The gaming industry is experiencing significant upheaval due to the ramifications of the Trump administration's tariff policies, particularly impacting Nintendo's highly anticipated new console, the Nintendo Switch 2. Originally set for release on June 5, 2025, the company announced on April 9, 2025, that it would postpone pre-orders for the console in both the United States and Canada.
Nintendo's announcement followed a Nintendo Direct presentation on April 7, where the company revealed details about the Switch 2, including its upgraded features and specifications. The new console boasts a larger screen, increased storage, and enhanced performance capabilities, with a screen size growing from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches while retaining a thickness of 13.9mm. In handheld mode, it supports refresh rates of up to 120 frames per second at 1080p resolution, and when connected to a television, it can achieve up to 2160p (4K) resolution. Furthermore, the dedicated Joy-Con controllers can now be magnetically attached and detached, allowing for more versatile gameplay options.
Despite the excitement surrounding its launch, Nintendo's plans have been complicated by the recent imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government. According to a statement from the company, the decision to delay pre-orders was made to evaluate the potential impact of the changing market conditions due to tariffs, although they confirmed that the official release date would remain unchanged. "We are postponing pre-orders for the Switch 2 in the United States to assess the potential impact of the changing market situation due to tariffs," Nintendo stated. "However, the official release date will not change."
More than half of the components and products related to the Switch 2 are manufactured in Vietnam and Cambodia, where the U.S. has recently imposed tariffs of 46% and 49%, respectively. This has raised concerns within the industry regarding the viability of Nintendo's pricing strategy. The retail price for the Switch 2 is set at $449.99 (approximately 660,000 won) in the U.S., a figure that does not currently account for the impending tariff increases. Industry analysts speculate that this could lead to further price hikes for consumers in the U.S. market.
In South Korea, pre-order applications will begin sequentially at game stores nationwide starting April 10, 2025, with specific eligibility requirements for applicants. Customers must have a history of playing Nintendo Switch software and must have been subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online for at least one year at the time of application.
The original Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, has achieved remarkable commercial success, surpassing 155 million units in cumulative sales as of the end of last year. Given this legacy, expectations are high for the Switch 2 to follow suit, despite the challenges posed by the current economic climate.
The gaming community remains hopeful that Nintendo can navigate these turbulent waters and deliver a console that meets the high expectations set by its predecessor. With the excitement surrounding the Switch 2, many are eager to see how Nintendo will respond to the challenges posed by tariffs and market volatility.
As the release date approaches, industry watchers will be closely monitoring both consumer interest and the broader implications of U.S. trade policies on the gaming industry. The potential for increased prices and delayed availability could significantly shape the early reception of the Switch 2.
In conclusion, while the Nintendo Switch 2 promises to bring exciting new features and innovations to gamers, the impact of tariffs and market conditions cannot be overlooked. As Nintendo prepares for its launch, the company faces the dual challenge of meeting consumer expectations while navigating a complex economic landscape.
