Nintendo is set to catapult its long-awaited Switch 2 games console into the teeth of a global trade war, betting a reshaped supply chain can help it overcome the impact of US tariffs and that a built-up machine can match the runaway success of its predecessor.
Eagerly anticipated for years by console fans, Nintendo is expected to unveil the key details about its new gaming machine on April 2 — dubbed “liberation day” by Donald Trump, who intends to announce “reciprocal tariffs” on trading partners at the same time. One pivotal selling point could be deeply affected by whatever the US president decides to do: the Switch 2’s US launch price.
The original Switch revolutionised gaming when it was released in March 2017 as the world’s first hybrid of a handheld and home console. It propelled Nintendo’s share price to new heights as it sold more than 150mn units by the end of last year.