PlayStation gamers horrified by incoming price increase for new consoles
Topics: PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Sony
Featured Image Credit: Sony
Topics: PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Sony
Donald Trump’s new import tariffs are wreaking havoc in practically every sector going.
That includes within the video games industry.
Nintendo recently revealed that pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will not be opening in the US on 8 April as previously planned while the company investigates the impact of the new tariffs.
If you’ve somehow missed this, Trump has placed “discounted reciprocal tariffs” on over 200 countries in a bid to encourage US people to buy US goods over imported alternatives.
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The tariff varies from country to country.
Most of the affected countries have had a tariff of 10% placed upon them, but major trade partners like China are now tariffed at 54%.
This is going to harm those in the US though as much as those around the world.
If companies don’t want to swallow a tariff, which they will not, that cost must be passed on to consumers.
It’s not yet known where the Switch 2 is being manufactured but if, say, it was Japan where Nintendo is based, US consumers would end up paying 24% more than was originally planned.
There are concerns that this will impact all facets of gaming.
Mario Kart World is one of the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch titles.
For now, PlayStation 5-related items remain well stocked within the US so there’s no need to worry about tariffs.
But ‘for now’ is the key phrase here. If stocks run low, new stock will need to be imported and that’s when Sony will need to decide whether to pass on that tariff cost to consumers.
“So, if these tariffs go into effect, once the supply that's been already shipped here to the USA runs out, the cost of a PS5 is going to be roughly $750 for a slim model,” pointed out Reddit user zombie_massacre_.
“Tariffs on China and Vietnam will be over 50%!!! A PS5 Pro will be $1,350 roughly. At the rate that PS5's are selling now, I'd imagine the stockpiles will run out fairly soon. What kind of crazy cartoon reality are we living in?!” they continued.
“Guess I'm not buying a single damn thing for the next four years,” commented Sea-Sir2754.
“Welp, perfect time to work on my backlog,” added SoloDoloLeveling.
I wish I could offer some words of solace but until a resolution is reached between the US and its trade partners, it’s going to be a difficult period for many.