Concerns are growing that Nintendo's next-generation console, 'Nintendo Switch 2,' which is making its debut after 8 years, could face a 'price hike bomb' in the United States. The predecessor Switch has recorded cumulative sales of 46.6 million units (as of December 2024), establishing itself as the second best-selling game console in the U.S. history, raising expectations for its successor while the tariff issue looms.
◇ "In the worst case, it could approach 1 million won"
Nintendo held an online showcase, 'Nintendo Direct,' on 2nd (local time) and unveiled the release schedule for Switch 2. The release date is set for June 5, and the U.S. price is set at $449.99 (about 660,000 won).
However, on the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose full mutual tariffs on major trading partners, including Japan, raising forecasts that the price of Nintendo Switch 2 could rise in the U.S., the world's largest gaming market with high console purchases.
Tariffs of 24% and 34% respectively are applied to Japan and China, while tariffs of 46% and 49% are applied to Vietnam and Cambodia. If this measure is implemented as is, Nintendo will be hit hard in both China and Vietnam, where it produces significant volumes.
Among U.S. gamers, there is a surge of complaints, stating, "In the worst case, the Switch 2 price could approach 1 million won." Responses on online communities like Reddit include statements such as, "If you don't buy it right after its release, the price will soar even higher" and "Even though it hits foreign corporations, ultimately, only the wallets of U.S. gamers will be affected." Some users express strong criticism of the Trump administration's tariff policy, saying it is "no different from cultural mass extermination."
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been upgraded with enhanced graphics performance compared to its predecessor, 4K TV output, and a 7.9-inch expanded screen size. It adopts a new method of magnetic attachment and detachment for the dedicated controller 'Joy-Con' to enhance convenience, and it has introduced a new 'game chat' feature that allows multiple users to engage in voice and video chat simultaneously. Exclusive titles such as 'Mario Kart World' and upgraded versions of existing popular titles like the 'The Legend of Zelda' series are also set to be unveiled.
◇ "Possibility of price increases globally"
However, if the tariff burden increases in the U.S., which is one of the largest gaming markets in the world, sales volume is bound to take a significant hit.
Shuntaro Furukawa, CEO of Nintendo, noted during the earnings announcement in February, "The U.S. tariff policy could impact Nintendo's business environment somewhat."
Professor Kim Tae-hwang from Myongji University’s Department of International Trade said, "Since console devices are consumer goods, if the U.S. raises tariffs on China, the burden will be passed on to consumers, not corporations. It may not be easy to move production facilities, and given the substantial tariffs on Vietnam and Indonesia, it would be inefficient when considering investment expenses." He added, "If device prices rise in the U.S., there is a high possibility that prices will rise globally. There will be variations depending on corporate responses, but consumers' purchasing sentiment will inevitably slow down."
On the other hand, there is a view that the likelihood of a price increase leading to a significant decline in actual demand is limited. Professor Seok Byeong-hun from Ewha Womans University stated, "Console devices are strongly characterized as durable goods, and I believe that the rate of decline in demand will outpace the speed of price increases. Those who already own a game console have little reason to buy a new model. Even if prices rise right now, it will be a temporary phenomenon."