If you’ve beenon the fenceabout picking up anew gaming console, you may want to consider doing it sooner rather than later.
Over the weekend, President Trump announced sweeping25 percent tariffson Canada and Mexico, and a 10 percent tariff on China. This could affect many industries in the US, including thegaming industry. In response to the potential tariffs, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA)released a statementoutlining its concerns about the possible ramifications of them.
“Video games are one of the most popular and beloved forms of entertainment for Americans of all ages. Tariffs on video game devices and related products would negatively impact hundreds of millions of Americans and would harm the industry’s significant contributions to the U.S. economy,” the ESA said. “We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to find ways to sustain the economic growth supported by our sector.”
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally, officially revealed
Nintendo has shared the first look its new console the Switch 2 in a video posted to its YouTube channel.
Digital games likely to avoid tariffs, but consoles can’t
The PS5 and the Nintendo Switch 2 could be affected
If Trump’s tariffs are implemented, the price of physical games with discs, gaming consoles, and accessories could be impacted. Popular games consoles like the PS5 or Nintendo Switch, which areprimarily made in China, could see price increases, especially if the ESA thinks the tariffs will “negatively impact hundreds of millions of Americans.”
Games that are distributed digitally likely won’t be impacted, but the industries that work on designing/creating those games and the consoles they play on could be. For many, the price of video games and consoles is already high, so the thought of them going up even more is troublesome, especially with the release of theSwitch 2expected later this year. However, Nintendo has started shifting some of its console productionto Vietnam,so its possible the Switch 2 could avoid tariffs.
Additionally, Trump recently floated the idea of imposing tariffs on computer chips and semiconductorscoming from Taiwanto encourage American companies to manufacture them domestically. Trump has temporarily postponed the 25 percent tariff on Mexico and Canada by 30 days, as both countries reached an agreement with the President to address border issues. Meanwhile,China has respondedby saying it will “defend its legitimate rights and interests.” Buckle up, gamers; the next couple of months will be interesting.
Update 04-08-2025 4:50pm ET: President Trump has paused the 25 percent tariff on Canada for 30 days. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed thenews on X. This story has been updated to reflect this.
If you’re gonna buy a TV or PS5 in 2025, do it now before it gets more expensive
The price of certain electronics in the US could go up if the Trump administration imposes tariffs on imported computer chips and semiconductors.
