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[FCE] How Nintendo dodged Trump’s tariffs and saved the Switch 2 release | Nintendo Switch | The Guardian

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Nintendo has thrilled gamers across the United States and beyond with the much-anticipated release of its latest console, the Switch 2, on June 5, 2025. The launch, which marks a significant moment for the iconic Japanese company, comes after months of uncertainty caused by challenging new trade policies. Despite these obstacles, Nintendo managed to deliver the device on schedule, bringing relief to eager fans who had been counting down the days.

The Switch 2, unveiled earlier this year, is the successor to the original Switch, a console that has sold over 150 million units worldwide since its debut in 2017. Priced at $450 in the US, the new version boasts enhanced features and exciting titles such as Mario Kart World. However, the road to its release was far from smooth. New trade tariffs imposed by the Trump administration posed a serious threat to Nintendo’s plans. These taxes on imported goods targeted Japan, where Nintendo is headquartered, with a 24% tariff, and Vietnam, a key manufacturing hub, with an even steeper 46% tax. Such policies could have driven up the console’s price or delayed its arrival, causing frustration among fans and leading to postponed pre-orders as the company evaluated its options.

In a fortunate turn of events, the US government announced a temporary 90-day suspension of these tariffs to facilitate negotiations with the affected countries. This narrow window allowed Nintendo to ship hundreds of thousands of Switch 2 units to the US without incurring additional costs. As a result, the planned launch went ahead, and enthusiastic gamers queued up outside stores, including a prominent outlet in New York, to be among the first to own the console. Yet, the future remains uncertain. If no agreement is reached by the end of the suspension period, upcoming shipments or accessories like docks and controller straps could face price increases, potentially impacting costs during the busy holiday season.

This situation highlights the broader impact of global trade policies on everyday items, even something as recreational as a gaming console. Nintendo is not the only company affected; other technology firms are closely monitoring developments, aware that they could encounter similar challenges. For now, fans are celebrating the successful launch, but many wonder what lies ahead if trade tensions persist.

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1. What is the main reason for the uncertainty surrounding the Switch 2 launch?

  • A. A delay in the production of new games
  • B. New trade tariffs on imported goods
  • C. A shortage of manufacturing materials
  • D. Technical issues with the console design

2. How did the US government assist Nintendo with the Switch 2 release?

  • A. By reducing the price of the console
  • B. By offering financial support to the company
  • C. By temporarily suspending trade tariffs
  • D. By speeding up the shipping process

3. What could happen if no trade agreement is reached after the tariff suspension?

  • A. The Switch 2 might be discontinued in the US
  • B. Future shipments and accessories could cost more
  • C. Nintendo will move its headquarters to the US
  • D. Gamers will have to cancel their pre-orders

4. What does the article suggest about the impact of trade policies?

  • A. They only affect large technology companies
  • B. They have no significant effect on consumers
  • C. They can influence the price of everyday products
  • D. They are unlikely to change in the near future

5. What is the overall attitude of gamers towards the Switch 2 launch?

  • A. They are disappointed with the console’s features
  • B. They are excited despite potential future challenges
  • C. They are frustrated by the high price of the device
  • D. They are uninterested in the new release