Nintendo President Discusses Tariffs and Production for Switch 2 Hardware

Nintendo's upcoming hardware, widely anticipated as the 'Switch 2,' is already drawing industry attention thanks to the company's proactive approach to evolving global trade conditions.

During a recent financial results Q&A, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa offered clear insights into how international tariffs are shaping the company's production and distribution strategies, particularly for the North American market. Furukawa stated that Nintendo currently manufactures its hardware in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Notably, the production for North American distribution is “primarily conducted in Vietnam.” As it stands, the United States imposes a 10% tariff on imports from Vietnam, Japan, and Cambodia, in stark contrast to the 145% tariff placed on goods imported from China.

This significant discrepancy highlights why Nintendo has increasingly relied on its Vietnamese production facilities for North American audiences. Furukawa explained, "Our financial projections consider a 10 percent U.S.

tariff rate for countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and a 145 percent rate for China.

Hardware destined for North America is produced mainly in Vietnam, while some accessories and amiibo are still manufactured in China.

The specific effects of tariffs on these individual product lines are not publicly disclosed." Addressing how future policy changes might impact Nintendo’s business, Furukawa noted, "Our standard approach is to treat imposed tariffs as a cost to be factored into pricing.

With a new dedicated game console launching for the first time in around eight years by March 2026, we are prepared to adapt our strategies should trade tariffs be updated.

At the same time, it's important for us to create momentum for the new platform and rapidly expand hardware adoption." Nintendo’s dedication to maintaining flexibility in its supply chain and pricing structure ensures it can respond to shifting trade regulations while focusing on the successful launch and sustained momentum of the Switch 2 platform.

As the current Nintendo Switch nears the end of its lifecycle—with over 140 million units sold since its 2017 debut—the company’s forward-thinking preparations highlight their commitment to global markets and continued leadership in the gaming industry. For more updates on Nintendo Switch 2, potential eShop changes, and upcoming hardware news, stay tuned to official Nintendo announcements and industry bulletins.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Shuntaro Furukawa