Fears are growing among gamers that the cost of the Nintendo Switch 2 could rise to an eye-watering price.
This is due to the new tariffs put in place by President Donald Trump, which he announced at the White House yesterday (April 2).
On that same day, Nintendo unveiled a closer look at its highly anticipated Switch 2 that is due to be released later this year.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be released on June 5th (CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
After much anticipation, the console will finally be available to purchase on June 5th for the price of $449.99.
The original Switch, which was first released back in 2017, launched at $299.99 and remained at that price for years.
However, things could have changed for the second version of the Switch after Trump spoke to the press at the White House Rose Garden.
There, he announced an extensive series of tariffs impacting countries around the world and, unfortunately for Nintendo, this includes countries where it builds its consoles.
Now, gamers are worried that these tariffs, which are up to 49%, could end up hitting consumers’ pockets in the US.
Due to this, some people have raised concerns that the Switch 2 could end up costing buyers upwards of $550.
Gamers fear that Trump’s tariffs could impact the price of the Switch 2 (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
On Reddit, one user wrote: “Not trying to get political but I thought it was important to the price discussion. Some insiders are saying the new tariffs could push the price upwards of 550 dollars.
“Switches are primarily made in China, which now has a 51% tariff and Vietnam, which has a 46% tariff.”
This prompted a response from another user, who said: “$550, instead of playing games I’ll be forced to watch a YouTube ‘let’s play’ for free then.”
A third commented: “I do recall Nintendo saying some months ago that they were ‘preparing for tariffs’, so these prices might just be some early foresight by Nintendo, and it’s affecting other countries since of course Nintendo is not gonna make stuff cheaper in the UK compared to the US.”
Another user agreed, writing: “It’s much easier to announce a high price at launch vs telling us a price and then saying, oops nevermind it’s gonna be $600. I think the current $450 price tag is the inflated price because of the tariffs.”
Time will tell whether Nintendo do change the pricing for the Switch 2 and, of course, there’s every chance that these tariffs could be delayed or altered before they impact the new console.
Featured Image Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Nintendo fans fear major problem could return in Switch 2
Things might be drifting in the wrong direction
The Nintendo Switch is undoubtedly one of the most successful game consoles ever released, yet if you ask most people who own it they’re almost guaranteed to point out the exact same flaw.
By far the biggest selling point of the Switch compared to its PlayStation and Xbox rivals is its portability, as you’re able to play it equally handheld wherever you want or docked up to your living room TV.
Key to this is the detachable joycon controllers on either side of the screen, as you’re able to use them to control your games on the go or clip them off to allow you to play away from the console itself.
While some didn’t love their small size, by far the biggest problem they consistently fell victim to was what’s known as ‘stick drift’ – where the analog joystick on either controller starts to have a ‘mind of its own’.
You’ll know that you have stick drift when your movement or camera control starts veering in an unintended direction, and the design of the Switch’s joycons means that it’s a matter of ‘when’ you’ll encounter it instead of ‘if’.
Nintendo fans have revealed their concerns surrounding a lack of fixes when it comes to stick drift (Nintendo)
Getting stick drift makes playing games incredibly challenging, and you’ll likely have to fork out another $70 for a new set of replacement joycons – which then are also equally at risk of developing drift over time.
Many Nintendo fans have been eagerly anticipating the full reveal of the Switch 2 then, as there’s somewhat of an expectation that the stick drift issue will be resolved in the upcoming console, but radio silence has began to worry many.
Despite going over the increased size, new buttons, and mouse capabilities of the Switch 2 joycons, there wasn’t a single mention of improvements to the joysticks in order to combat drift.
My first question to ask the Switch 2 devs will definitely be HOW improved are the joysticks. I get they’re larger but I want to know if they’ve made them more durable because Joycon Drift whether you like it or not was a significant problem with the original.
“My first question to ask the Switch 2 devs will definitely be HOW improved are the joysticks,” writes one concerned fan on X. “I get they’re larger but I want to know if they’ve made them more durable because joycon drift whether you like it or not was a significant problem with the original.
“Nintendo, if the Switch 2 joycons also have drift problems count your f***ing days cause these motherf***ers are about to be $100,” adds another.
It’s certainly not a problem that’s exclusive to Nintendo, as official controllers from both PlayStation and Xbox are also prone to experiencing stick drift, but it has become somewhat of a defining feature of the last console generation for the Switch, and many are disappointed to not see a focus placed on amending the long-standing issue.
Featured Image Credit: Nintendo
Nintendo boss makes shock announcement on original Switch as fans speculate price drop
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch later this year
The boss of Nintendo has made a shocking announcement about the original Switch.
This comes as fans have been speculating over the console’s price drop.
The gaming company also revealed that there are different factors that are currently being considered as it is yet to unveil the price of the Switch 2.
Gamers are hoping to get a closer look at the new console today (John Keeble/Getty Images)
Although, rumors flying around social media have suggested that the anticipated console could be sold for $400.
Now, Nintendo boss Shuntaro Furukawa has spoken about the plans for the Switch 2 as well as making a surprise announcement about the original Switch.
Furukawa said: “We are aware that, in addition to how inflation is currently proceeding, the exchange rate environment has also changed significantly since around the time we launched Nintendo Switch in 2017.
“We also need to consider the price range that consumers expect for Nintendo products. We think a multifaceted consideration of these factors is needed when deciding on the price of a product. I cannot tell you a specific price for Nintendo Switch 2 at this time, but we are taking various factors into account.”
The first Nintendo Switch launched with a price of $299.99 and it remained at that price for years.
