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The global market's tumult has had impacts across the entertainment industry, and for gamers, it's been more visible in few places than the Switch 2. You'll recall from Popverse's reporting that Nintendo both walked back the console's release date and announced a hike in the original price only days after the Switch 2's announcement, and news on the gaming system (mostly bad) has not stopped coming in ever since. However, we're here with a small bit of good news amidst all the bad - that is, that Switch 2 cartridges themselves seem to have been made exempt from the effects of the Trump Administration's sweeping tariffs.

The story comes from outlet The Game Business, who reported how the tariffs were continuing to affect the gaming industry April 12. The outlet's update begins with the statement that PC and mobile phone parts have been made exempt from the tariffs (remember, many of the Trump Administration's tariffs have been placed on countries where parts for our technology is made), but that gaming consoles have not been included in the exemptions. 

That said, Game Business points out that the parts used in making Switch cartridges are on the list of exemptions, meaning that the physical game storage units may not face the same price hike that Switches (and, we assume, other new gaming consoles) will be subject to.

"It’s unclear if the absence of consoles from the list was deliberate or an oversight" writes GB.

An important thing to note here is that, officially, the tariffs the Trump Administration announced in recent weeks are currently on a 90-day pause. That means that the tariffs on imported goods from countries like Vietnam (who produce many Switch consoles) are on hold until July of 2025. However, no plans to change the tariff percentages after the 90-day pause have been announced.

Keep an eye on Popverse as the continuing saga of the Switch 2 vs. Trump Tariffs continues.

The gaming industry has come a long way since Pong blew all our minds in the 70s. We've got everything you need to know about the next big thing in games. Of course, Grand Theft Auto VI is going to be the big game of 2026, but there are plenty of other games coming out between now and then. Here is our starter guide for every gamer:

• All upcoming games in 2025 and beyond
• Gamify My Life, our weekly gaming column designed
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And be sure to check Popverse regularly for the latest gaming news.