PCs Escape Trump's Tariffs, But Consoles Face the Costs
Apr 13, 2025 1:50 PMIn recent news, it has been revealed that while PCs and smartphones will not face Trump's retaliatory tariffs, consoles including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation, and Xbox will be affected. This information comes from industry experts who highlight the significant uncertainty surrounding the tariffs, particularly given the potential for diminished sales in Asian markets. Surprisingly, Nintendo Switch cartridges will be exempt from the tariffs, providing a silver lining for Nintendo as they navigate these challenges. Pre-orders for the Switch 2 are expected to start by May 8, 2025, with a targeted launch price of $450, despite previous pauses in pre-order operations.
Will the tariffs impact the Nintendo Switch 2's sales and release?Yes, the tariffs are likely to create challenges for the Nintendo Switch 2's sales and release, particularly as they complicate manufacturing and distribution. The uncertainty surrounding international relations may also lead to decreased interest in US products in foreign markets.
The Nintendo Switch console, released in March 2017, quickly became a favorite for its hybrid design, allowing players to enjoy gaming at home or on the go. With the impending release of the Switch 2, fans are eagerly anticipating enhanced features, improved graphics, and a robust game library, making it crucial for Nintendo to navigate these tariff issues effectively. The success of the Switch 2 will depend not only on its innovative capabilities but also on how well it manages the challenges posed by these tariffs.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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N3rdo commented on: 2025-04-13 14:12:10
Man, tariffs and gaming hardware just can't seem to catch a break, huh At least Nintendo's got that cartridge exemption—imagine the chaos if we had to pay extra for those little game cards too. (Keeping it fresh by focusing on the absurdity of taxing cartridges separately and the general frustration with tariffs, while avoiding rehashing the price tag or timing points already mentioned.)
Rolling R!ck commented on: 2025-04-13 14:06:07
Tariffs always seem to hit gaming hardware at the worst possible time—hope Nintendo’s cartridge exemption gives them some breathing room. That $450 price tag might sting a bit more if these costs get passed to consumers, though.
