By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
As the June 5, 2025, launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches, Japanese gamers are getting an early look at the highly anticipated console. A pre-launch event at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo allowed fans to test games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza. While excitement is palpable, concerns over potential price increases due to U.S. tariffs loom large.
High Demand and Limited Availability
The demand for the Switch 2 in Japan has been overwhelming. Over 2.2 million people entered Nintendo’s preorder lottery, far exceeding expectations. In response, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa issued an apology, acknowledging that supply would likely not meet demand by launch day. To manage this, Nintendo has implemented a lottery system for preorders, with no guarantee of availability or delivery by June 5. Additionally, the company has restricted overseas credit card payments on its Japanese eShop to prevent scalping and ensure fair access for domestic consumers .AUTOMATON+8MarketWatch+8Laptop Mag+8AUTOMATON
Tariff Concerns Affecting Pricing
While the Switch 2 is priced at ¥49,980 (approximately $350) in Japan, U.S. consumers face a higher price point of $449.99. This disparity is partly due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods, which have increased costs for electronics imported into the U.S. In anticipation of these tariffs, Nintendo has diversified its manufacturing to countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, reducing reliance on China and mitigating potential cost increases .
Features and Expectations
The Switch 2 boasts significant upgrades over its predecessor. It features a 7.9-inch 1080p touchscreen, enhanced graphics processing, improved battery life, and a region-lock-free version available through Nintendo’s online store. New functionalities include detachable controllers that can be used as a desktop computer mouse and a “GameShare” feature allowing users to share games with friends for temporary play .
Global Launch and Retail Challenges
The global launch of the Switch 2 has been met with technical difficulties, including website crashes and long virtual queues at major retailers like GameStop, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart. Scalpers have also taken advantage of the situation, reselling units at inflated prices between $700 and $800 on platforms like eBay . Nintendo has responded by offering limited preorders through its official store to subscribers with 12 months of paid Nintendo Switch Online membership and 50+ gameplay hours, though delivery by launch day cannot be guaranteed .
Conclusion
The anticipation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is a testament to its potential impact on the gaming industry. While technical challenges and tariff-related price disparities present hurdles, Nintendo’s strategic adjustments aim to ensure a successful launch. As the release date approaches, both excitement and apprehension continue to build among fans and industry observers alike.