NPC: Next Portable Console Nintendo Faces Tariffs, But Keeps Switch 2 Pricing Steady
Aug 12, 2025
Nintendo faces new tariffs but keeps prices steady for the Switch 2. The hosts discuss the implications of rising costs on gaming strategies and speculate about future products. They also explore the upcoming Retroid second screen accessory and its features. Trinket OS makes a splash as a quirky Android gaming interface, while new emulators like Manic offer fresh options but come with compatibility headaches. A nostalgic look at gaming accessories rounds out this week's tech talk.
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Tariffs Drove Broad Price Increases
- The 20% Vietnam tariff forced Nintendo to change pricing across accessories and older Switch models.
- Nintendo left Switch 2 price unchanged likely to avoid slowing momentum for the new console.
Nintendo Prioritizes Switch 2 Momentum
- Nintendo raised Switch 1 and OLED prices despite older hardware costs likely falling over time.
- They appear to be protecting Switch 2 sales while offsetting margin hits with accessory and legacy-model increases.
Tariff Exemption Deadline Threatens Accessories
- The $800 tariff exemption ends Aug 29, which will raise shipping costs for cheap accessories.
- That change makes devices like Retroid's $70 second screen riskier to import economically.