Nintendo Switch 2 Prepares for US Launch with Massive Vietnam Shipments Amid Tariff Concerns

Nintendo is strategically accelerating shipments of its upcoming Switch 2 console from Vietnam to the United States in anticipation of the official release on June 5, 2025.

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, this move comes as the company navigates ongoing tariff changes and attempts to ensure a robust supply chain ahead of one of its biggest hardware launches to date. Hosiden Corp., a major assembler for Nintendo and one of three principal manufacturing partners, has played a pivotal role in these efforts.

Based in Vietnam, Hosiden reportedly shipped approximately 725,000 units of the Nintendo Switch 2 in February 2025 alone—more than the prior six months combined.

This figure, drawn from customs data provided to Bloomberg by the NBD, signals a decisive push to build up a substantial inventory of the next-generation console outside Japan and China. Vietnam serves as a crucial manufacturing base, accounting for roughly one-third of all Switch 2 units.

This focus on Vietnamese production was, in part, driven by looming tariff increases—a 46% tariff hike was set to affect electronics imports.

As a direct result, Nintendo postponed Switch 2 pre-orders in the US and Canada earlier this year to evaluate the market.

However, a recent decision by President Trump to pause the tariff rate at 10% for most countries (excluding China) for 90 days has given the Japanese gaming giant a short-term reprieve and flexibility to reassess pricing and distribution strategies. Robin Shu, an analyst with Bernstein, commented to Bloomberg that Nintendo may face reduced profit margins if the tariffs stabilize at 10%.

Should tariffs return to the anticipated 46%, Shu believes the company might need to raise the Switch 2’s retail price by $50 to $100 to offset increased costs. Although consumers still await a new pre-order date in North America, and Nintendo has not issued further pricing guidance, the company is closely monitoring developments.

Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser emphasized last week that tariffs were not initially considered in the pricing for the Switch 2.

However, the company remains vigilant as analysts and investors keep a close watch on market fluctuations related to ongoing tariff uncertainties. Nintendo’s proactive approach to Switch 2 inventory management demonstrates its commitment to meeting global demand while adapting to a rapidly changing international trade environment.

With the June 2025 launch date approaching, all eyes remain on Nintendo as it prepares to deliver its next major console release via both the Nintendo eShop and retail partners worldwide.

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