Nintendo Fans Try Out Switch 2 Ahead of Launch Amid Tariff Concerns

Ahead of the official release, Nintendo invited fans to test the highly anticipated Switch 2 at a pre-launch event in Makuhari Messe, near Tokyo. The event featured new games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza. Despite concerns over potential price hikes due to U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made goods, the event drew considerable excitement.

The Switch 2 is priced at ¥49,980 (around $350) in Japan, and in the U.S., the console will retail for $449.99, after initial delays in pre-orders linked to tariff worries. The Japanese launch event saw more than 2.2 million applications for a chance to buy, vastly surpassing the number of available units.

To cater to global demand, Nintendo will hold similar events in cities like New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong. The official release date for the Switch 2 is set for June 5, 2025.