So, everyone’s hyped about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, right? It’s the follow-up to one of the most successful consoles of all time, having sold 150.86 million units as of the end of last year.

However, there might be a big snag that could mess with its release and how much it costs for folks in the United States. Word on the street is, this new console might get hit with a crazy 145% tariff when it lands in North America.

Where’s this coming from? Apparently, a major company that supplies parts for both Apple and Nintendo did some digging. What they found, and what the experts are saying, is that even though some tech stuff might get a pass on these extra fees, it looks like game consoles, including the highly anticipated Switch 2, are still on the list of things made in China that get these tariffs.

Think about it this way: Almost all the Nintendo Switches we have now are made in China, with only a tiny bit made elsewhere. So, a 145% tariff? That’s like if a $450 (around P25,566) console suddenly had an extra $650 (P36,933) tacked onto the price. You can bet that would make a lot of gamers think twice before buying it. It could really kill the excitement and sales right out of the gate in a huge market like the U.S.

A 145% tariff? That’s like if a $450 (around P25,566) console suddenly had an extra $650 (P36,933) tacked onto the price

This price hike in the U.S. also raises questions about the potential impact on other markets, including the Philippines and the rest of the world. While the Philippines might not see the immediate effects of these increased tariffs, they would likely lead to higher prices, reduced exports, and potential job losses across various industries. Therefore, even those outside the U.S. or who don’t intend to buy a new Switch console could still be affected. Time will tell.

Nintendo might consider offering U.S. importers a substantial price reduction on the Switch 2 to partially absorb the impact of the tariffs on the final price. To offset the cost of this discount for importers, the company could potentially increase the price of the Switch 2 in other markets worldwide. One thing’s for sure: even Nintendo seems to be sweating this. There are reports that they’re looking into how bad this could be, and they’ve even supposedly put the brakes on U.S. preorders for the Switch 2. That tells you how serious they think this is and how much it could mess up their big launch plans.

Now, why is this happening? It all boils down to the ongoing back-and-forth on trade. The rules about which products get tariffs can change, but right now, it seems like gaming consoles are in the spotlight. And it’s not just Nintendo; any big gaming company that makes their stuff in China could be facing the same headache.

For us gamers, this is definitely something to watch. If the price jumps way up, we might have to reconsider our plans or even start looking at other consoles. For Nintendo, figuring out how to deal with these tariffs is super important for a successful launch in one of their biggest markets. The next few months will probably be full of behind-the-scenes talks and strategies as the gaming world tries to figure out what this all means. Will Nintendo find a way to eat some of that cost, or will we end up paying a lot more at the checkout? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Take a closer look at the #NintendoSwitch2 system, launching on June 5, 2025!

Learn more: https://t.co/ty8U4WmHMk pic.twitter.com/DhUWC4CuBR

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 2, 2025

A closer look at the Nintendo Switch 2, in case you missed it

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