The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) urges the Trump administration to collaborate with the private sector to mitigate the potential negative impact of import tariffs on the video game industry. In a statement to IGN, the ESA highlighted the industry's significant contribution to the U.S. economy and expressed concern that tariffs on video game hardware and related products would harm American consumers and the industry as a whole. The ESA represents major players such as Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Epic Games, and Electronic Arts.

President Trump recently imposed tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, prompting retaliatory measures. While a temporary pause on Mexican tariffs has been announced, the threat of tariffs remains, extending potentially to the European Union and the UK, according to President Trump's statements to Reuters.

Industry analysts are assessing the potential consequences. David Gibson of MST Financial, on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that while China-based tariffs might not significantly affect the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S., tariffs on Vietnamese imports could alter this. He also noted potential challenges for the PlayStation 5, suggesting Sony may need to increase non-Chinese production.

Joost van Dreunen, author of the Super Joost newsletter, in a recent IGN interview, pointed out that the broader economic climate, including potential tariff impacts, could significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions regarding new consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2.