How New U.S. Import Tariff Changes Impact Nintendo Switch Game Shipments: What Gamers and Retailers Need to Know

The United States government has announced a major change in import policy that will significantly affect shipments of Nintendo Switch games, hardware, and other gaming products.

Effective August 29, 2025 at 12:01 a.m.

EDT, the duty-free de minimis treatment for shipments entering the United States will be discontinued, regardless of the country of origin.

This upcoming regulation, which determines import taxes based on the physical point of entry rather than the shipping or posting date, will have far-reaching consequences for both retailers and consumers importing gaming products. Until now, the de minimis exemption allowed goods valued below a certain threshold to enter the U.S.

without incurring customs duties or taxes, making it more accessible for American gamers to acquire imported Nintendo Switch titles and accessories.

However, with the elimination of this provision, all international shipments addressed to the United States—including Nintendo Switch Game Cards, special editions, and related merchandise—will be subject to applicable import duties and taxes. A key complication arises from the current inability of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to efficiently collect tariffs for incoming international parcels.

As a result, inbound shipments via postal services are expected to encounter customs clearance delays and administrative challenges.

This policy shift has already prompted critical responses from international carriers.

Both Japan Post and Singapore Post have suspended their postal services to the U.S., directly impacting the timely delivery of physical Nintendo games and devices ordered from popular storefronts and the eShop abroad.

Consequently, orders directed to the United States are expected to face extended delays until policies are clarified and systems are updated. A representative from an international shipping provider explained that all incoming shipments will likely be subject to the new duties and taxes unless there is a policy change announced by the White House.

The cost of these duties will depend on the product’s origin: for Nintendo Switch Game Cards produced in Japan, a 15% tariff applies; items manufactured in China are subject to a 30% tariff; and, for some shipments, the White House has indicated there will be a flat fee ranging from $80 to $200 per package.

These rates may change according to ongoing U.S.

government policies.

Importantly, any required taxes and duties will be the responsibility of the recipient, not the sender. There has also been misinformation regarding declaring orders as gifts to avoid tariffs.

Shipping providers have clarified that incorrectly labelling packages as gifts could result in shipment delays and may affect insurance claims should a package be lost or damaged in transit.

Thus, shipping companies are unable to falsely declare commercial shipments as gifts to circumvent import duties. As this regulatory landscape continues to evolve, imported Nintendo Switch games and accessories—whether physical editions from Japan or exclusive merchandise—will likely experience price adjustments and increased administrative overhead.

Consumers should closely monitor updates from shipping carriers, the United States Postal Service, and official Nintendo partners for further information about these changes.

Retailers and retailers who have placed orders are advised to remain alert for communications regarding tariff collection procedures when deliveries to the U.S.

resume.

For now, the situation remains fluid and all Nintendo Switch fans, importers, and retailers should prepare for these changes ahead of the August 2025 deadline.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo United States Switch Xbox Series X|S S Nintendo Switch games Japan Post Singapore Post USPS White House U