Nintendo Switch 2 (5th June 2025)

[killthenet]

It's an insane move but one that I guess is understandable because of the chaos Trump has created these past two days. Nobody predicted 46% tariffs for Vietnam and Nintendo purposefully moved their manufacturing there to avoid future tariffs because Vietnam has historically had a good trading relationship with the US. If Nintendo can't negotiate an exemption with the US and just slap the 46% onto the sticker price then American consumers will be paying an extra $200 for a Switch 2. 

If they can't come to a separate arrangement for the gaming industry like they did in 2017 then I don't see how this doesn't impact prices elsewhere. The US is Nintendo's biggest market, they're not going to be happy charging $650 - $700 for the Switch 2

[Julius]

13 minutes ago, Dcubed said:

Oh shit...

Americans are about to get F'd in the A!

This will have a knock-on effect on the Switch 2's software support and worldwide sales too...

Get your preorders in now before Nintendo start subsidising the US tarrifs elsewhere!

I'd be shocked if Nintendo are going to take this out on the rest of the world by having us collectively subsidise tariffs in the US – at least at launch. I feel like they can paper over the cracks in the US somewhat for a limited time, but they'll face an unreal level of backlash if every market is made to pay in a similar fashion. 

I mean, the Switch 2 is going to sell out everywhere this year anyways; I think it's much more likely fewer shipments are allocated to the US for launch, with a number of shipments to be reallocated elsewhere. I think a pivot like this or something similar is their best bet, but it's Nintendo, goodness knows what they and other businesses are thinking right now. 

For some context for anyone a bit lost (as I am, so I'm reading up on it a bit), this got kicked off because of the 46% tariff applied to goods exported from Vietnam – where Nintendo have some of their production facilities. This still seems to be pending some additional tariff discussion of the trade of semiconductors, from what I understand; while Taiwan-produced semiconductors have been awarded an exemption from what I've read so far, China is another big player in the space, and they've already been hit hard by tariffs (and in fact have retaliated). 

What a silly, weak little man. This is going to impact everyone (beyond the reach of gaming and the Switch 2), but I'm gutted for people in the US in particular given all they've had to put up with politically. Well, and Vietnam and other countries too, honestly, who are having their markets toyed with by a cheeto-faced bully. 

[Dcubed]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/04/trump-presidency-news-tariffs/#link-3V3YGVBM4RDLZFH7L5Q374DFEY

There might still be hope for Switch 2's launch...

5 minutes ago, Julius said:

I'd be shocked if Nintendo are going to take this out on the rest of the world by having us collectively subsidise tariffs in the US – at least at launch. I feel like they can paper over the cracks in the US somewhat for a limited time, but they'll face an unreal level of backlash if every market is made to pay in a similar fashion. 

I mean, the Switch 2 is going to sell out everywhere this year anyways; I think it's much more likely fewer shipments are allocated to the US for launch, with a number of shipments to be reallocated elsewhere. I think a pivot like this or something similar is their best bet, but it's Nintendo, goodness knows what they and other businesses are thinking right now. 

For some context for anyone a bit lost (as I am, so I'm reading up on it a bit), this got kicked off because of the 46% tariff applied to goods exported from Vietnam – where Nintendo have some of their production facilities. This still seems to be pending some additional tariff discussion of the trade of semiconductors, from what I understand; while Taiwan-produced semiconductors have been awarded an exemption from what I've read so far, China is another big player in the space, and they've already been hit hard by tariffs (and in fact have retaliated). 

What a silly, weak little man. This is going to impact everyone (beyond the reach of gaming and the Switch 2), but I'm gutted for people in the US in particular given all they've had to put up with politically. Well, and Vietnam and other countries too, honestly, who are having their markets toyed with by a cheeto-faced bully. 

I think if Nintendo do end up raising the price, they'll do it in the US only; and slap a label on it showing how much of the cost was added on directly thanks to the tarrifs.

Region Locking might be on the cards for EU consoles though, in order to prevent American scalpers from buying up EU consoles for resale in the US... similar to what they're doing in Japan.

[Glen-i]

2 minutes ago, Dcubed said:

Region Locking might be on the cards for EU consoles though, in order to prevent American scalpers from buying up EU consoles for resale in the US... similar to what they're doing in Japan.

