Japan's Nintendo fans test Switch 2 ahead of launch amid tariff worries
An attendee plays with the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming device at a media event in Tokyo on April 3. PHOTO: REUTERS
CHIBA, Japan - Nintendo fans were given a chance to try out the company's new Switch 2 gaming device at an event near Tokyo on April 26, ahead of a release that some worry could be overshadowed by tariffs driving up prices.
'Since Mr Trump became president, tariffs have gone up, so I am concerned about a price hike not just for the game console but for accessories too,' said Mr Hidenori Tanaka, 55, a real estate company employee, who attended the event.
Consumers around the world could face higher prices for electronic devices as tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump's administration on trading partners, including China, raise costs for companies operating global supply chains.
While Mr Trump has rolled back some tariffs, the threat of a damaging trade war still looms.
Gamers at the pre-launch event began lining up outside the Makuhari Messe convention centre near Tokyo from mid-morning to play Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and other titles on the Switch 2.
An attendee plays Mario Kart World by Nintendo Switch 2 during the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience at the ExCeL London international exhibition and convention centre in London on April 11.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Despite the possibility of higher prices, there are early indicators of robust consumer demand for the successor to the Switch, which has sold more than 150 million units since 2017 and transformed Nintendo's fortunes.
The Kyoto-based gaming company said on April 23 it had received 2.2 million applications in the lottery for Switch 2 in Japan and could not fulfil all the demand.
'Honestly, I didn't think I had a shot. Everyone on social media was saying they missed out, so I figured I would too,' said Mr Hyuma Hashiguchi, 28, who won the lottery to be among the first to buy the Switch 2.
Nintendo is holding hands-on events around the world including in New York, Berlin and Hong Kong.
The Switch 2 will sell for 49,980 yen (S$460) for a Japanese-language-only version. In the US, Nintendo initially paused pre-orders due to tariff concerns but later said it would maintain pricing at US$449.99 (S$590). REUTERS
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