- Most Switch 2 manufacturing is happening in Vietnam and Cambodia, where the U.S is threatening new tariffs.
- The consoles started to ship in the US as early as January for fear of these tariffs.
- With retail already at $450, the Switch 2 could cost more than the PS5 disc or Xbox Series X.
The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 was just revealed with massive upgrades from its predecessor, boasting premium features and hardware capable of running AAA games. However, these advancements came with a significantly higher retail price of $450 for non-Japanese customers.
While such a price hike over the original Switch was already a dealbreaker for buyers, the U.S is now threatening new tariffs, which could mean an even higher price tag for the Switch 2.
Why it matters: One of the major selling points for the original Nintendo Switch was its lower price point, being affordable to various playerbases. However, such a price increase over the predecessor could potentially hurt the Switch 2’s sales.
With the U.S increasing tariffs in China, Nintendo moved most of the Switch 2’s manufacturing to Vietnam and Cambodia. However, the tariffs in Vietnam are now expected to increase by a further 46% and by 49% in Cambodia, potentially signaling an increased price tag for the Switch 2.
In addition, the U.S. has already imposed a minimum 10% tariff on all imported goods, effective immediately.
An analyst also stated that Nintendo moved around 400k units of the Switch 2 within the U.S. in January, predicting these tariffs. He added that they significantly ramped up the shipment of consoles in February and March.
Still, even if Nintendo managed to ship around a million Switch 2 consoles, that still isn’t enough for the entire U.S. customer base.
Later Switch 2 models could cost around $550, which is higher than the PS5 disc edition and Xbox Series X price.
The original Switch has already set a high sales benchmark for Nintendo, and with such a higher price tag and tariffs, the newer handheld could lag behind its predecessors.
Are you willing to pay even more than $450 for the Nintendo Switch 2? Let us know in the comments below or head towards the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[News Reporter]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheer@tech4gamers.com