariffs will be. But one thing is certain – gamers, customers, and businesses alike are keeping a keen eye on the unfolding situation.

Beginning on April 5th, initial baseline tariffs will take effect, followed by more substantial, targeted tariffs on April 9th. Interestingly, this same date was initially slated for preorders of the Switch 2. Among the increased tariffs is one specifically targeting Vietnam, where Nintendo shifted most of its Switch production after President Trump’s tariffs on China in 2019. If these April 9th tariffs are implemented as planned, they would impose a 46% tax on imports from Vietnam, affecting products like the Nintendo Switch 2, regular Nintendo Switches, and more. In contrast, Japan, where Nintendo is headquartered, faces a lower tariff of 24%. Given this development, Nintendo might be contemplating adjustments to its distribution strategy for the Switch 2.

What Tariffs Could Do to Switch 2 Prices

For those eagerly anticipating the purchase of the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s important to note that until Nintendo shares their pricing strategy, we can only make educated guesses. Keep in mind that not all tariffs proposed by the Trump administration have been implemented as initially planned. However, if the suggested 46% tariff on Vietnam and 24% tax on Japanese imports become a reality starting April 9th, it’s likely that the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 may increase accordingly.

On the U.S. Nintendo Store website, the Nintendo Switch 2 is still priced at $449.99 MSRP. However, there are signs suggesting that Nintendo may be rethinking this price for American customers. Their statement about postponing preorders hints they might be considering how import taxes could affect their strategies. Although Nintendo might not increase prices for its U.S. sales through the store, independent retailers selling the Switch 2 could potentially adjust their pricing due to economic uncertainties.

As a gamer, I’m keeping an eye on potential changes to the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 due to tariffs. If these tariffs are passed on to consumers by increasing the price of the console, we could see a jump of around 46-50%. That means the price might surge from its current $450 to over $650. But remember, this is only an estimate if the price hike covers the entire cost of tariffs for Switch 2 consoles imported directly from Vietnam to the US. It’s also plausible that Nintendo might have factored in some increase in taxes from the Trump Administration into the Switch 2’s price already.

As a dedicated Nintendo fan, I’m eagerly waiting for official word on when the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in the U.S., given the recent tariff decisions by the Trump Administration. While nothing is set in stone yet, it seems that Nintendo might be contemplating adjustments to their prices due to these tariffs, hinted by the delay in preorders.

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2025-04-04 21:10