The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has updated a January 2025 report estimating the cost of importing tech goods to the US could rise anywhere between 24% to 69.4%, with the latter figure expected for video game consoles if the Trump administration’s tariffs progress as planned.
As spotted by Tom’s Hardware, the report, written by the Trade Partnership Worldwide, suggests video game consoles – of which 87% are imported from China, which is facing tariffs of 145% – will be hardest hit of all tech goods if the paused tariffs do proceed at their current rates.
And if the tariffs do go ahead, estimates suggest the financial fallout from the video game console market alone would slice $10.4 billion annually from the entire US economy.
Analysts believe that would send the price of consoles in the US rocketing by – not to – around $428, see imports slump 71%, and trigger consumer spending cuts by as much as 73% – that’s around $12 billion.
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders were delayed in the US due to the evolving situation of US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs on imported goods. The console’s launch date of June 5, however, has not changed.
Even before the furor with tariffs, GamesIndustry.biz spoke to analysts about why Switch 2 prices are so high and how inflation and other factors may have resulted in this decision.
Earlier today, Nintendo released its financial results for the full year, reporting a decline in net sales and profits as it prepares for the release of the Switch 2 next month. As part of its results, the firm revealed its sales forecast for the upcoming console, stating it expects hardware sales of 15 million units with software sales expected to be 45 million.
So far, 2.2 million people have applied for pre-orders of the Switch 2 in Japan.

Sumo Group has announced the departure of its co-founders CEO Carl Cavers, COO Paul Porter, and director of excellence and integration Darren Mills.
Cavers, Porter, Mills, and James North-Hearn founded Sumo Digital in 2003. All four were part of Infogrames Studio’s management team, which closed its doors that same year.
“Stepping away from something we’ve built over two decades is never easy, but it’s the right time,” said Cavers. “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and we’re confident that Sumo is in a strong position to continue evolving and thriving.”
COO Gary Dunn and CFO Andy Stewart are to become co-CEOs as part of Sumo Group’s leadership transition.
Tim Repa-Davies will move to Sumo’s board of directors, and continue his role as group general counsel head of legal business and affairs.
“This is a natural evolution for Sumo,” said Stewart. “We’re staying true to who we are, building on a strong foundation, and looking ahead with clarity and purpose. We’re excited about what’s next.”
Dunn added: “At our heart, Sumo has always been about creativity, collaboration, and making great games people love to play. That’s what drives our teams, and that’s what we’re committed to as we look to the future. We’re proud of our legacy and excited for what’s still to come.”
Sumo clarified that it is “reinforcing its commitment to its clients by focusing on work-for-hire services” and that it has made the “necessary adjustments to stabilise the business and focus on long-term success.”
Earlier this year, Sumo announced it would refocus its business to cater its development services to its partners. This resulted in restructuring and an unknown number of layoffs.
Last June, the company cut 15% of its workforce resulting in almost 250 people losing their jobs.

Gamescom Latam broke its own records for attendance this year, as the event welcomed more than 130,000 visitors to São Paulo from April 30 to May 4.
This is the second Gamescom Latam following last year’s debut event, which was a collaboration between Gamescom and the existing Brazil Indie Games Festival (or BIG Festival).
The first event hosted over 100,000 visitors, making this a 30% rise, according to the organisers. More than 40 publishers exhibited at the event, including Roblox, Supercell, Warner Bros., Nintendo, Bethesda, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, and Sega, with over 400 games playable. Over 3,000 games industry professionals were in attendance.
“The numbers were above expectations, and the broken records not only consolidate the great relevance of the event for the whole region but also show companies from all over the world that this market is consolidated, competitive, and is filled with a lot of passion and high-quality professionals,” said Gustavo Steinberg, CEO of Gamescom Latam.
This year’s event had a new venue, the Anhembi District. Gamescom also says it welcomed over 300 press and more than 2000 partnered influencers to the event, ultimately reaching over 10 million users online via its platforms.
Speakers included the likes of former Starbreeze CEO Bo Andersson, The Tetris Company co-founder Henk Rogers, and former head of PlayStation indies Shuhei Yoshida.
Gamescom Latam will return to the same venue on April 29-May 3 in 2026.