Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and New Tariffs: Doug Bowser Addresses Release Concerns

Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and New Tariffs: Doug Bowser Addresses Release Concerns The Nintendo Switch 2 has become a major topic among gamers and industry analysts following its official price announcement.

Set to release globally on June 5, 2025, the next-generation console from Nintendo will retail at USD $449.99 / GBP £395.99 for the standard system, while a bundle featuring Mario Kart World will cost USD $499.99 / GBP £429.99.

Compared to the original Nintendo Switch’s launch price, the Switch 2’s higher price has sparked discussions, particularly in light of recently announced tariffs affecting electronics imports into the United States. Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser addressed these concerns in interviews with The Verge and Wired, offering transparency about pricing decisions and upcoming market challenges.

Bowser clarified that earlier tariffs enacted before the Trump Administration’s new international trade measures, which were officially announced on April 2, 2025, were not factored into the Nintendo Switch 2’s retail price.

However, he emphasized that the company is actively monitoring the impact of these latest tariffs.

Notably, the new policies impose a 46% tariff increase on goods from Vietnam, where the Switch 2 is manufactured, and a 24% increase on Japanese goods, including Switch 2 cartridges. Discussing the hardware, Bowser highlighted several next-generation features of the Nintendo Switch 2.

He pointed to an upgraded, larger display, improved processing power, innovative Joy-Con controllers that can double as computer mice, and expanded GameChat support.

According to Bowser, Nintendo’s goal is to keep the platform “approachable” while delivering enough value to be embraced by consumers as an enduring entertainment device.

These elements were all considered when finalizing the Switch 2’s pricing strategy. When asked about the potential impact of the new tariffs, Bowser stated, “The news is recent, and like many companies in similar situations, we are currently evaluating what these changes could mean for our business operations.” He also explained that Nintendo’s earlier move to shift production from China to Vietnam and Cambodia—a move originally intended to mitigate exposure to previous tariffs—must now be re-evaluated, as both countries are affected by the new policies.

"The situation changed on April 2," Bowser explained, reflecting the company’s need to adapt to rapidly evolving market conditions. In response to these uncertainties, Nintendo of America announced on April 3, 2025, that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in North America would be temporarily postponed.

The company stated this measure allows time to assess how tariffs and evolving market conditions might impact pricing and availability.

Despite these developments, the Nintendo Switch 2 is still scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025. Industry analysts have also raised concerns about the rising cost of physical media and the effect of suspended pre-orders on Nintendo’s stock performance.

The company’s decision to review pricing and sourcing strategies demonstrates its commitment to bringing the Nintendo Switch 2 to market without sacrificing accessibility or quality, but the final retail price could be subject to change depending on the ongoing tariff situation. [Sources: theverge.com, wired.com]

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