Video Game Prices Rise Amid U.S.-China Tariff War

The ongoing trade war and tariffs between the U.S. and China are significantly impacting the video game and toy industries, leading to rising prices and operational changes. Toy retailers are being advised to stock up early due to supply chain concerns, while the cost of components like ink for comics has also risen. Major gaming companies, including Microsoft and Nintendo, have raised console and accessory prices, with Microsoft explicitly citing market conditions and development costs, and Nintendo delaying Switch 2 pre-orders to assess tariff impacts. Atari and other retro gaming device makers have increased cartridge prices or halted shipments, directly attributing these changes to new tariffs. As a result, U.S. consumer spending on games has dropped, with a 6% decline reported, as players face higher costs for both new releases and classic products. These price hikes and market uncertainties reflect broader industry disruptions caused by the tariffs, affecting both businesses and consumers.