It's been a whirlwind of a week for U.S. gamers, starting with the much-anticipated full reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, complete with its lineup of games. The excitement quickly turned to dismay when the console's $450 price tag and $80 Mario Kart Tour were announced. The rollercoaster continued this morning with Nintendo's decision to delay pre-orders until they can evaluate the impact of the sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration on global trade.
We've previously discussed the reasons behind the high cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the potential effects of these tariffs on the gaming industry as a whole. Now, the burning question on everyone's mind is: what will Nintendo do next? Will the Nintendo Switch 2's price increase when pre-orders finally open?
Typically, to answer such questions, I consult a panel of expert industry analysts. While they can't predict the future with certainty, they often provide well-informed predictions based on evidence and data. I've relied on their insights twice this week already. However, for the first time since I began this practice, every analyst I spoke with was stumped. Their guesses varied, with some predicting a price hike and others not, but all emphasized the unprecedented and chaotic nature of the current situation. This unpredictability makes it impossible to accurately forecast Nintendo's, the Trump Administration's, or anyone else's next move.
With this in mind, here's a summary of what the analysts I spoke with had to say:
Sky-High Switch
The panel was divided on the likelihood of a price increase. Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, initially believed it was too late for Nintendo to raise prices after their announcement. However, the delay has led him to reconsider, suggesting that Nintendo may have no choice but to increase prices for the console, games, and accessories due to the high tariffs. He speculates that the base model could reach $500 and questions Nintendo's decision not to wait for tariff resolutions before setting prices.
Mat Piscatella, senior analyst at Circana, also predicts a general increase in game prices, including Nintendo's, due to the unexpected breadth and depth of the tariffs. He notes that businesses reliant on international supply chains will need to reassess their pricing strategies. Piscatella suggests that the US might see higher video game prices, similar to other regions, due to the chaotic nature of the tariffs.
Manu Rosier, director of market analysis at Newzoo, anticipates an increase in hardware prices but believes software prices might remain stable due to the growing dominance of digital distribution. He warns that if significant tariffs are introduced, companies like Nintendo are unlikely to absorb the costs, potentially leading to higher retail prices for consumers.
Holding the Line
On the other side of the debate, Joost van Dreunen, an NYU Stern professor and author of SuperJoost Playlist, acknowledges the possibility of a price increase but believes Nintendo will try to avoid it. He suggests that the $449.99 price point already accounts for potential tariff impacts, given Nintendo's restructuring of its supply chain to mitigate geopolitical risks. However, he admits that further deterioration in the trade landscape might force Nintendo to reassess its pricing strategy.
Piers Harding-Rolls, a games researcher at Ampere Analysis, agrees that Nintendo faces a difficult decision. Having already announced the launch price, a further increase could lead to consumer backlash. He suggests that Nintendo might delay any price adjustment until 2026, hoping for a resolution in the interim. Harding-Rolls warns that a price change could impact the brand and consumer perception at launch, potentially affecting broader consumer interest during the crucial holiday season.
Living in Unhinged Times
Rhys Elliott, a games analyst at Alinea Analytics, predicts higher prices for both Nintendo hardware and software due to the tariffs. He references his earlier comments on Nintendo's strategy to offer cheaper digital editions in some markets, suggesting that similar plans for the US were put on hold due to the chaotic tariff situation. Elliott paints a grim picture of the broader impact of tariffs on the gaming industry, echoing concerns from the Entertainment Software Association about the potential economic harm to consumers and the nation.
Elliott also notes that while some manufacturers, including Nintendo, are shifting production to non-tariff-impacted markets, the logistical challenges of moving entire supply chains are immense. He criticizes the tariffs as detrimental to consumers during a cost-of-living crisis and contrary to core economic principles of international trade, which could lead to a weaker, poorer nation rather than the promised "much stronger, much richer nation."
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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