Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser said in April 2025 that the company was “actively assessing” the potential impact of newly announced U.S. tariffs. It was a statement that Nintendo was still evaluating the situation—not an announcement that Switch 2 prices would rise. Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders, kept the June 5 launch date, and later reopened preorders at the announced console price while raising prices on some accessories. The later tariff-refund lawsuits are a separate dispute, and they have not established that customers are owed refunds.
What did Nintendo mean by “actively assessing” tariffs?
On April 2, 2025, after new U.S. tariff announcements created uncertainty for electronics, Bowser told WIRED that circumstances had changed and Nintendo was assessing the potential impact. On April 7, he told GBH that the Switch 2 prices had been based on previous tariffs, which had not affected those prices. Nintendo was still evaluating the newly announced situation and had no new pricing announcement.
| # | 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 |
“More on that pricing, I should say, much like every other company, I think in the U.S. right now, we’re in the process of actively assessing what the impact may be, but we really have nothing further to announce in regards to pricing,” Bowser said on April 7, 2025. The phrase described an assessment in progress; it did not confirm a price increase or specify how much tariffs might add to Nintendo’s costs.
Why were Switch 2 preorders delayed?
Nintendo announced on April 4, 2025, that U.S. preorders would not begin on their planned April 9 date. Its statement, reproduced by GBH, said: “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions. Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
#1 Best Overall
- 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
The company therefore postponed the preorder date while keeping the public launch date in place. The statement cited both tariffs and evolving market conditions; it did not say that the launch itself was delayed.
Did tariffs make the Switch 2 more expensive?
When U.S. preorders reopened on April 24, 2025, WIRED reported that Nintendo kept the console at its announced launch price: $450 for the standalone system and $499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle. Bowser had earlier referred to the corresponding hardware prices as $449 and $499 in his April 7 interview. Those are contemporaneous reported figures, not current price guidance.
Nintendo did raise prices on several accessories when preorders reopened. WIRED reported the Switch 2 Pro Controller rising from $79.99 to $84.99 and Joy-Con 2 from $89.99 to $94.99. Nintendo said further adjustments could occur depending on market conditions. The reported price changes do not establish how much of any increase was caused by tariffs, or what portion of tariff costs was passed on to buyers.
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.***
Did Nintendo sue the U.S. government over tariffs?
Yes. The Court of International Trade docket records a Nintendo of America complaint against the U.S. government concerning duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), filed March 6, 2026. The docket also records a stay and later orders. A filing is not a final judgment: the available procedural record does not establish that Nintendo has received a final recovery. See the Court of International Trade docket.
Separately, the broader refund dispute remained unsettled. In August 2026, the Associated Press reported that the U.S. government was appealing a trade-court order concerning refund coverage for companies that paid IEEPA tariffs. That broader appeal does not decide the separate consumer case involving Nintendo.
Can Switch buyers get a tariff refund from Nintendo?
A proposed consumer class action filed in 2026 alleged that Nintendo’s tariff-related price increases and the possibility of government refunds could result in a double recovery. Those are plaintiffs’ allegations, not established findings. In a July 2026 motion seeking dismissal, Nintendo argued that customers who voluntarily bought products at advertised prices were not entitled to a later rebate. Nintendo’s filing said: “Plaintiffs are not entitled to a rebate simply because of intervening legal developments related to tariffs.” That is Nintendo’s argument, not a court ruling on whether buyers are entitled to money.
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.
Coverage of the case and Nintendo’s motion is available from Game File. The available reports do not establish a consumer refund entitlement or a final decision resolving the claims.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did Nintendo’s 2026 tariff-refund statement say?
Tom’s Hardware reported that Nintendo planned a Customer Appreciation Sale for September 13–26, 2026, and quoted a Nintendo U.S. website statement: “The Customer Appreciation Sale is our way of saying thank you to Nintendo players for their continued support and is made possible in part by tariff-related refunds.” The statement added: “While Nintendo absorbed most tariff-related costs, the refunds helped make promotions like this one possible.” The sale period has ended; the statement did not announce rebates to individual Switch buyers.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTom’s Hardware also reported that a 2026 earnings document recorded $300 million in tariff refunds. That figure is reported second-hand in the article and should not be taken as proof that Nintendo’s court case has concluded or that customers are owed a share. See Tom’s Hardware’s report.
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