In a significant move, Nintendo has announced a price increase for its original Nintendo Switch family of systems and certain accessories in the United States, effective August 3, 2025. This decision stems from newly imposed U.S. tariffs: 20% on Vietnam, 30% on China, and 15% on Japan, which are countries pivotal to Nintendo‘s hardware and software production.
These tariffs have elevated production costs, prompting adjustments to the pricing of the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED models, along with select accessories like the Nintendo Alarmo and the Joy-Con 2. Notably, Nintendo has chosen to delay any price changes for the Nintendo Switch 2, indicating a strategic approach to market conditions.
The Tariff Impact and Pricing Adjustments
The new tariffs have disrupted Nintendo‘s supply chain, which depends heavily on manufacturing in Vietnam, China, and Japan. The original Nintendo Switch, previously priced at $299.99, will now cost $339.99—a 13.3% increase. The Nintendo Switch Lite ($199.99) will rise to $229.99, a 15% hike, while the Switch OLED model, originally $349.99, will increase to $399.99, a 14.3% jump. Among accessories, the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, previously $99.99, will see a $10 increase to $109.99. The Joy-Con 2, already available with the Switch 2, will rise from $94.99 to $99.99, a modest 5.3% adjustment, while the original Joy-Con controllers will remain at $79.99 for the time being.
Despite these adjustments, Nintendo has opted to maintain current pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2, already available at $449.99. Switch 2 bundles will remain priced at $499.99, including either Mario Kart World or Pokémon Legends Z-A, Regarding physical & digital games and services such as Nintendo Switch Online memberships, they remain at their current price points.
This delay likely reflects a strategy to avoid early market disruption, given the Switch 2’s recent launch and potential consumer price sensitivity. However, the company has signaled that future price adjustments for the Nintendo Switch 2 and related products may be inevitable, depending on the trajectory of tariffs and market conditions.
A Concerning Future for the Industry
The price hikes demonstrate the immediate impact of U.S. tariffs on the gaming sector, with consumers bearing the cost burden. The decision to delay Nintendo Switch 2 pricing adjustments provides temporary stability but raises significant concerns for the future of game hardware sales if the tariff war intensifies.
This may be the start, with Xbox and PlayStation potentially affected next, as new console launches—rumored for late 2026 or 2027—may debut at higher prices than ever seen before, given their reliance on similar supply chains. This situation could make gaming products harder to afford and access, leading to fewer sales and fewer new ideas, which would damage the entire gaming industry, slowing its growth and competitiveness.
