Nintendo’s April 2025 comments were about how it set the Switch 2’s original U.S. price, not a promise that tariffs would never affect prices. The console launched at a U.S. MSRP of $449.99; Nintendo later raised that MSRP to $499.99 effective September 1, 2026. Nintendo cited a changed market environment for the revision, but its public notices do not establish tariffs as the sole cause.
What Nintendo said about tariffs in April 2025
When Nintendo announced Switch 2 pricing on April 2, 2025, its original U.S. system MSRP was $449.99. Five days later, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser told The Verge that prior tariffs had not been factored into that original price. He also said Nintendo was still assessing the impact of newly announced tariffs: “The news is fresh, and like many companies right now, we are actively assessing what the impact may be.” (The Verge, April 7, 2025)
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
That distinction matters: Bowser was describing the original U.S. pricing decision and an ongoing assessment. He was not saying tariffs could never affect Nintendo’s costs or future prices.
What Nintendo’s tariff forecast said
In its May 9, 2025 financial briefing, Nintendo said its fiscal 2026 forecast used tariff rates effective April 10, 2025. The company anticipated a negative profit impact of “several tens of billions of yen” for the fiscal year ending March 2026. That was a forecast, not a reported final cost. Nintendo also said that if its tariff assumptions changed, it would consider appropriate price adjustments alongside factors such as market conditions. (Nintendo FY2025 financial results briefing, May 9, 2025)
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Did Nintendo raise the Switch 2 price?
Yes. Nintendo of America announced that the U.S. system MSRP would rise from $449.99 to $499.99, effective September 1, 2026. The $50 increase is about 11.1% of the original MSRP. Nintendo’s notice attributes the revision to changes in the market environment expected to continue over the medium to long term. (Nintendo of America’s U.S. price notice)
Nintendo’s May 2026 regional notice also announced revisions outside the U.S. The Japan-only Japanese-language system became ¥59,980 effective May 25, 2026; Nintendo separately listed U.S. and European price revisions for September 1. These are distinct regional prices and systems, not interchangeable versions of one global MSRP. (Nintendo’s May 8, 2026 regional price notice)
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Are tariffs the reason for the 2026 increase?
The available official notices do not identify tariffs as the sole cause of the U.S. increase. They support a narrower conclusion: Nintendo said earlier tariffs were not included in the original U.S. price-setting decision, later forecast a negative tariff impact on profit, and eventually raised the U.S. MSRP while citing a changed market environment. The documents do not provide a cost breakdown or an independent calculation of how much, if any, of the $50 increase represents tariff pass-through.
So the two statements are not contradictory. The 2025 comment concerned the basis for the original $449.99 price; the 2026 change was a later decision made amid a changed market environment. The evidence shows that Nintendo anticipated tariff-related pressure, but it does not establish that tariffs alone explain the revised price.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
