Nintendo’s Switch 2: $450 Launch Price Likely to Stick Despite Tariffs, Analyst Predicts

Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 may be facing challenges from new U.S. trade tariffs, but one analyst believes the company will hold firm on its $450 launch price despite these pressures. And even with a lowered sales forecast, the Switch 2 is still set to become the fastest-selling gaming console in history.

Following the announcement of hefty new U.S. tariffs, which hit products from key manufacturing regions like Japan, there was speculation that Nintendo might raise the price of its highly anticipated Switch 2. However, David Cole, founder of DFC Intelligence, isn’t convinced that will happen. He told Eurogamer that Nintendo is likely to stick to the original $450 price, even with the looming tariff threat. According to Cole, the $450 figure was already set with the potential for tariffs in mind, making a price hike unlikely at launch.

While Nintendo may not raise prices initially, the tariffs—especially a 24% levy on Japanese goods—could force the company to increase prices down the line. DFC Intelligence revised its 2025 sales forecast for the Switch 2 from 17 million units to 15 million. The reason? A potential 20% price increase over the next couple of years. Higher prices could deter some buyers, with many likely to delay their purchases until the price drops.

Cole points out that Nintendo is known for being conservative with production. The company could hold back on early shipments to avoid creating surplus inventory if demand doesn’t match expectations. “They may take a wait-and-see approach given the uncertainty around tariffs and supply chain issues,” Cole adds.

Even with a revised forecast, DFC predicts the Switch 2 will smash sales records. Shifting 15 million units in 2025 would still make it the fastest-selling gaming console of all time, surpassing the success of its predecessor, the original Nintendo Switch. And there’s more to come. As the console matures, DFC sees an enormous potential for long-term sales, particularly with the Switch 2’s expanded appeal.

The firm highlights that the Switch 2’s focus on capturing new consumer segments—beyond just hardcore Nintendo fans—could push it into more competitive territory with Sony and Microsoft. “This shift in strategy could be transformative for the gaming industry,” says DFC. Nintendo, once seen as operating in a niche market, is now poised to engage with a broader audience and become a serious contender across various gaming genres.

Despite the ongoing tariff issues and the delay of U.S. preorders, the Switch 2 is still on track for its global launch on June 5. However, Nintendo has indefinitely delayed U.S. preorders, with a ripple effect in Canada as the company seeks to align both regions’ preorder schedules.

Nintendo isn’t the only company feeling the effects of the Trump-era tariffs. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) warned earlier this month that the tariffs would “have a real and detrimental impact” on the video games industry overall. As tariffs continue to hit manufacturers, the entire gaming ecosystem could face higher costs and delays, making the Switch 2’s launch an even more high-stakes moment in the industry.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, Nintendo’s Switch 2 is gearing up to make history with its debut. Whether it faces price hikes down the line or not, the console’s innovative design and expanded audience could make it a true game-changer for the industry.