Nintendo Fans in Japan Test Switch 2 Ahead of Launch Amid Tariff Concerns

Nintendo fans in Japan got an early look at the new Switch 2 gaming device during a special event near Tokyo on Saturday, even as concerns about potential price hikes due to tariffs linger.

Credit: NINTENDO

Gamers lined up from mid-morning outside the Makuhari Messe convention centre to try out titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza on the Switch 2.

The event comes amid fears that tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration could drive up prices for electronic devices globally. Although some tariffs have been rolled back, the threat of a trade war continues to worry consumers.

"Since Mr. Trump became president tariffs have gone up, so I am concerned about a price hike not just for the game console but for accessories too," said Hidenori Tanaka, 55, a real estate company employee who attended the event.

Despite these concerns, early signs point to strong demand for the Switch 2, the successor to the original Switch, which has sold more than 150 million units since its 2017 launch.

Nintendo, based in Kyoto, announced it had received 2.2 million applications for the Switch 2 lottery in Japan, far exceeding available units.

"Honestly, I didn't think I had a shot. Everyone on social media was saying they missed out, so I figured I would too," said Hyuma Hashiguchi, 28, who won the lottery to be among the first to buy the Switch 2.

Nintendo is hosting hands-on events worldwide, including in New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong.

The Switch 2 will retail for 49,980 yen (USD 350) for a Japanese-language-only version. In the United States, Nintendo initially paused pre-orders due to tariff concerns but later confirmed it would maintain pricing at USD 449.99.

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• Nintendo fans tested the Switch 2 at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo

• Concerns about tariffs raising prices persist among consumers

• Nintendo received 2.2 million lottery applications for the Switch 2 in Japan

Source: REUTERS