Overview of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing Concerns
- The Nintendo Switch 2’s anticipated starting price could increase from $449 to approximately $529, reflecting a potential 20% rise.
- This price adjustment is largely influenced by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on goods from various countries.
- Although pre-orders in the US face delays, the Switch 2 remains scheduled for release on June 5.
Recent analyses by DFC Intelligence indicate a worrying trend regarding the pricing of the Nintendo Switch 2. As tariffs following the Trump administration’s policies come into play, gamers may see the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) rise from an initial $449 to around $529. Furthermore, if the Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle gets affected similarly, it could see an additional $50 tacked onto its price tag.
On April 4, shortly after a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation, the company announced that US pre-orders for the Switch 2 would be postponed from the original April 9 date to an undisclosed future date. This delay is primarily attributed to tariffs on imports from several countries, including China, Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Notably, a staggering 104% tariff on goods imported from China is set to take effect on April 9 at 12:01 AM Eastern Time. However, pre-orders are still being accepted in markets like the UK and Australia. Nintendo has assured consumers in the United States that the anticipated launch date of June 5 remains unchanged.
While the release date is secure, the console’s pricing remains uncertain due to these tariff implications. According to DFC Intelligence, and supported by ComicBook, the projected price point may see an $80 increase. This would elevate the base console price to an estimated $529 and could potentially raise the Mario Kart World bundle price closer to $579.
Anticipated Price Increases for the Switch 2 Due to Tariffs
In addition to pricing concerns, DFC Intelligence also revised its sales forecasts for the Nintendo Switch 2. The firm now anticipates sales of approximately 15 million units in the first two years, down from the previously expected 17 million. The release of blockbuster third-party titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and The Duskbloods, may still drive the console’s popularity and positioning in the market.
Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, noted in February 2025 that the company has actively diversified its manufacturing locations to mitigate the impact of US tariffs. Countries like Cambodia and Vietnam have become key players in Nintendo’s manufacturing strategy. However, current tariffs on imports from Cambodia and Vietnam remain high, at 49% and 46%, respectively, despite ongoing negotiations aimed at reducing these rates.
Furthermore, the pre-order timeline in Canada has been adjusted to match that of the US, although specific new dates remain unclear. The gaming community watches closely as the precise duration of these tariffs continues to unfold, along with the industry’s adaptive strategies.