There was no increase in the price of Nintendo Switch 2 despite Trump tariffs

Nintendo has officially introduced the next generation of its hybrid gaming console, the Switch 2. Maintaining the versatility of its predecessor, the new model continues to support handheld, tabletop, and docked gameplay. The Switch 2 has a larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, a unique Nvidia engine, and a huge 256GB of internal storage. It also brings redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers into the mix and promises enhanced visual quality, smoother gaming performance, and extensive compatibility with previous Nintendo Switch games.

While the console has launched in the United States to significant fanfare, including long lines reported outside stores by Reuters, there is still no official confirmation on its release in India. The global launch has raised concerns about a potential shortage, with strong demand already evident in key markets. Backward compatibility remains a standout feature, ensuring that a vast library of existing Nintendo Switch games can be played on the new device.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled on April 4 with a starting price of $449. Not long after the announcement, U.S. President President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on many countries. Given that Nintendo manufactures the Switch 2 in China and Vietnam, there were expectations that these tariffs would drive up the price of the console in the U.S. market. However, Nintendo stayed firm on the initially announced price, ensuring that consumers did not face an increase despite the trade-related concerns.

The new console has a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 1920×1080, HDR10 compatibility, and a configurable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.  It has a custom NVIDIA CPU and can expand storage with up to 2TB microSD Express cards. On the audio front, the device supports 5.1-channel linear PCM through HDMI in TV mode, delivers stereo sound via built-in speakers, and includes a monaural microphone that features noise and echo cancellation along with automatic gain control. Future system updates are expected to enable surround effects through speakers and headphones.

The Switch 2 is powered by a 5220mAh lithium-ion battery, delivering between 2 and 6.5 hours of gameplay depending on the intensity of use. Charging the device while in Sleep mode takes approximately three hours. The console is compatible with wired LAN, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 6 while the dock is in TV mode.  It supports up to 120 frames per second at 1080p or 1440p and can display pictures up to 4K resolution at 60fps when docked. Handheld and tabletop usage are limited to 1080p output. The hardware also includes two USB-C ports located on the top and bottom, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and supports both original Switch and Switch 2 game cartridges. The Joy-Con 2 controllers are enhanced with motion sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, and a mouse sensor, while the main console itself features a brightness sensor alongside traditional power and volume controls. The device’s overall dimensions, including the Joy-Con 2 attached, are approximately 4.5 by 10.7 by 0.55 inches.