What? Are we gonna get a cheaper version that only has British English?

I'd pay for that.

[Julius]

No current plans to adjust the preorder process here in the UK, FYI - per Eurogamer. 

 

5 minutes ago, Dcubed said:

I think if Nintendo do end up raising the price, they'll do it in the US only; and slap a label on it showing how much of the cost was added on directly thanks to the tarrifs.

Region Locking might be on the cards for EU consoles though, in order to prevent American scalpers from buying up EU consoles for resale in the US... similar to what they're doing in Japan.

Oh, yeah, then I agree. I do think there's the potential for a price increase after launch in other territories, but that really depends on the impact of the tariffs, and I think being able to evidence some of its impacts. I think it just hurts them too much PR-wise to increase the costs everywhere all at once. 

The region locking thing really isn't a bad shout considering they're doing it in Japan anyways, honestly. I hope it doesn't have to come to that, though. 

[Will]

6 minutes ago, Glen-i said:

What? Are we gonna get a cheaper version that only has British English?

Definitely changing my preorder to this version.

[Dcubed]

6 minutes ago, Glen-i said:

What? Are we gonna get a cheaper version that only has British English?

I'd pay for that.

That'd be an upgrade in every sense lol.

[Julius]

9 minutes ago, Glen-i said:

What? Are we gonna get a cheaper version that only has British English?

I'd pay for that.

Hell, I'd pay more for that 

Edited Friday at 04:04 PM by Julius

[killthenet]

It'd be like if they released a Game Boy Colour exclusively in the UK

[Julius]

2 minutes ago, killthenet said:

It'd be like if they released a Game Boy Colour exclusively in the UK

What we thinking, British Racing Green? Or a gaudy colour way inspired by the Union Jack? 

[Dcubed]

One positive about the tarriffs is that it has already changed the narrative about the value of the console.  All of a sudden, people aren't calling the console overpriced at $450!

Truth be told, Nintendo are probably making a loss at that price point with the specs this thing is packing, but the peanut gallery sure changed their tune fast!

[Cube]

3 minutes ago, Dcubed said:

One positive about the tarriffs is that it has already changed the narrative about the value of the console.  All of a sudden, people aren't calling the console overpriced at $450!

Truth be told, Nintendo are probably making a loss at that price point with the specs this thing is packing, but the peanut gallery sure changed their tune fast!

I do think Nintendo were clever to announce the price just before the tariffs, as it makes it very clear that the higher price is Trump Tax.

[Dcubed]

3 minutes ago, Cube said:

I do think Nintendo were clever to announce the price just before the tariffs, as it makes it very clear that the higher price is Trump Tax.

I don't think they expected it TBH.  It was likely just dumb luck (left to heaven).

And truth be told, they could've avoided this issue alltogether if they hadn't have dragged out the Switch 1's lifecycle for so long.  Switch 2 really should've come out in 2023/2024, rather than letting Switch 1 start dying off and be left running on fumes.

Edited Friday at 04:51 PM by Dcubed

[MindFreak]

Just out in a pre-order for the bundle with Mario Kart World, a Pro Controller and a carrying case. But as I said before, June 5th is a bank holiday in Denmark and I am home alone with all my children so can't really get it on release day! 

[Glen-i]

It begins...

Suikoden I&II HD Remaster has been found listed on Play-asia as getting a "Physical" release for 35 US Dollars at the console's launch.

Now I say physical, but there's no mention on whether that's an actual physical release or one of those Game Key Cards. I'd be shocked if it's the former. It's also only on Play-Asia right now, so err on the side of caution there.

There's also this.

No release date or price for this one.

Neither of these games makes any mention on whether it'll be a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Like BotW), a free update for anyone who owns the Switch 1 version (Like Pokémon Scarlet), or a completely seperate release altogether.

Edited yesterday at 02:58 AM by Glen-i

[sumo73]

I was originally interested in the Switch 2 but now I've lost a lot of interest especially regarding some physical cartridges just being key holders for games that you need to download. I disliked this practice on the Xbox One and it's sad to see it moving everywhere now.

Was late to the Switch party but have bought quite a few games for it so am in no rush for the new system. It's not on my buying horizon for at least another year or so. Hopefully I see how the situation with the physical games holds up by then but I'm not optimistic.

