Gamers Blame Trump for Ruining Nintendo Switch 2 Launch – Preorders Delayed, Prices Could Soar
The Big Reveal Turned Sour
April 2 was supposed to be a historic day for Nintendo. After eight years of anticipation, the gaming giant finally revealed the price and release date for its brand-new console: the Nintendo Switch 2.
At a flashy event in New York City, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser introduced the console alongside fan-favorite titles like Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Kirby. Fans cheered. Excitement was sky-high.
But just a few hours later, the celebration screeched to a halt.
Former President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell: new tariffs on imports from Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Vietnam, where the Switch 2 is manufactured, was hit with a potential 46% tariff. Suddenly, Nintendo’s shiny new console was at risk of becoming a lot more expensive.
Preorders Delayed, Price Tag Under Review
Just two days later, Nintendo put Switch 2 preorders on hold and hinted the $450 price might increase. How much? No one knows yet.
Luckily, Trump later announced a 90-day delay on these expanded tariffs, giving companies some time to adjust. But Nintendo hasn't revealed if it will use this window to lower prices, stick to the original tag, or hike it even further.
Nintendo’s Manufacturing Gamble Backfires
Back in 2019, Nintendo moved production from China to Vietnam to dodge earlier Trump-era tariffs during his first presidency. It seemed like a smart move — until now.
Trump’s new plan would’ve hit Vietnam with 46% tariffs, Japan and Malaysia with 24%, and Cambodia with 49%. Tech companies in the region suddenly had no good place to hide.
For Nintendo, it felt like déjà vu — and bad luck all over again.
Gamers Are Furious — and Blame Trump
Gamers flooded social media, voicing outrage. Reddit threads and X (formerly Twitter) posts blasted Trump, not Nintendo, for the potential price hike.
Jake Steinberg, a gamer and writer from Philadelphia who demoed the Switch 2 in New York, said the situation is “extremely ironic.”
“People always say, ‘Keep politics out of games.’ Well, here they are,” Steinberg said.
What Happens Next?
Nintendo still plans to release the Switch 2 in June, but preorders are in limbo. The company hasn’t said when sales will open again — or if the $450 price tag will survive the tariff turmoil.
The Switch 2 already faces criticism for being pricey. Analysts say if tariffs take effect, the console’s price could jump by up to $100.
That could push it to $550, a steep ask for fans already hesitant to upgrade.
Analysts Weigh In: Will Nintendo Risk Profit or Sales?
Nintendo faces a tough call:
- Raise the price and risk losing buyers
- Keep it low and take a hit on profits
Doug Creutz, an analyst at Cowen, said Nintendo is likely holding off on any decisions until the political dust settles.
“They don’t want to change the price a second time,” he said.
Another key question Nintendo is considering: Should it take a smaller profit margin in the U.S. to keep the price gamer-friendly?
Stockpiling Could Buy Time
There’s a silver lining. According to analyst David Gibson, Nintendo shipped 746,000 Switch 2 units to the U.S. before the end of February — which are immune to the tariffs if they go into effect later.
That’s enough to support sales for about one quarter. But once those units run out, future inventory will face full tariff costs — unless Trump changes course again.
Global Sales Unaffected… for Now
Outside the U.S., Nintendo has not paused preorders. Prices vary globally:
- UK: $442
- Australia: $435
- Canada: $450
Roughly 30% of Nintendo’s production still happens in China, mostly for non-U.S. markets. Ironically, Chinese-made units are expected to be hit with even harsher tariffs: up to 145%.
That means U.S.-only production may still be the least painful route — even with Vietnam’s 10% tariff now in effect (thanks to the delay).
Not Just Nintendo: All Tech Companies on Alert
Nintendo isn’t alone. Other big tech firms like Apple, Sony, and Microsoft are facing similar dilemmas.
Apple also shifted some manufacturing to Vietnam in 2019, hoping to dodge China-related tariffs. But now, their future iPhones and devices may also be exposed to rising costs.
Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities warns that this could have ripple effects:
“It’s going to hit all the big players — Samsung, LG, Apple, TVs, game consoles. It’s everything.”
Even the launch of new consoles from Sony and Microsoft (expected in 2027) could be impacted if tariff battles continue.
The Bigger Picture: Tariffs and Tech Collide
What started as a celebration for a new gaming console turned into a case study in how geopolitics and tariffs can ripple through the tech industry — and hit consumers directly in the wallet.
Nintendo’s experience reflects a larger trend of global tech uncertainty, with companies struggling to navigate political decisions that can shift overnight.
For gamers, it’s a frustrating reminder that “keeping politics out of gaming” is easier said than done.
