Nintendo successfully launched its new Switch 2 console on June 5, 2025, at $450, avoiding a potential price hike and delays caused by Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. The company benefited from a 90-day tariff pause issued by Trump. While the console launch was smooth, accessories have seen price adjustments, and future pricing remains uncertain if tariffs on Japan (24%) and Vietnam (46%) return. Professor Robert Johnson attributes Nintendo's success to Trump 'chickening out' and the company's prior shift of some production from China to Vietnam to mitigate tariff impacts.
How Nintendo dodged Trump’s tariffs and saved the Switch 2 release
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Nintendo successfully launched its new Switch 2 console on June 5, 2025, at $450, avoiding a potential price hike and delays caused by Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. The company benefited from a 90-day tariff pause issued by Trump. While the console launch was smooth, accessories have seen price adjustments, and future pricing remains uncertain if tariffs on Japan (24%) and Vietnam (46%) return. Professor Robert Johnson attributes Nintendo's success to Trump 'chickening out' and the company's prior shift of some production from China to Vietnam to mitigate tariff impacts.
Trending- 1 March 2017: Original Nintendo Switch launched.
- 2 2019: Nintendo began shifting some Switch production from China to Vietnam.
- 3 January (2025): Nintendo teased Switch 2 successor.
- 4 April 2 (2025): Nintendo gave full reveal of Switch 2, announced June 5 launch and $450 price.
- 5 Early April (2025): Donald Trump announced new tariffs, including 24% on Japan and 46% on Vietnam.
- 6 April 9 (2025): US pre-orders for Switch 2 were supposed to begin, but were delayed.
- 7 April 24 (2025): Pre-orders resumed.
- 8 June 5 (2025): Nintendo Switch 2 launched.
- 9 Unspecified: Trump issued a 90-day pause on tariffs.
- Switch 2 launched on time and at initial price
- Accessories experienced price adjustments
- Future pricing of the console remains uncertain if tariffs resume
- Other tech companies are watching Nintendo's strategy
What: Nintendo managed to launch its Switch 2 console on time and at its intended price despite looming tariffs proposed by Donald Trump, due to a temporary tariff pause.
When: Article published June 5, 2025. Switch 2 launched June 5, 2025. Trump's 'Liberation Day' speech and new tariffs announced early April (implied April 1, 2025). Pre-orders delayed from April 9 to April 24. 90-day tariff pause.
Where: United States (for sales), Japan (Nintendo HQ), Vietnam (Switch manufacturing), China (previous Switch manufacturing).
Why: Nintendo aimed to launch its new console without price increases or delays, which were threatened by proposed US tariffs on imports from Japan and Vietnam.
How: Nintendo benefited from a 90-day tariff pause issued by the Trump administration. The company had also previously diversified its manufacturing from China to Vietnam to mitigate tariff risks.