On April 2, 2025, Nintendo made an exciting announcement about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 at a Nintendo Direct event. While initial reactions to the new handheld gaming console have been largely positive, the price of $450 has sparked considerable discontent among fans, particularly as the potential for price hikes looms due to rising tariffs.
Consequently, Nintendo has delayed the pre-order date to evaluate how these increased tariffs might affect pricing in the marketplace. This postponement has led to speculation that it could be an informal acknowledgment of a future price increase.
This article aims to delve into the implications of these developments and analyze how a potential price increase might impact the gaming industry as a whole.
Could Nintendo Raise the Price of the Switch 2?
The current price tag of $450 for the Nintendo Switch 2 indicates a significant jump from the original Nintendo Switch’s price of $300. This increase has left many consumers dismayed, with worries that a further price hike could push the cost over $500.
A crucial question arises: Would gamers opt for the Switch 2 over more affordable options like the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? Despite these concerns, Nintendo faces limited choices due to increased tariffs imposed following former President Trump’s policies. The company is caught in a dilemma—maintain the current price and absorb losses or raise it to offset rising costs.
Understanding the Impact of Tariffs on Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing
The looming tariffs on imported consumer goods aim to encourage companies to relocate production and manufacturing to the United States, which will take time to implement. However, this policy aims to bolster local economies but also brings immediate consequences, particularly in terms of price increases.
Potential Effects of a Price Increase by Nintendo
If Nintendo opts to raise the Switch 2’s price, the impact on sales could be considerable. With the original Nintendo Switch having sold over 150 million units by 2024, it currently ranks among the best-selling consoles, surpassed only by the PS2 and Nintendo DS, which hold records of 155 and 154 million units sold, respectively.
Many analysts predict that the Switch 2 has the potential to surpass these figures and claim the top spot in sales. However, if Nintendo implements an additional price increase on top of its already elevated costs, achieving that goal may become increasingly challenging.
The decision regarding a price hike for the latest console remains uncertain. We will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.