Nintendo, one of the largest companies in the world in the video game industry, has postponed Switch 2 pre-sale, the sequence of its hybrid game console. The postponement is attributed to the impact of the new tariffs imposed by the US government, which directly affect the electronics industry.
The original Nintendo Switch, released over 8 years ago, was a resounding success in the game market. Now, with the launch of Switch 2 scheduled for June, the company faces challenges related to product pricing due to economic uncertainties.
Incremental Evolution of the Console
Marcelo Tripoli, an innovation analyst at CNN Brasil, points out that, for the first time, Nintendo chose not to revolutionize the player’s experience in the exchange of generation. “Who used Switch 1 won’t be surprised by Switch 2, will think it’s like an iPhone or a current mobile phone,” explains Tripoli.
The new console has incremental improvements, such as improved technical specifications, better screen and battery, maintaining the hybrid experience that allows you to play both mobility and connected to a TV.
Impact of rates on price
The price of Switch 2 was already expected to be higher than its predecessor, with initial estimates pointing to $ 450, compared to the $ 300 of the original switch release. However, recent changes in import tariffs can further increase this value.
Tripoli points out that the production and development chain of electronics is globally dispersed, making the impact of new tariffs inevitable. Nintendo, Japan, faces 24%fares, while China and Vietnam, other important production centers, face rates of 50%and 46%, respectively.
The situation puts Nintendo in a delicate position, considering that the switch has always been positioned as a more casual console, with games like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong, which do not require the same level of competitor graphics such as PlayStation and Xbox.
With the postponement of pre-sale and uncertainty about the final price, Nintendo fans who look forward to the launch of Switch 2 can face not only higher costs, but also the traditional initial scarcity that characterizes the company’s releases.
This content was originally published in CNN Innovation: Nintendo advance Switch 2 pre-sale; Understand reasons on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
