Nintendo’s Switch 2 Faces Potential Price Hike Amidst High Sales Expectations
The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is generating significant buzz, but its U.S. price remains a point of concern. Despite a planned June 5, 2025 release, tariffs could still impact the final cost, according to Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa.
Originally slated for an April 9, 2025 pre-order launch, the unveiling of potential tariffs forced Nintendo to reassess. This led to worries about a price increase, especially considering the existing scrutiny over the Switch 2's planned US pricing.
During Nintendo Treehouse livestreams, fans voiced their concerns, spamming "Drop The Price" in the chat. While the initial pre-order date was delayed and eventually resumed on April 24, The cost for the Switch 2 ended up remaining the same, however the costs of accessories did end up rising.
Furukawa addressed the issue via Yahoo Japan, stating, "The basic policy of any country or region is to recognize tariffs as a cost when determining the selling price and incorporate them into the price." He acknowledged that tariff changes could necessitate price adjustments, a move that carries the risk of reducing demand if the console becomes too expensive.
While the Switch 2 is initially set at $449.99 ($499.99 for the Mario Kart Bundle), the possibility of a future price increase remains. Nintendo has reportedly stockpiled units in the U.S. to mitigate the immediate impact, delaying the increase for now.
Despite these price concerns, Nintendo remains optimistic about the Switch 2's performance. The company projects sales of 15 million units for the fiscal year ending March 2026, alongside a 13% rise in operating profit. This forecast mirrors the performance of the original Switch, which sold 17.79 million units in its first 13 months. Nintendo anticipates selling 45 million Switch 2 games within the same period.
According to Nintendo's results for the full financial year that ended on March 31, 2025, Lifetime Switch console sales now stand at 152.12 million units sold as of March 31, 2025. Nintendo is also predicting that the Switch 2 will reach its sales goal in 10 months.
The strong predicted sales reflect robust demand for the new console, which features a bigger screen and better graphics compared to its predecessor. This is against a backdrop where competitors like Microsoft and Sony have increased console prices.
Will Nintendo be able to navigate the complexities of international trade and maintain an accessible price point for the Switch 2? What are your thoughts on the potential impact of tariffs on the gaming industry? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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