- Industry analysts have reacted to the decision to delay Nintendo Switch 2 early orders
- Some predict an increase in Nintendo Switch 2 in the USA. As a result of tariffs
- Others believe that Nintendo will try to fulfill the announced price of $ 429.99 / £ 395.99
Now we know that Nintendo Switch 2 early orders will not begin on April 9 as planned, and the company cited “the potential impact of rates and evolutionary market conditions” in a statement provided to Techradar Gaming.
This unprecedented movement follows a difficult week for Nintendo players, and many still recover from the advertisement of a retail price of $ 429.99 / £ 395.99 for the Nintendo Switch 2. Parade with a list of launch games that cost up to $ 79.99 / £ 74.99 each, it is clear that the next ninth manufacturer’s economic.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the United States video game industry trade association and numerous industry analysts have already predicted that the introduction of these radical rates could affect hardware and software prices, but Nintendo’s response is currently in the air.
“It is very difficult to predict, but Nintendo will probably take a few days to execute simulations and then announce [price] Hikes, “explained Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of the Kantan Games video game consulting firm, talking to IGN.
“I hope to be wrong, but if these very high tariffs are maintained, they don’t leave them another option,” he added. He continued to say that it would not be surprised if the base model of Nintendo Switch 2 reached the $ 500 mark and questioned why Nintendo chose to announce a given price the market conditions so uncertain.
Mat Piscatella, Executive Director of Games of the Circan Market Research firm, provided a possible explanation for this. He argued that “the amplitude and depth of the rates surprised everyone, not only consumers” and that ads tariffs were probably substantially higher than Nintendo was anticipating.
“Some territories and regions worldwide have historically been subject to higher prices than other parts of the world when it comes to video games,” he said. “The United States could certainly join that group due to these rates.”
However, not everyone shares the same opinion that the price increases on cards. The game industry researcher Joost Van Dreunen believed that the price of Nintendo Switch 2 would have already calculated with volatile tariffs in mind.
“Historically, Nintendo has directed a launch price around the $ 400 brand, adjusted by inflation, suggesting that the current price already reflects an anticipation of possible economic challenges,” he continued.
Although he acknowledged that the situation is “unpredictable”, he hopes that “Nintendo strives to maintain the price of $ 449.99” until economic pressures make it impossible to do so.
This feeling echoed Harding-Rolls, Games Research Chief at the Ampere Analysis Market Research firm, who highlighted the risk of violent reaction from consumers against potential price increases.
“I have already suggested that the price would remain as announced up to 2026 as soon as possible, but then it could be adjusted if the tariffs remain in place,” he explained. “This delay in early orders is to give the company more time and will expect some type of solution in the coming weeks.”
“If the price changes, it will affect the brand and vision of the US consumer product. Uu. In the launch. I do not think that designates loyal fans, but could discourage the broader consumers who will take a approach of ‘wait and see’. That is particularly important during their first season of vacation.”
Should you prepare for a $ 500+ Nintendo Switch 2?
Personally, I am surprised that Nintendo has committed to such an early retail price in the United States.
In the accumulation of Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, I was convinced that a price would not be mentioned in the US transmission version, with more information to continue much closer to the release date.
Although the price in the transmission itself was not mentioned, it was subsequently confirmed on the Nintendo website, which suggests that it was modified and adjusted until the last minute.
We know that Nintendo has already transferred its manufacturing chain from China to Vietnam and Cambodia in an attempt to avoid rates, although the two regions will apparently be subject to tariffs of 46% and 49% respectively.
That last figure is the highest among all countries, which is undoubtedly a nightmare situation for Nintendo. I am sure that a certain level of rates was considered in the retail price recommended by the US, probably 10-15%, since many economists predicted, so I do not see how it will be possible to maintain that price before this.
The decision to delay early orders tells me that Nintendo is carrying the price of Nintendo Switch 2 to the drawing board. While the company is likely to wait for a resolution before the launch of June 5, if the tariffs remain in place, it would not surprise me in the least if the Nintendo Switch 2 reaches the shelves somewhere between $ 500-600.
