Nintendo Switch 2 and other video game consoles will not be exempt from Trump's tariffs, US Customs confirm
Despite US President Donald Trump's announcement that some electronics will be exempt from his recently imposed tariffs, video game consoles and accessories such as the Nintendo Switch 2 will continue to be affected.
The details:
Earlier this month, President Trump announced that he would impose 10% tariffs on all imported goods from foreign countries, with higher tariffs of up to 54% for select countries such as Vietnam and China. This was met with criticism, with China even imposing its own tariffs on US imports, as it meant that the price of many products, particularly electronics, would likely increase significantly for both manufacturers and consumers.
Over the last week, the Trump administration announced that certain products will be exempt from the current tariffs, with the US Customs and Border Patrol confirming the decision. Unfortunately, video game consoles and accessories are not on the list of exempt products, which means that the upcoming Switch 2 will be impacted as Nintendo moved the majority of the console's production to Vietnam, which has been hit with a 46% tariff.
Nintendo announced last week that it would be delaying pre-orders in the US and Canada, citing the need to "assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions." The company has not stated whether it intends to raise the already high price of the system, accessories, or games. However, the president has put on a pause on the tariffs, implying that Nintendo may stick with its original $450 price tag for now.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has warned that the tariffs may have a "real and detrimental impact" on the industry, with consumers being directly affected by the higher import costs. For example, if Nintendo decides to change the price of the Switch 2 to offset the tariffs, the price of a standard console could rise to $600.
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