Just when you thought $450 for a Nintendo Switch 2 was already pushing it, a new claim is here to crush your hopes and your wallet. A recent report from the Consumer Technology Association, backed by research from Trade Partnership Worldwide, warns that the U.S. economy and consumer spending could take a massive hit if proposed tariffs—especially those targeting Chinese imports—go into full effect.
And yes, video game consoles are right in the crosshairs.
Wait, What Kind of Numbers Are We Talking About?
According to this report, if all proposed tariffs were enacted, the average retail cost of a gaming console could increase by up to 69.4%. That’s not a typo. We’re talking about an additional $428 slapped onto already pricey hardware. Suddenly, that $500 console looks more like an investment portfolio.
For context:
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Laptops & tablets: +34%
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Monitors: +31.8%
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Smartphones: +30.8%
These are “worst-case” figures, yes—but they’re coming from actual economic analysts, not some Reddit panic thread.
Why Gaming Gets Hit So Hard
Here’s the kicker: nearly 87% of video game consoles are manufactured in China. The tariffs are laser-focused on Chinese imports, and that means the tech sector—gaming in particular—is looking at major cost hikes unless deals change direction or policy shifts.
The estimated economic damage? A cool $12 billion loss in U.S. consumer spending from the video game consoles alone. Add it all up, and the grand total climbs to an eye-watering $69 billion across all tech.
(Yeah. Not nice.)
Xbox Already Feeling the Burn
Microsoft just recently announced sharp price increases across its Xbox ecosystem—including hardware, peripherals, and first-party software. Basically, everything that comes in the box, or next to the box, now costs more. And this wasn’t a gradual rollout—it blindsided gamers mid-console generation.
It’s not hard to see the glowing hints on the wall. If these tariffs go through? Everyone’s going to feel it.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about one console or one storefront. It’s about the future of how much we’re all going to pay for gaming hardware, accessories, and the occasional replacement controller after a rage quit. If these tariffs hit full force, we might be seeing a new era of luxury gaming pricing.
You ready to pay 69% more? We’re gonna guess… hard no.
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