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ESA Warns: Trump Tariffs Impact on Gamers

by Joseph Feb 26,2025

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 devices and related products could harm hundreds of millions of American consumers. The ESA represents major players including Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Epic Games, and Electronic Arts.

Concerns exist that U.S. tariffs could inflate the price of physical video game products. Photo by Phil Barker/Future Publishing via Getty Images.

President Trump recently imposed tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, prompting retaliatory measures from Canada and Mexico, and a WTO lawsuit from China. While a temporary pause on Mexican tariffs has been announced, the potential impact on the European Union and the UK remains uncertain, with President Trump expressing strong criticism of both entities.

Industry analysts are evaluating the potential consequences. MST Financial's David Gibson, on X, suggested that while China tariffs might not significantly affect the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S., tariffs on Vietnam could alter the situation. He also noted potential challenges for the PlayStation 5, though Sony may mitigate this through increased non-China production.

Joost van Dreunen, author of the Super Joost newsletter, in a recent IGN interview, emphasized the broader economic context, including the potential influence of tariffs on consumer demand for Nintendo's new console. He suggested that the overall economic climate, particularly tariff implications, could significantly impact consumer acceptance.

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