US Trade Organization Sounds Alarm on Potential Price Hike for Video Game Consoles Under Proposed Trump Tariffs

A recent report update from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) indicates that the cost of importing technological products into the US may increase by a range of 24% to 69.4%, with the higher figure specifically anticipated for video game consoles should the Trump administration's tariffs be implemented as proposed. As reported by Tom’s Hardware, the study, conducted by the Trade Partnership Worldwide, suggests that video game consoles, 87% of which are imported from China and subject to a 145% tariff, would be the most severely affected among all technological goods if the currently paused tariffs proceed at their current rates. If these tariffs go into effect, estimates suggest that the US economy would lose approximately $10.4 billion annually from the video game console market alone. Analysts predict that console prices in the US could surge by around $428, leading to a 71% decline in imports and a 73% reduction in consumer spending, equivalent to about $12 billion. The evolving situation surrounding US President Donald Trump's 'reciprocal' tariffs on imported goods led to a delay in Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the US, although the console's launch date remains unchanged. Prior to the tariff controversy, analysts discussed with GamesIndustry.biz the factors contributing to the high prices of the Switch 2, including inflation. Nintendo recently released its financial results for the full year, reporting a decline in net sales and profits as it prepares for the Switch 2's release next month. The company anticipates selling 15 million units of hardware and 45 million units of software for the new console. In Japan, 2.2 million people have already applied for Switch 2 pre-orders.