Nintendo fans in Japan got an exciting chance to try out the new Switch 2 at an event near Tokyo on Saturday. However, some people are worried that tariffs could soon make the device and its accessories more expensive. Since Mr. Trump became president and 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 worker who attended the event.
Across the world, electronic device prices could rise because of tariffs that were put in place during U.S. President Donald Trump’s time. Even though some tariffs have been rolled back, fears of a serious trade war are still present, affecting companies with global supply chains.
At the pre-launch event at the Makuhari Messe convention centre near Tokyo, gamers lined up from mid-morning to play new titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza on the Switch 2. Players praised the smoother graphics, faster load times, and new controller features that made gameplay more exciting compared to the previous Switch.
Strong Demand for Switch 2 Despite Price Concerns
Despite concerns about higher prices, early signs show strong demand for the Switch 2. The original Switch has sold more than 150 million units since 2017 and changed Nintendo’s fortunes.
Nintendo said that in Japan alone, it received 2.2 million lottery applications for the Switch 2 but could not meet all the demand.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I had a shot. Everyone on social media was saying they missed out, so I figured I would too,”
Said Hyuma Hashiguchi, 28, who was lucky to win the lottery and be among the first buyers of the Switch 2. Nintendo is also organizing hands-on events in cities like New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong to promote the Switch 2 worldwide.
New Features and Pricing Details
The Switch 2 introduces a brighter OLED screen, a more powerful custom processor, and enhanced battery life, offering a better portable gaming experience. Some early testers also noticed improved motion controls and upgraded speakers.
The Switch 2 will cost 49,980 yen ($350) for the Japanese-language-only version. In the United States, Nintendo had first paused pre-orders because of tariff worries but later confirmed the price would be $449.99. Many experts believe that if tariffs continue to rise, limited stocks could lead to higher resale prices in the grey market, especially during the holiday season.
What’s Next for Nintendo Fans
Nintendo has not yet officially announced the global release date, but analysts expect the Switch 2 to hit major markets by late 2025. Fans are advised to stay alert for official pre-order windows to avoid paying inflated prices from scalpers. ($1 = 143.6700 yen)
