Nintendo fans near Tokyo got a chance to try the new Switch 2 gaming device at an event on Saturday. This comes ahead of its release, which some fear could be affected by tariffs driving up prices.
Hidenori Tanaka, 55, a real estate employee who attended the event, expressed concerns about rising costs. “Since Mr. Trump became president, tariffs have increased. I’m worried about price hikes, not just for the console but also for accessories,” he said.
Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on trading partners like China are raising costs for companies with global supply chains. While some tariffs have been rolled back, fears of a trade war remain. These factors could lead to higher prices for electronic devices worldwide.
Gamers at the pre-launch event lined up early outside Tokyo’s Makuhari Messe convention center. They played titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza on the Switch 2. Despite tariff-related concerns, early signs suggest strong consumer demand for the successor to the original Switch. Since its 2017 launch, the Switch has sold over 150 million units and transformed Nintendo’s fortunes.
On Wednesday, Nintendo revealed it received 2.2 million lottery applications for the Switch 2 in Japan alone—far exceeding supply. Hyuma Hashiguchi, 28, who won the lottery, shared his surprise. “Honestly, I didn’t think I had a shot. Everyone on social media was saying they missed out, so I figured I would too,” he said.
Nintendo is hosting hands-on events globally, including in New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong. The Switch 2 will retail for 49,980 yen ($350) for the Japanese-language version. In the U.S., Nintendo initially paused pre-orders due to tariff concerns but later confirmed pricing would remain at $449.99.
Despite challenges, the buzz around the Switch 2 highlights Nintendo’s continued appeal in the gaming world.
