Nintendo Switch 2 Faces 145% Tariff as Most Production Remains in China

Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated successor to Nintendo’s flagship hybrid console, is set to encounter significant import tariffs as the company prepares for its global release.

According to a newly published report by Nikkei Asia, the majority of Nintendo Switch 2 production continues to take place in China, subjecting the console to a substantial 145 percent tariff for units destined for the United States—a direct result of ongoing trade policies targeting Chinese-manufactured goods. Nintendo has a deep legacy of overseas manufacturing, with hardware development and assembly historically concentrated in East Asia.

The Nikkei Asia report, citing an internal assessment memo from a major supplier working with both Apple and Nintendo, confirms that despite minor production shifts, the bulk of Nintendo Switch 2 units are still being assembled in China.

A comparatively small amount is manufactured in Vietnam, offering only limited relief from the high tariffs imposed on Chinese exports. The new Nintendo Switch 2 is currently scheduled for a global launch on June 5, 2025, with an official retail price of $450.

While speculation around the final launch price has grown amid concerns over rising tariffs, Nintendo has yet to announce any changes to the published figure.

The high import tariff of 145 percent remains in effect for gaming consoles made in China; these levies have yet to be relaxed, unlike certain exemptions temporarily granted for other technology categories.

As a result, industry observers are closely watching to see how Nintendo navigates the challenging trade landscape while maintaining profitability and consumer-friendly pricing. In the report, Nikkei Asia references insights from confidential supplier documentation, reaffirming that the lion’s share of units for the North American market will be affected by these duties.

While Nintendo had initially planned to open pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States and Canada last Wednesday, the company has since postponed the rollout to an unspecified future date, further heightening anticipation and uncertainty among fans and retailers alike. Since its original launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch platform has sold over 125 million units worldwide, cementing its place as one of Nintendo’s best-selling consoles of all time.

The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to drive continued success, but the current tariff situation presents a formidable obstacle.

Both competitors and industry analysts will be monitoring post-launch sales figures and Nintendo’s manufacturing decisions in response to these international trade dynamics. Despite tariff headwinds and manufacturing complexities, Nintendo remains committed to delivering innovative gaming experiences.

As more details about the Nintendo Switch 2 rollout emerge, the industry and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the company manages the intersection of global manufacturing and international trade regulations.

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