Nintendo Addresses Potential Switch Pricing Concerns for Switch 2

Nintendo’s up-coming Switch 2 console is incoming, with a Nintendo Direct and hands-on event happening in April 2025. But one detail Nintendo hasn’t disclosed is the price point for the Switch 2. With the current political landscape and impact of tariffs on tech, it could impact the price point for the upcoming console. Thankfully, Nintendo has given a statement on the matter.

Shuntaro Furukawa Comments on Tariffs Impacting Nintendo Switch 2

Reported on by Reuters and translated by Nintendo Everything, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated the following when asked about potential impact of polices;

“Nintendo Switch is not only manufactured in China, but in places such as Vietnam and Cambodia as well. We are predicting various geopolitical risks and establishing ways to respond.”

In addition, he also said this in regards to how tarrifs on China products specifically could impact Switch 2;

“While we anticipate a certain impact, the influence on this year’s financial results is expected to be minimal. We will continue to observe the trends, and thoroughly consider how to respond.”

What Does this Mean for Switch & Switch 2?

Considering the above comments, the implication is that price point for the Nintendo Switch 2 likely will fall in line closer with the original Switch. Meaning, instead of the high $450 or $500 price point, we could see Nintendo’s new console launch closer to $400.

Pricing for the Switch 2 is critical, as Nintendo’s target demographic is younger generations of gamers, with parents buying the platform for their kids. It’s a hard sell for parents or older family members buying a $500 handheld console, when their kid’s current Nintendo Switch plays everything well enough as is.

In addition, it prices Nintendo out of their ‘impluse buy’ position they currently reside. It’s very easy for someone new to gaming to buy a Switch Lite for $200 or someone returning to Nintendo paying $350 for a Switch OLED. But asking that same person to pay $499.99 for a Switch 2 is a lot. More so when they could get a PS5 Slim or Series S for a lower price point.

Importance of Nintendo Making a Stand

While the polices of the USA are still developing, the price point rising for gaming hardware going up because of tarrifs is dangerious for the industry.

Companies like Sony pass on the rising costs on to the cosumer, as reflected by the $700 price point of the PS5 Pro. And publishers are looking into raising the price of games to $80-100, it will make gaming harder for people to easily get into.

Or, push gamers and the casual audience closer into the free-to-play sector of the industry, further cementing the hold games like Fortnite have the gamers wallets.

Nintendo coming out and making statements on the situation at all, is important and makes me hopeful other companies like Microsoft will maintain current price points for hardware and software.

Closing Thoughts

As someone who has grown up aware of how costly things can be and only in recent years being able to afford what I want, I empthize with the desire for costs being reasonable. Video Games are expensive to make, so it’s understandable that people in the industry are looking forward to potential price increases across the board.

However, we need companies like Nintendo to ensure prices are affordable. And their comments, ensuring their investors and their audience they understand the importance of accessibility of Switch 2 hardware, inspires confidence for the upcoming console.

Stay tuned for future updates, including impressions on the Switch 2 console and future news, here at Lords of Gaming!