This has been a whirlwind week for gamers in the U.S., filled with highs and lows. It kicked off with the highly anticipated full reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its game lineup, only for excitement to quickly turn to sticker shock over its $450 price tag and $80 Mario Kart Tour. Then, chaos erupted again when Nintendo postponed pre-orders indefinitely, citing concerns over sweeping new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on global imports.
Elsewhere, we've explored why the Nintendo Switch 2 costs what it does and how these tariffs could reshape the gaming industry. But the burning question remains: What will Nintendo do next? When pre-orders finally open, could we see an even higher price?
Typically, when gaming industry unknowns arise, I consult expert analysts—professionals who use data and trends to forecast outcomes. I've done this twice already this week. But this time was different. Every analyst admitted they were stumped, emphasizing how unprecedented the situation is. Some speculated Nintendo might raise prices; others weren't so sure. The consensus? Nobody truly knows how Nintendo—or policymakers—will act in the coming weeks.
With that sobering uncertainty in mind, here's what analysts did share:
Price Hike Predictions
The experts I spoke with were sharply divided. Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games believes Nintendo may have no choice but to raise prices—not just for the console, but also games and accessories.
“Running simulations could lead Nintendo to announce hikes within days,” he said. “If tariffs persist, $500 for the base model wouldn’t shock me. I’m baffled why Nintendo didn’t wait for U.S. tariff clarity before locking in pricing.”
Circana’s Mat Piscatella stressed the unpredictability of the situation but agreed that price increases—likely across the board—are probable.
“The tariffs’ scale caught everyone off guard,” he said. “Every global business will now reevaluate U.S. pricing. Historically, some regions pay more for games—the U.S. may soon join that list.”
Newzoo’s Manu Rosier expects hardware prices to climb but doubts software will face the same pressure.
“Digital distribution’s lower costs should shield games,” he noted. “Hardware, however, is vulnerable. Companies won’t eat steep tariff costs—consumers will.”
Holding Firm
NYU Stern’s Joost van Dreunen argues Nintendo likely baked tariff risks into its initial $449.99 pricing.
“Supply chains were restructured post-Trump’s first term,” he said. “Still, Vietnam’s tariff spike creates uncertainty. Nintendo will resist raising prices, but further trade disruptions could force its hand.”
Ampere Analysis’ Piers Harding-Rolls warns a price hike risks alienating consumers.
“Nintendo’s in a tight spot,” he said. “Sticking to $449.99 preserves brand trust—critical for holiday sales. But prolonged tariffs may necessitate adjustments later.”
Broader Fallout
Alinea Analytics’ Rhys Elliott painted a stark picture, aligning with Entertainment Software Association warnings.
“These tariffs hurt consumers and manufacturers alike,” he said. “Supply chains can’t pivot overnight, and shifting production wouldn’t outlast Trump’s term. This is economic theater—gamers and workers pay the price.”
Nintendo Switch 2: Console and Accessories
91 Images
Elliott underscored tariffs’ economic harm: “They defy trade fundamentals. ‘A stronger, richer nation’? Data says otherwise. This is political posturing—at gamers’ expense.”
