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Gamers, it’s time to dial back spending on skins. Nintendo Switch console prices are about to get a jump that rivals Super Mario Odyssey.
As Trump and Japan negotiate a tariff deal, the prices on Japanese exports will likely increase, including the cost of video game consoles like the new Nintendo Switch 2. But don’t fret— smart shoppers can still save on gaming expenses with strategic use of credit cards.
Delivery Lags and Potential Price Adjustments
Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders for its latest video game system from April 9 to April 24, announcing that on release, prices will remain at $449.99 but may change subject to “changes in market conditions.”
“Other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future, depending on market conditions,” the company said in a statement.
Nintendo surged ahead with its June 5 release of the Switch 2, with the console selling more than 3.5 million units worldwide in the first four days, becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo game system ever. Experts say consumers can expect to see price increases starting in August, following Japan’s 15% tariff deal with the U.S. announced on Tuesday, down from President Donald Trump’s initially proposed 25%.
Ulrike Schaede, professor of Japanese business at UC San Diego, says that while the impact of tariffs may take longer to show up across sectors like the auto industry, where foreign parts and assembly make the process convoluted, the impact on imported goods will be swift.
“It’s a little bit different for things that are directly imported, whether that’s French cheese or the Nintendo Switch, it doesn’t matter,” Schaede said to Forbes Advisor. “The hit will be immediate, where yesterday it was this much, and tomorrow it will be this much.”
Companies may opt to “eat” some of the cost of the tariffs to maintain their U.S. sales in the face of competition, but Schaede says it’s not likely for Nintendo to lean toward that option, considering the Nintendo Switch 2 is a standalone product.
“If it’s a car, how likely is it that the consumer will buy another car? If it’s a Switch, there’s only one Switch, but there are other cars. The price of elasticity is lower, so it’s much more sensitive,” Schaede says.
Forbes Advisor reached out to Nintendo, but the company declined to comment, citing that the company is still “assessing” the impact of the tariffs.
How You Can Still Save
If gaming is your favorite pastime, it might be time to consider opening a credit card that’ll help balance its costs.
Several credit cards offer incentives for cardholders to earn points and cash back on consoles, games, and in-game purchases. To save on the Nintendo Switch 2 specifically, here are a few cards worth considering:
- Prime Visa: The card offers a $150 Amazon gift card upon approval with an eligible Prime membership, which you can use towards the purchase of a Nintendo Switch 2. What’s more, users earn 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% back on other purchases to stack the benefits and earn an additional 5% cash back on the remainder. Keep in mind, you need to have an Amazon Prime membership to qualify. The card also comes with built-in extended warranty protection and purchase protection to extend the life of your Switch, which comes with a 12-month limited warranty. The Prime Visa extends the time period of the manufacturer’s U.S. warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less, up to four years from the date of purchase. The best part: this card has no annual fee.
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Another $0 annual fee card (rates & fees) that offers lucrative rewards, making it a great choice for gamers. Cardholders can earn $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months, which they can use towards gaming expenses of their choice. Benefits include a flat-rate 2% cash rewards on purchases, which applies across the board for things like consoles and digital purchases.
- Target Circle™ Credit Card*: If you’re thinking about buying the Nintendo Switch 2 from Target, the Target Circle card is a no-brainer. With an annual fee of $0, the card offers $50 in Target Circle Rewards after spending $50 or more on qualifying purchases within 60 days of approval, which can lower the cost of the Switch 2. Stack 5% off on purchases at Target in store or online purchases, plus earn 2% on dining and gas purchases and 1% everywhere else for even more savings. Through the Target Circle card, shoppers can get their Switch faster with free two-day shipping offered on many items.
Read More: Best Credit Cards For Gamers Of 2025