Nintendo fans might have just caught a lucky break. A major shift in U.S. trade tariffs could mean that the Nintendo Switch 2—already a hotly anticipated console—might avoid a price hike and see a smoother pre-order rollout.
On April 9, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, raising them to a massive 125%. However, in a surprising twist, he also implemented a 90-day pause on retaliatory tariffs for over 75 other countries, including Vietnam, lowering their rates to just 10% during ongoing negotiations.
Vietnam Tariff Drop May Keep Switch 2 Prices Steady
Nintendo manufactures most of its consoles, including the upcoming Switch 2, in Vietnam, which was previously hit with a 47% tariff. With that number now slashed to just 10%, the cost of importing the console into the U.S. could significantly decrease.
This move likely stabilizes or locks in the previously announced Switch 2 pricing, which many fans feared might spike due to ongoing trade tensions.
Nintendo Had Already Adjusted to Market Signals
Insiders believe that Nintendo had priced the Switch 2 earlier this month with tariff uncertainty in mind. The lower tariffs now act as a buffer, giving Nintendo more flexibility to maintain or possibly even reduce pricing down the line—especially if the 10% rate extends beyond the 90-day pause.
Pre-Orders Could Benefit Too
Lower costs and reduced geopolitical risk also mean Nintendo may boost early production, resulting in a more predictable and accessible pre-order phase for the Switch 2. Given the supply shortages that plagued the original Switch during its launch, this could be a welcome relief for gamers.
China Hit Hard, but Nintendo Less Affected
While tariffs on Chinese goods skyrocketed to 125%, Nintendo may avoid the fallout. Its key manufacturing hub being in Vietnam insulates the company from most of the turbulence in U.S.-China trade relations. This separation could give Nintendo a competitive edge as other tech companies struggle with rising import costs.
Trump’s latest trade policy pivot is reshaping global electronics pricing—and for once, it could work in gamers’ favor. With Vietnamese tariffs slashed and China sidelined, the Nintendo Switch 2 price and pre-orders could stay on track, delivering next-gen Nintendo gaming without next-gen pricing headaches.
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