U.S. gamers have been riding an emotional rollercoaster this week. The thrilling full reveal of Nintendo Switch 2's specs and game lineup quickly turned sour with news of its $450 price tag and $80 Mario Kart Tour edition, only to hit another loop-de-loop as Nintendo halted pre-orders following the Trump administration's sweeping global tariffs.

We've already explored the Switch 2's baseline pricing and industry-wide tariff impacts. But the burning question remains: what's Nintendo's next move? When pre-orders eventually open, will we see even steeper prices?

Analysts Divided in Uncertain Times

Normally when gaming headlines break, analysts offer clear projections. Not this time. Every expert I consulted admitted complete uncertainty - a first in my reporting career. Some ventured guesses between disclaimers about the unprecedented situation, but all emphasized we're in uncharted waters.

The Case for Higher Prices

Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games initially thought Nintendo locked in pricing, but now believes hikes are inevitable: "Would $500 surprise me now? Not at all. Nintendo likely needs days to calculate before announcing increases across hardware, games and accessories."

Circana's Mat Piscatella notes manufacturers everywhere are reevaluating U.S. pricing, saying "The chaotic tariff rollout caught everyone off guard. We may see the U.S. joining regions with historically higher game pricing."

Newzoo's Manu Rosier predicts hardware will bear the brunt: "Companies won't absorb 20% tariffs into margins. Consumers will pay, though digital games may avoid the worst impacts."

The Case for Holding Firm

NYU's Joost van Dreunen believes Nintendo priced in geopolitical risks: "$450 likely already accounts for expected turbulence, though Vietnam tariffs introduce new uncertainty." He thinks Nintendo will fight to maintain pricing but acknowledges everything's fluid.

Ampere's Piers Harding-Rolls warns of consumer backlash: "Nintendo risks alienating casual buyers if they adjust prices post-announcement, potentially hurting crucial holiday sales."

The Bigger Picture

Alinea Analytics' Rhys Elliott paints a grim broader portrait: "These tariffs create a weaker economy where consumers ultimately pay. Manufacturers can't just relocate supply chains overnight - we're dealing with unstable, reactionary policymaking."

Elliott continued: "The rhetoric about creating a stronger nation doesn't match economic reality. Tariffs historically damage economies by disrupting efficient global trade systems we've built over decades."

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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