Finally, No Price Shock for Zelda‑Fans
Parents who keep a keen eye on the price of the latest gaming gear can finally stop sweating. According to Goldman’s analysts, the brand‑new Switch 2 is not going to play a role in the trade‑war price game.
Pre‑orders Already Rolling Out
As dawn broke on Thursday, major U.S. retailers opened their digital doors for pre‑orders of the Nintendo Switch 2. The wait‑and‑see craze is so intense that
- Walmart’s website mutters “sold out” on more pages than there are clouds in the sky.
- Target’s online storefront has gone “kaput” with pop‑ups barking, “we’re sold!” across every screen.
- Best Buy? That’s a hot ice‑cream stall on a sun‑blasted beach – it’s all “sold out” vibes and no chances to snag a unit.
What This Means for Your Wallet
In short: No price hikes, no extra hidden fees from the trade war, and sweat‑free gaming for the rest of the family. Now you can keep the nostalgia and avoid the extra dollar. Happy hunting!
Hurrah! The Switch 2 Is Here—At $449 (and the Mario‑Kart World Bundle at $499)
Hold onto your controllers, folks! Nintendo’s newest handheld‑conquering hero is officially on the shelf, and it’s charging $449—just a teensy-tiny bump from its predecessor. But if you’re a serious racer, you’ll need to trim a few extra kicks out of your wallet for the $499 Mario‑Kart World bundle.
The Price Breakdown
- Standard Switch 2: $449 – the price tag that keeps the gaming community humming.
- Mario‑Kart World Bundle: $499 – includes all the extra goodies that make your thumbs swoop faster.
Why the Slight Price Hike?
Behind those pennies, Nintendo is packing in slick design tweaks, shinier hardware, and more gaming depth. Think of it as the difference between a basic pizza and a gourmet, extra‑cheese edition—just enough extra to keep the taste buds excited.
What’s in the Bundle?
Besides the Mario‑Kart World game itself, the bundle usually holds:
- Enhanced controller paddles for that “uh‑you’re-just-faster” feel.
- Exclusive art prints or collector’s items? The details are up for grabs.
- And, maybe, a sneaky new tilt‑tech that “just works.”
Bottom Line: Worth the Extra Dough?
For casual gamers, the $449 set-up is a sweet deal. If you’re a racing enthusiast looking to own everything within reach, the $499 bundle could be your ticket to Mario‑Kart glory. Either way, Nintendo’s prepping a console that’s as crisp as a fresh slice of pizza—fresh, flavorful, and ready for action.
No Shock! Console Prices Stay Flat Despite Trump‑China Negotiations
US families, you can breathe easier. While President Trump is busy courting an America First trade deal with the Communist Chinese, your gaming budget remains untouched, thanks to the savvy predictions of Goldman Sachs gaming mavens, Minami Munakata and Haruki Kubota.
What You Need to Know
- Pre‑Trade War Prices Hold Steady: No sudden price hikes ahead.
- Tariff Landmines Averted: Families can keep shopping without fearing hidden fees.
- Trade Talks Continue: Still a long road ahead, but for now, our consoles are safe.
A Quick Takeaway
Keep your gaming bag ready – the next console launch won’t be more expensive. Thanks to the market savvy from Munakata and Kubota, the playtime is secure, no matter what the trade negotiations look like.
Nintendo Switch 2 Gets a Bumpy Ride to Launch
What the Buzz Is All About
Picture this: you’re ready to grab the next big thing from Nintendo, but the calendar’s playing tricks. On April 18 (U.S. time), Nintendo casually announced that pre‑orders for the much‑anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 would kick off on April 24 in the U.S. The twist? The launch was originally slated for the 9th but got swapped out in a last‑minute shuffle after the Trump administration rolled out new tariff plans.
Price Tag Talk
- Console price stays at US$449.99 – the price that had everyone planning their budgets.
- Peripherals (controllers, cameras, etc.) have nudged up by 5–10%, and the company hinted there might be more tweaks depending on market shifts.
- Why keep the console price steady? “It makes sense with the potential medium‑ to long‑term impact on software sales.” Nintendo’s brass says it helps keep unit sales forecasts sane and boosts the overall Switch ecosystem.
Japanese Fever: 2.2 Million Lottery Entries
The craze is real. In Japan alone, the official online lottery for the Switch 2 received a whopping 2.2 million entries. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa posted a heartfelt apology on X, admitting the demand was “overwhelming.” He added that a good chunk of those lucky‑stamped shoppers won’t get a console, a bittersweet pill for the eager fanbase.
Tariff Hurdles & The Vietnam Connection
- Vietnam is the main production hub for U.S.-bound Switch hardware. Over 1 million consoles ship from there each year.
- The temporary tariff pause gives Nintendo a golden window to build inventory and meet U.S. demand before the 90‑day reset.
- If a 46% tariff lands on exports after the pause, it could stretch into medium‑ to long‑term pressure on profits—either through higher prices or tighter margins.
Looking Ahead
Despite the tariff drama, the analysis team remains upbeat: Buy rating stays, the 12‑month target price is still ¥13,600, and Nintendo’s Switch 2 platform is expected to grow strongly. Short‑term earnings impact looks capped, but we’ll keep a close eye on any long‑term fallout.
Hold On, Nintendo Fans!
So, last month Munakata dropped a little note that was basically a breath of fresh console steam: Switch 2 is about to unlock dormant hardware and dormant users — yeah, that’s fancy talk for getting everyone back in the game.
What Happens Next?
- Switch 2 will wake up those old consoles that have been sleeping in the attic.
- It will get more people across the screen, putting a fresh dent in the old record books.
- And the result? More active consoles than ever before.
In plain English: Nintendo is gearing up to bring the Switch to life again. More gear, more gamers, more big numbers. Let’s get excited!
Epic Gaming Windfall: GTA VI & Switch 2 Keep the Industry Thriving
Game‑On, Industry—Here Comes the Big Boost!
Once a stagnant stretch of time, the gaming sector is now cruising on a new growth track, and the headline teaser is Rockstar’s upcoming GTA VI. When it drops later this year, it’s expected to give a fresh burst of energy to the whole market.
Why This Matters
- New Horizons—The massive Grand Theft Auto franchise brings a huge fanbase that will keep quality ratings high.
- Innovation Surge—New mechanics, better graphics, and a fresh storyline can set the bar for games everywhere.
- Economic Ripple—More sales mean revenue for developers, more jobs for studio kids, and a stronger video‑game economy.
Switch 2 Keeps Its Cool Price
And not to forget our handheld hero: the Switch 2 continues to sit at the same pre‑trade war price. That means gamers worldwide keep the budget in check while still getting the fun.
So, buckle up: with GTA VI coming in hot and Switch 2 staying affordable, the years ahead promise an exciting, heart‑pumping future for gaming lovers everywhere.