With the on-again, off-again trade war on the horizon, games and tech heads were worried about the rise in cost of computers, phones, and more. However, in a notice published late Friday evening, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that smartphones, computers, other tech devices, and components will be exempt from tariffs. The other electronic devices also include flat panel TV displays, flash drives, memory cards, and solar cells. However, we do not see any mention of video game consoles. Gamers, like me, are still worried that the price of Nintendo's Switch 2 could go up.
Like smartphones and computers, the bulk of video game console manufacturing takes place in China, Vietnam, and other countries affected by the tariffs. President Trump placed larger tariffs on the likes of China, Vietnam, and Japan in the amounts of 54%, 46%, and 24%, respectively.
Nintendo imports mostly come from Vietnam and Cambodia, with a 46% tariff; we could see that effect on the price of the Switch 2. This comes after Nintendo moved most of the Switch 2's production to Vietnam to avoid the potential tariffs. The result of this was Nintendo delaying the Switch 2 preorders in the U.S., announced on April 4th. They have since announced that preorders will start on May 8th.
We still do not know if Nintendo will increase the price of the Switch 2. In a report from Bloomberg, they believe that with President Trump pausing the tariff hike, Nintendo will keep the Switch 2 listed at $450.00. At least until the 46% tariff goes into effect. The ESA (Entertainment Software Association) warned that these trade tariffs "are going to have a real and detrimental impact" on the games industry.
As of right now, video game consoles are not going to be exempt from tariffs. Over the past couple of years, we have been fearful and pushing back on the rising price of games, but now we must worry about consoles and gaming-related accessories too. Not sure how things will end, but gaming looks to become a more expensive hobby.
Make sure you stay tuned in for all your gaming news at GamerSocialClub.ca.
