Fans were given a sneak peek of Nintendo’s new Switch 2 gaming device at a pre-launch event near Tokyo on Saturday. However, as excitement builds ahead of its release, some consumers are concerned that rising tariffs could lead to higher prices for the highly anticipated console.

"I’m worried about a potential price hike, not just for the game console itself but also for the accessories," said Hidenori Tanaka, 55, a real estate company employee attending the event. "Since Trump became president, tariffs have increased, and it’s been a concern for many of us."

The imposition of tariffs by the U.S. during Donald Trump’s presidency, particularly on trade partners like China, has caused price increases across a wide range of electronic devices. While some tariffs have been reduced, the fear of an ongoing trade war still looms, adding uncertainty to the global market.

At the event, gamers gathered outside the Makuhari Messe convention center near Tokyo, eager to try out the new Switch 2. Fans lined up from early morning to play popular titles like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and other exciting games.

Despite the looming threat of higher prices, early signs suggest strong consumer interest in the Switch 2, Nintendo’s successor to the highly successful Switch, which has sold over 150 million units since its release in 2017. This success has had a significant impact on Nintendo’s business, and the new device is expected to build on that momentum.

The Kyoto-based gaming giant revealed on Wednesday that it had received 2.2 million applications for a lottery to purchase the Switch 2 in Japan, far surpassing the available units. "Honestly, I didn’t think I had a chance. Everyone on social media was saying they missed out, so I thought I would too," shared Hyuma Hashiguchi, 28, who was lucky enough to win the lottery and secure an early purchase.

Nintendo is hosting hands-on events in major cities worldwide, including New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong, to generate further excitement ahead of the Switch 2’s official release.

In Japan, the Switch 2 will be priced at 49,980 yen ($350) for a Japanese-language-only version. Meanwhile, in the United States, the company initially paused pre-orders due to tariff concerns but later announced that it would keep the price at $449.99.