Sure, let’s dive into this tangled web of news.
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So here’s a thing — tariffs might just skyrocket video game console prices in the U.S. by, wait for it, almost 70%. Yeah, you heard that right. If you’re glued to your Switch or waiting for the next big thing, this probably got your eyebrows shooting up faster than a Mario jump.
Right now, all these tariffs are paused, like a Netflix show you’ve been meaning to finish. But the pause button is about to wear out come July 9. The Trump administration, in its infinite unpredictability, had tossed tariffs around like confetti on almost everything. I mean, they even named a day for it—April 2, “Liberation Day.” Honestly, I couldn’t make this up if I tried.
Before I wander too far off—what’s at stake? Well, if these tariffs do their worst, and all those costs trickle down to us, we’re looking at $12 billion more just for consoles. And let’s be real, are we going to splurge on them at that rate? Not with elasticity of demand (fancy term for “people won’t buy if it’s too expensive”) in play. Basically, it’s gonna be a no from most of us.
Now, some companies are already wading through this mess. Microsoft jacked up Xbox prices by a hundred bucks, and Nintendo decided to keep things a smidge lighter. They delayed the Switch 2 pre-order—guess they were hoping things wouldn’t go nuclear on the tariff front—and launched it sticking to $450, like a brave little toaster. But in the meantime, they upped accessory prices. Sneaky.
And let’s not forget about Sony. They’ve been selectively upping the PS5 Digital Edition price, but only outside the U.S. this time. I wonder if there’s some mastermind plan or just flailing around. Who knows, right?
Random side thought, Vietnam, where these consoles are born and bred (well, sort of), is about to face some hefty tariffs too after July 9. So, that’s a whole separate kettle of fish.
So, what’s next? Honestly, anyone’s guess. Maybe prices soar, maybe not. Anyway, there’s a bit of chaos for ya. Let’s hope our consoles survive the storm.
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There you have it! A lovely, chaotic mess—just like life.