Eight years later, competitors have increased the price of their latest gaming consoles along with inflation and increased costs.
The Switch 2 is expected to be launched later this year (PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)
This has led analysts to predict that the new Switch will be priced at $400.
Other consoles from the gaming giant include the Nintendo Switch OLED model, which is $350, and the Nintendo Switch Lite which goes for $200.
The actual features and specs of the Switch 2 are yet to be revealed by the company but a closer look at it is expected to be revealed today (April 2).
This is expected to take place during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, set for 6am PT (9am ET).
It’s hoped that this will also give fans a look at the lineup of games that will be available on the console as well as a release date.
There are also a lot of unanswered questions about the console’s features, including its new Joy-Con button.
It’s currently thought that the Switch 2 will drop at some point between June and September this year.
While there isn’t much known about the upcoming console, Furukawa did confirm something about the original.
The Nintendo boss stated that the company has no plans to change the price of the first Switch, so gamers can expect little change there.
Featured Image Credit: PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
Nintendo officially confirm release date for Switch 2
You’d better start saving
Eight years after the Nintendo Switch blew us all away and redeemed the gaming giant from the failures of the Wii U, the Switch 2 is finally here. Although critics have called out the next console for an apparent lack of innovation, the House that Mario Built is here to prove it’ll be worth the money.
Rumors of a supposed Switch Pro never came true, but instead, we’re getting something better in the form of the Switch 2. Following a January 16 reveal, we were promised the Switch 2 would be out before the end of 2025.
All Together, Anytime, Anywhere. The #NintendoSwitch2 system launches on June 5, 2025! #NintendoDirect
Now, Nintendo‘s April 2 Switch 2 Direct gave us a full hour of Nintendo Switch 2 news and confirmed the console is launching on June 5. Boasting 256GB of storage (eight times more than the OG Switch), there’s also a 7.9 inch display, a new mouse feature, and 4K support for selected games.
All we need now is a price tag so we know how much we’ll be forced to pay.
With GTA 6 (supposedly) also coming before the end of the year, gaming fans are eating well in 2025. Our poor wallets.
Featured Image Credit: Nintendo
PlayStation fans furious over major Nintendo Switch 2 game announcement
Now we’re going to have to buy a Switch 2
Nintendo promised us something big from its April 2 Switch 2 Direct, and safe to say, it didn’t disappoint. Giving us a closer look at Mario Karl World, there was also an announcement of Donkey Kong Bananza, the Final Fantasy 7 remake coming to the Switch 2, enhanced versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and more.
Although we didn’t get that all-important price tag, at least we know the Switch 2 release date, giving us until June 5 to save up. There was lots to love during this extended showcase on the Switch 2, but it seems some of you aren’t happy.
Just when we thought the console wars had died down, FromSoftware is here to reignite them. This time, it’s not Sony versus Microsoft, with it looking like a battle between PlayStation and Nintendo.
Known for its work on the Demon’s Souls and Armored Core games, FromSoftware recently made a gargantuan return to form when it released its biggest game ever in the form of Elden Ring in 2022. We’re already worried that the long-awaited arrival of Elden Ring on Switch 2 will melt our consoles, but giving us something we never expected, there was also the announcement of a brand-new FromSoftware game.
Bloodborne fans aren’t happy (FromSoftware)
For many, 2015’s Bloodborne is more than just one of the best PlayStation exclusives of all time, with many praising this gothic trip to Yharnam as one of the best games of all time. This means that whenever a new FromSoft game is announced, gamers are right to get their hopes up.
Sending the internet into a frenzy, The Duskbloods is coming as a Switch 2-exclusive. Just in case you weren’t already thinking of buying Nintendo’s next-gen console, the idea of a FromSoftware-exclusive title is sure to get gamers busting out their wallets.
Looking like a spiritual successor to Bloodborne, The Duskbloods is coming at some point in 2026 and is sure to be one of the year’s most anticipated games.
Considering those constant rumors of a Bloodborne remaster, remake, or sequel break the internet every time there’s a PlayStation showcase, the idea that Nintendo fans are getting their own Bloodborne-inspired romp while PlayStation owners are left out in the cold is a cause for contention.
X was full of disgruntled Sony Ponies, with one angry gamer raging: “Bloodborne being PlayStation exclusive and Duskbloods being Switch exclusive is one of the worst things to ever happen to me ever.”
Fromsoft just dropped a trailer for a Bloodborne spiritual successor coming exclusively to the Switch 2 😂 Playstation seeing all the hype and money Nintendo just took from them:
DUSKBLOODS LEGIT LOOKS LIKE BLOODBORNE 2 INSIDE OF ELDEN RING HOW DID FROMSOFT JUST DROP THIS OUT OF NOWHERE OH MY GOD pic.x.com/cxbapVOecN
Another added: “FromSoft announcing their Bloodborne spiritual successor during the Nintendo Direct and not a PlayStation presentation is f**king crazy.”
A third grumbled: “A Bloodborne spiritual sequel as exclusive (from a company that’s Sony’s partner!) Sony should just shut down the entirety of PlayStation after GTA VI, Switch 2 made the entire point of PS5’s existence pointless 😂.”
Looking at the bigger picture, someone else concluded: “Chances of a Bloodborne sequel turning up on PlayStation just vanished lol.” With FromSoft finding a new Bloodborne-esque home on the Switch 2, it definitely suggests that the 2015 legend will be left to gather dust on PlayStation.
While Nintendo fans are undoubtedly winning with this one, some PlayStation owners are out for blood(borne).
