Nintendo fans in Japan test Switch 2 amid tariff concerns

Nintendo enthusiasts in Japan got an exclusive opportunity to test the much-anticipated Switch 2 gaming console at a pre-launch event near Tokyo. The event, held at the Makuhari Messe convention center, showcased new titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza, drawing large crowds eager to experience the successor to the original Switch, which has sold over 150 million units since its 2017 debut.
"Since Mr. Trump became president tariffs have gone up so I am concerned about a price hike not just for the game console but for accessories too," said Hidenori Tanaka, 55, a real estate company employee, who attended the event.
Despite the excitement, concerns over potential price hikes due to global trade tariffs have cast a shadow over the launch. Tariffs imposed by the US on trading partners, including China, have raised production costs for electronic devices. While some tariffs have been eased, fears of a renewed trade war persist. Nintendo initially paused pre-orders in the US to assess the impact but later confirmed a price of $449.99 for the console in the region.
In Japan, the Switch 2 is priced at 49,980 yen ($350), and demand has been overwhelming, with 2.2 million applications submitted for the lottery to purchase the console. Nintendo is hosting similar hands-on events globally, including in New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong, to build anticipation ahead of the console’s official launch on June 5, 2025.
The Switch 2’s debut marks a critical moment for Nintendo as it navigates supply chain challenges and tariff uncertainties while aiming to replicate the success of its predecessor.
with agency inputs