Nintendo has allowed fans to test its upcoming Switch 2 console ahead of its release, but the company’s success may be threatened by tariffs imposed by the US government. The Switch 2 will sell for $350 in Japan and $449.99 in the US due to higher costs caused by tariffs on imported components.
Gamers who lined up outside an event in Tokyo were able to play popular titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza on the new console. Despite concerns over price increases, there is strong demand for the Switch 2, with 2.2 million applications received for a Japanese-only version.
However, Nintendo can only fulfill some of the demand due to tariff concerns. The company’s fortunes have been transformed by its previous consoles, which have sold over 150 million units since 2017. Despite this, the company is facing challenges as it tries to balance consumer demand with higher production costs.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/japans-nintendo-fans-test-switch-2-ahead-launch-amid-tariff-worries-2025-04-26