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In a recent development, Nintendo has announced that the commencement of preorders for its highly anticipated Switch 2 gaming console will be postponed. This decision follows the recent announcement by President Donald Trump concerning extensive new tariffs on imported goods.
A representative from Nintendo indicated to CNBC that, “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025, to evaluate the potential impact of tariffs and changing market conditions.” They added that updates on the timing would be provided later, clarifying that the planned launch date of June 5, 2025, remains unaffected.
This delay signals one of the most notable initial reactions from a prominent company in light of concerns surrounding Trump’s tariffs, particularly regarding their implications for business operations and consumer expenditure. The electronics sector, which largely relies on manufacturing in Asia, is particularly vulnerable to the recent tariff hikes. Historically, Nintendo’s original Switch consoles were produced in China and Vietnam, as noted by Reuters in 2019.
The new tariffs impose a significant burden, with Vietnam facing a 46% tariff and China a staggering 54%. As of now, Nintendo has not disclosed the specific locations for the production of its upcoming consoles.
Additionally, Nintendo has not confirmed whether it intends to adjust the pricing of the console, which was previously announced to retail at $450 in the U.S. The IPC, a trade organization that focuses on the electronics manufacturing sector, has warned that the recent tariffs may lead to an increase in game console prices by as much as 50%.
The announcement of the Switch 2 coincided with the unveiling of the new tariffs, highlighting a challenging landscape for the gaming industry. The Switch 2 promises to be a more advanced iteration of its predecessor, which has sold over 150 million units since its introduction in 2017. With a price increase from the original Switch’s retail price of $300, the new model will utilize a custom Nvidia chip. Gamers will have the flexibility to use the Switch 2 as a handheld device or connect it to a television. A new Mario Kart game is anticipated to launch alongside the console in June, adding to the excitement surrounding its release.
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