Nintendo Defends Switch 2 Pricing Amid Gamer Criticism and Trade War Fallout
Nintendo has addressed growing concerns over the price of its upcoming Switch 2 console, following a wave of gamer backlash and uncertainty surrounding new U.S. tariffs introduced under former President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Speaking after the console’s official unveiling, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser clarified that the new tariffs were not factored into the Switch 2’s launch price, which sits at $450-$150 more than the original model. He attributed the higher price tag to a slate of significant hardware upgrades rather than trade-related costs.
“We’ve packed in a lot more power and functionality, and that was the primary driver behind the price,” Bowser said, emphasizing that the Switch 2 is “built to last” and reflects Nintendo’s evolving vision for hybrid gaming.
The announcement came just hours before the U.S. government imposed sweeping tariffs that could impact electronics imported from Asia, where most gaming hardware, including Nintendo products, is manufactured. In response, Nintendo paused pre-orders, originally set to begin April 9, to reassess the possible impact of the new policy on its supply chain and pricing strategy.
The Switch 2 features a larger LCD display with variable refresh rate, expanded internal storage, and a custom Nvidia chipset supporting DLSS and ray tracing – delivering what Nvidia says is up to 10 times the graphical performance of the original Switch. Other updates include redesigned, more durable Joy-Con controllers and a built-in GameChat system for voice communication.
Bowser also confirmed that first-party games for the Switch 2 will see a price hike, with titles expected to cost between $70 and $80. He defended the increase by citing the higher production value and “unique” gameplay experiences tailored to the upgraded console.
In a surprising move, Nintendo plans to charge $10 for the “Welcome Tour,” a set of interactive mini-games designed to help users learn the new system. Bowser described it as a “deep, highly replayable” feature that adds value for new users.
Despite the rollout of the new system, Nintendo will continue selling its current generation Switch models, creating an overlap that could offer consumers a choice based on budget and feature preferences.
As fans debate the pricing structure and speculate on the long-term effects of the tariffs, Nintendo remains focused on showcasing the technological leap of the Switch 2—while navigating a rapidly shifting global market.
