
Nintendo Vows to Make Switch 2 Accessible Despite Tariff Struggles
2025-05-16
Author: Nur
Nintendo is standing firm in its commitment to keep the upcoming Switch 2 console affordable, even amidst the unpredictable market conditions driven by U.S. tariffs.
In a recent discussion with IGN, Doug Bowser, the president of Nintendo of America, reassured fans that the Switch 2 will maintain its price point of £499.99/$499.99/£395.99, despite potential financial hurdles.
"It was crucial for us to establish this price, particularly after the tariff announcements, to ensure consumers can confidently purchase on launch day," Bowser stated.
The market landscape is ever-changing, and Bowser noted the challenges ahead. However, he reiterated Nintendo's unwavering commitment to adapt and make their products, including the Switch 2, as widely available as possible.
Looking ahead, Nintendo anticipates selling 15 million units of the Switch 2 in fiscal year 2026. Bowser is optimistic about meeting consumer demand in the U.S., explaining that their forecast aligns with the successful rollout timing they achieved with the original Switch.
"We believe our production capabilities will be sufficient to satisfy gamers during the holiday season and beyond," he added.
The excitement around the Switch 2 is palpable, especially with pre-orders indicating a strong early demand.
Bowser also addressed concerns about the $80 price tag for the flagship game, Mario Kart World. While some fans expressed reluctance about this pricing, Bowser explained that Nintendo carefully considers the value of the gaming experience before setting prices.
"We assess the content, the gameplay duration, and various other factors to establish fair pricing. We believe the cost for Mario Kart World reflects its worth, though there are different pricing strategies for other titles, like Donkey Kong Bananza, which will debut at $69.99."
Despite the rise of digital alternatives, Bowser affirmed that physical games remain a significant part of Nintendo's business strategy. He discussed the introduction of game-key cards—cartridges that contain a license key instead of actual software—as a way to foster a rich and extensive game library for the Switch 2.
"Our objective with the Switch 2 is to provide an expansive and immersive game library, making sure our publishing partners can introduce captivating content to players," Bowser concluded.