Nintendo’s Switch 2 Draws Crowds Amid Tariff Worries

CHIBA: A recent event held near Tokyo provided Nintendo enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the company’s forthcoming Switch 2 gaming console. This preview occurs as concerns arise that potential tariffs may lead to increased prices.

Hidenori Tanaka, a 55-year-old employee in the real estate sector who attended the event, voiced his apprehension, stating, “Since Mr. Trump’s presidency, tariffs have been on the rise. Consequently, I am concerned about price increases, not only for the gaming console itself but also for its associated accessories.”

Consumers worldwide could potentially encounter elevated costs for electronic devices due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on its trading partners, including China. These tariffs may escalate expenses for companies engaged in global supply chains.

Although some tariffs have been reduced, the potential for a disruptive trade conflict continues to be a concern.

Strong Demand Indicated by Lottery Applications

Attendees at the pre-launch event began queueing outside the Makuhari Messe convention center near Tokyo in the morning to sample titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza on the Switch 2.

Despite potential price hikes, preliminary signs indicate substantial consumer interest in the successor to the Switch, which has sold upwards of 150 million units since its debut in 2017, significantly boosting Nintendo’s performance.

The Kyoto-based gaming corporation announced that it had received 2.2 million lottery applications for the Switch 2 in Japan, exceeding their capacity to fulfill all requests.

Hyuma Hashiguchi, 28, a lottery winner, expressed surprise, saying, “I genuinely didn’t anticipate winning. Social media was filled with people reporting their disappointment, so I assumed I would be in the same situation.”

Nintendo is conducting hands-on events globally, including locations such as New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong.

The Switch 2 will retail for 49,980 yen ($350) for the Japanese-language version. In the United States, Nintendo initially suspended pre-orders due to tariff-related concerns but later confirmed that they would maintain the price at $449.99.