Japanese gaming enthusiasts got their first hands-on experience with Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 console during a special preview event near Tokyo on Saturday, though excitement was tempered by concerns over potential price increases due to international trade tensions.
The preview event drew Nintendo fans eager to test the next generation of the popular gaming system. However, some attendees expressed worries about how U.S. tariffs could impact the final retail price of the console and its accessories when it launches.
"I'm worried about price increases not just for the console but for accessories too, especially given how tariffs have risen," said Hidenori Tanaka, 55, who works in real estate and attended the preview session.
The potential for higher consumer electronics prices due to trade policies has created uncertainty around the launch. Industry observers note that gaming hardware manufacturers may need to adjust their pricing strategies if additional tariffs are implemented.
Nintendo has not yet announced official pricing or a release date for the Switch 2. The original Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, became one of the company's most successful gaming platforms, selling over 122 million units worldwide.
The preview event offered Japanese consumers a rare early look at the next evolution of Nintendo's hybrid home/portable gaming system, though specific details about the console's technical capabilities remain under wraps.
With global trade tensions continuing to affect consumer electronics supply chains and pricing, Nintendo fans are watching closely to see how the company will position its next major gaming hardware release in an increasingly complex international market.