Tokyo, August 2, 2025 — Japanese gaming giant Nintendo has announced that it will raise the retail prices of its original Nintendo Switch consoles and select accessories beginning August 3. The company cited “market conditions” as the primary reason behind the move, though it did not provide specific details.
Industry analysts believe the decision is linked to recent changes in U.S. trade policy, particularly the expansion of tariffs on electronics and other consumer goods imported from Vietnam. Vietnam has served as a key manufacturing hub for Nintendo since the company shifted operations from China during the previous round of U.S. tariffs under former President Donald Trump.
Which Products Are Affected?
The upcoming price adjustments will apply to:
- The standard Nintendo Switch (currently priced at $299.99)
- The Nintendo Switch Lite ($199.99)
- The Nintendo Switch OLED model ($349.99)
- Select accessories, including amiibo figurines and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo
Nintendo has not yet disclosed the exact revised prices for these items.
Background on Tariff Impact
Nintendo moved a significant portion of its console production from China to Vietnam in recent years to avoid the financial impact of earlier U.S. tariffs. However, recent updates to U.S. trade policy now include tariffs on a broader range of Vietnamese exports, including consumer electronics. This shift has narrowed Nintendo’s options and increased production costs.
The new tariffs were part of a broader trade revision announced earlier this week, targeting goods manufactured in Vietnam—a country that has rapidly grown into a major electronics exporter.
No Price Change for Switch 2 — Yet
The price of Nintendo’s newest console, the Switch 2, will remain unchanged for now. Launched on June 5 at $450, the device has already seen strong early sales. In a statement released Friday, the company said:
“Pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, physical and digital Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games, as well as Nintendo Switch Online memberships, will remain unchanged at this time. However, please note that price adjustments may be necessary in the future.”
Strong Demand Despite Economic Pressures
Nintendo reported solid performance for the first quarter, selling 5.82 million units of the Switch 2 since its launch. Despite rising production and shipping costs, demand for gaming consoles remains high, driven by increased interest in digital gaming and the popularity of exclusive game titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Time and Metroid Resurgence.
Impact on Gamers and Global Retail Markets
The price hike is expected to influence both consumer behavior and retail strategies:
- Gamers in the United States and Europe may consider upgrading to the Switch 2 sooner than planned.
- Retailers may introduce promotional offers or bundle deals to move older stock ahead of the price increase.
- In smaller markets like Pakistan, where Nintendo products are imported through third parties, prices are also expected to rise in line with global supply chain shifts.
Expert Commentary
Masayuki Ota, a Tokyo-based gaming industry analyst, commented on the announcement:
“Given the increasing trade pressures and inflation in key markets, Nintendo’s decision to raise prices is more of a necessity than a choice. The real question is how long they can keep Switch 2 pricing stable without affecting profitability.”
Historically, Nintendo has resisted raising prices, instead focusing on long-term hardware value and strong game sales. This recent move, however, may indicate a strategic shift in response to a more volatile global trade environment.
