Summary
The starting price of theNintendo Switch 2could spike by approximately 20% following the Trump administration’s latest tariff wave, according to gaming industry analysts. The analysts predict that the MSRP of theSwitch 2could jump from $449 to $529 for the base console, with another $50 tacked on for the Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle.
On April 4, two days after the Switch 2’s dedicated Nintendo Direct broadcast aired, Nintendo announced a delay in Switch 2 pre-orders in the US from April 9 to an undetermined date. Thedelay was due to the Trump administration’s tariffson goods from various nations, such as China, Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia. At the time of writing, a 104% tariff on China is expected to take effect on April 9 at 12:01 AM Eastern. While pre-orders will remain on hold in the US, other nations such as the UK and Australia have already taken Switch 2 pre-orders. Nintendo reassured US-based customers that the console’s June 5 release date remains unchanged.
Although the Switch 2’s release date remains locked down, the console’s price may change as a result of the Trump tariffs. According to theDFC Intelligence analysis firm(andcorroborated by ComicBook), the Nintendo Switch 2’s initial price point of $449 could spike up to $529, an $80 markup, to make up for the tariffs imposed by the US government. The $529 predicted price point for the base console could similarly affect the Mario Kart World bundle, which would be priced closer to $579 if the same $80 increase is applied.
Analysts Predict a 20% Price Hike on the Switch 2 Due to Trump Tariffs
DFC also predicted that the Switch 2 could sell fewer consoles than initially projected, though only slightly. DFC’s call of 17 million units sold within the first two years was adjusted to 15 million. The analysis firm predicted that third-party games likeCyberpunk 2077andThe Duskbloodscould help the Switch 2 become one of the fastest-selling consoles.
In February 2025, Nintendo President ShuntaroFurukawa stated that the company has diversified its manufacturing portfoliosince the first Trump administration’s time in office, with other nations like Cambodia and Vietnam being the focal points. As it stands, the Trump tariffs placed on Cambodia and Vietnam are at 49% and 46%, despite ongoing negotiations between Vietnam and the US.
Additionally,the Switch 2’s pre-order window in Canada was delayedto line up with the US, though the new dates remain unknown. It remains to be seen how long these current tariffs will remain and how the industry will respond.
Nintendo Switch 2
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on Jul 07, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
