Will Donald Trump be imposing new tariffs on Playstations and gaming consoles?

Amid growing concern over looming game console tariffs, Japanese electronics giant Sony has announced an increase in the price of its PlayStation 5 console across several international markets.

The move comes as major manufacturers grapple with inflationary pressures and the possibility of steep U.S. import tariffs, particularly those announced under the Trump administration.


In a statement released on Sunday, Sony confirmed that PlayStation 5 prices will rise in parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

The digital edition of the console will now retail for 499.99 in Europe, up from 449.99. In the United Kingdom, the price has risen from ?389.99 to ?429.99, as per a report by Forbes.

Similar upward revisions are being rolled out in Australia and New Zealand.

Sony attributed the increase to "a challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates."

Nintendo Switch 2 Faces Pricing Uncertainty Amid Tariff Concerns

Not long after Sony’s pricing announcement, Nikkei Asia reported that a prominent Chinese supplier to Nintendo has issued internal guidance hinting that the soon-to-launch Nintendo Switch 2 may also experience price adjustments, particularly in the United States, as per the Forbes report.

Originally slated for pre-order from April 9, the Switch 2’s U.S. rollout has now been delayed. The move coincides with President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” event earlier this month, where he outlined a renewed tariff strategy targeting imports from China and other countries.

Although certain electronics like smartphones and laptops have been exempted, game consoles remain subject to tariffs—reportedly up to 145% for units produced in China and around 10% for those made elsewhere.

Nintendo has stated it is evaluating “market conditions” and “the potential impact of tariffs,” without offering a revised timeline for U.S. pre-orders.

Console Makers Face Cost Pressures From Trade Policies

While the U.S. Customs and Border Protection clarified that several electronic products will not fall under the latest tariff regime, no exemptions have been granted for game consoles.

This is particularly problematic for manufacturers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, all of whom produce the bulk of their gaming hardware in China.

Industry analysts, citing figures from Bloomberg, warn that prices could rise as much as 30% if tariffs are fully implemented.

For instance, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, currently priced at $399 in the U.S., could increase to $518. The higher-end version may climb from $449 to $583. Similarly, the upcoming Switch 2, which is already priced at $450, could exceed $580 under the same scenario.

Gaming Industry Watches U.S. Market Developments Closel

Although Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has dismissed suggestions that the high launch price of the Switch 2 was influenced by potential tariffs, the decision to delay U.S. pre-orders has added to industry speculation.

FAQs

Is the U.S. affected by Sony’s price increase?

As of now, no changes have been announced for the U.S. market, but future pricing may depend on how tariffs evolve.

Why is Sony raising the price of the PlayStation 5 in certain countries?

Sony attributed the price increase to a “challenging economic environment,” which includes high inflation and currency exchange rate fluctuations.