 

[Glen-i]

9 minutes ago, sumo73 said:

I was originally interested in the Switch 2 but now I've lost a lot of interest especially regarding some physical cartridges just being key holders for games that you need to download. I disliked this practice on the Xbox One and it's sad to see it moving everywhere now.

Weirdly enough, this might actually be an improvement over the situation on Switch. At least with Switch 2's method you can resell it.
On Switch, it was just a download code. Quite a few third parties used those.

I don't believe Nintendo ever used them, though. Hopefully, the same will hold true here.

Edited 18 hours ago by Glen-i

[Hero-of-Time]

16 minutes ago, sumo73 said:

I was originally interested in the Switch 2 but now I've lost a lot of interest...

After this week, I have zero interest in the thing. Considering how long it's been in development there is a massive lack of compelling software at launch, with many of the games being available elsewhere for years. You've then got loads of games being rereleased or being upgraded for a cost. It speaks volumes that a Wii U game (BOTW) is being pushed as a big game for the console.

The whole industry just feels stagnated and ridiculously money driven to the point where I've lost a lot of love for the hobby over the past year or so. Sad times.

[sumo73]

32 minutes ago, Hero-of-Time said:

After this week, I have zero interest in the thing. Considering how long it's been in development there is a massive lack of compelling software at launch, with many of the games being available elsewhere for years. You've then got loads of games being rereleased or being upgraded for a cost. It speaks volumes that a Wii U game (BOTW) is being pushed as a big game for the console.

The whole industry just feels stagnated and ridiculously money driven to the point where I've lost a lot of love for the hobby over the past year or so. Sad times.

I'm surprised about the launch date which I thought would be a lot closer to Christmas/Holiday season unless Nintendo feels that this system will be a great Summer holiday seller while schools closed. Pushing it to a later date would allow for more games to be released for the system as well.

There feels some complacency with Nintendo regarding the Switch 2 overall. In the video I mentioned above, Nintendo charging more money for an upgrade to play a game that you already own while Microsoft gave that away for free Xbox 360 games on the Xbox One feels odd. I dislike the key holder cart thing as well but it's becoming more common place.

When the Wii U was released Nintendo were confident that the system would sell because the Wii sold so well. The company self reflected due to the Wii U and got it's edge back with the Switch because it had to succeed. Switch 2 seems a bit blunt.

Edited 18 hours ago by sumo73

[Cube]

Hopefully the customer support staff member is wrong, but according to them, the Switch 2 Edition games are just Switch 1 games with a download code for the upgrade.

[killthenet]

If that's the case then there's no point in buying the physical Switch 2 Edition - you're basically just getting worse box art for the 'convenience' of having a code. 

Would be better off just buying the upgrade pack on the eShop instead 

[Glen-i]

23 minutes ago, Cube said:

Hopefully the customer support staff member is wrong, but according to them, the Switch 2 Edition games are just Switch 1 games with a download code for the upgrade.

This seemed pretty clear to me, going by the (also ugly) small print at the bottom.

[Ike]

On 4/3/2025 at 5:15 PM, Ike said:

I don’t like that they’re putting Switch 1 carts in Switch 2 boxes and then requires a download. Just put everything on the cart!

 

I think @Dcubed’s attempt to get only complete physical versions is a bit of a losing battle at this rate.

[Dcubed]

52 minutes ago, Ike said:

 

I think @Dcubed’s attempt to get only complete physical versions is a bit of a losing battle at this rate.

Well at least it’ll be a guaranteed way to get the latest update on physical media!

Yeah, that’s a real shame.  Means that none of these Switch 2 patches will be getting preserved physically.

It also means that they won’t be able to take full advantage of the improved loading times either, since they won’t be getting printed on the new & fancy red cards… (I guess that also means that digital versions will have their load times throttled to match the physical Switch 1 card as well).

Hopefully they change their mind and some of these games end up getting proper native Switch 2 versions.

Edited 14 hours ago by Dcubed

[killthenet]

I do wonder if the PR person got confused though, we can't see in that screen grab what question they were asked - it's possible that they thought the question was about the Upgrade Pack cards which will seemingly be available in physical stores (like digital versions of games are at the moment) 

Hopefully that's the case and the physical release actually contains all the content but I won't be holding my breath on that