Market Access

Nintendo enthusiasts across the United States let out a collective sigh of relief on 5 June 2025, as the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 consoles arrived in stores as promised. With a suggested retail price of $450 for the standalone unit (or $500 bundled with Mario Kart World), the next-generation system’s launch felt precariously close to derailing thanks to looming U.S. import tariffs. Trade policy turbulence under former President Donald Trump’s administration had cast doubt on pre-orders—and, potentially, the release date itself. Yet, despite aggressive proposed tariffs on key manufacturing countries, Nintendo managed to secure a window in which the Switch 2 could be imported and sold at the originally advertised price. What follows is a closer look at how fortunate timing, nimble decision-making and a last-minute presidential pause allowed Nintendo to sidestep steep duties—at least for now—and what challenges may lie ahead as trade negotiations continue.

When Tara Croker entered the native food and beverage industry two years ago, she discovered Indigenous representation was less than 2 per cent—and community benefits were scarce.