On a sunny Saturday near Tokyo, excited Nintendo fans gathered to try out the brand-new Switch 2 before its official launch. The event, held at the Makuhari Messe convention center, gave gamers a first look at upcoming games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza. But even with all the excitement, many people are worried about how much the new console will cost, especially because of recent changes in trade taxes.

Hidenori Tanaka, a 55-year-old real estate worker who attended the event, shared his concerns. “Ever since Mr. Trump became president, taxes on imported goods have gone up,” he said. “I’m afraid the Switch 2 and its accessories might become too expensive.” His worries aren’t unfounded—many electronics, including game consoles, could see price hikes because of these new trade rules.

The United States has increased taxes on products coming from countries like China, where many electronics are made. Even though some of these taxes have been reduced, the fear of higher prices remains. This could affect not just the Switch 2 but many other gadgets people buy every day.

Despite these worries, the demand for the Switch 2 seems incredibly strong. The original Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, sold over 150 million units and brought huge success to the company. Now, with the new version on the way, fans are more eager than ever. In Japan alone, Nintendo received 2.2 million applications just for a chance to buy the Switch 2 early through a lottery system. Many people thought they wouldn’t get picked, but some lucky winners, like 28-year-old Hyuma Hashiguchi, were thrilled. “I really didn’t think I’d win,” he said. “Everyone online was saying how hard it was to get a spot, so I was surprised when I did!”

Nintendo is hosting similar events in other big cities around the world, including New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong, to let fans experience the Switch 2 before it hits stores. The company has announced that the Japanese version of the console will cost 49,980 yen. At first, Nintendo hesitated to open pre-orders in America because of the tax situation, but they later confirmed that the price would stay the same for now.

For many gamers, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a big deal. The original Switch was loved for its ability to work both as a handheld device and a home console, and the new version is expected to be even better. With improved graphics, faster performance, and exciting new games, it’s no surprise that so many people are excited. But the question of how much it will cost in the long run is still on everyone’s mind.

As the launch date gets closer, fans will be watching closely to see if prices change. For now, though, those who got to try the Switch 2 at the event were just happy to be among the first to play. The line outside the convention center started forming early in the morning, proving just how much people love Nintendo’s games. Whether or not the tariffs affect the final price, one thing is clear—the Switch 2 is already a hit among fans.