Console Prices Could Reportedly Increase 69% in the US Due to Trump Tariffs - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 08 May 2025 / 17,328 Views
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the trade association behind the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) published data from a report by the Trade Partnership Worldwide (TPW), which warns the Trump tariffs could cause the price of video game consoles to increase by 69 percent in the US.
"The President’s tariffs on the ten consumer tech product imports in our report will reduce American consumers’ purchasing power by $123 billion," reads the report. "They will cause significant price increases for U.S. consumers.
"For example, the average retail price will increase for: Smartphones by 31%; Monitors by 32%; Laptops and tablets by 34%; and Video game consoles by 69%."
A universal 10 percent tariff went into effect on April 5, while other tariffs were paused for 90 days, except in China, which currently has a 145 percent tariff.
The report (via Tom's Hardware) states 87 percent of video game consoles come from China, which are currently subject to a 145 percent tariff. This could potentially see the average price per console increase by as much as $428. Consumers are expected to cut back purchases by 73 percent. This could result in a $12 billion drop in consumer purchasing power in the US, as well as the US economy losing $10.4 billion annually from just consoles.
We have already seen the first effects of the Trump tariffs as Microsoft on May 1 increased the price of Xbox consoles, games, and accessories.
In the US, the price of the Xbox Series S increased by $80 to $379.99 and $429.99, while the Xbox Series X went up by $100 to $549.99 for the digital model and $599.99 for the disc drive model. The 2TB Xbox Series X has shot up $130 to $729.99.
Nintendo does produce some consoles in Vietnam and has been able to stockpile Switch 2 consoles ahead of its June 5 launch. However, the company did increase the price of Switch 2 accessories in the US.
Sony did increase the price of the PlayStation 5 in Europe Australia and New Zealand last month. There has been no word yet if the price will increase in the US.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Bluesky.
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69% increase you say? Nice... ( ••) ( ••)>⌐■-■ (⌐■_■)
“Bow-chikka-wow-wow”
I heard the word nice in Borat's voice.
Only people of culture in here. Came to say the same thing.
Just remember... According to Trump the higher prices are due to "Bidenomics" - Trump economy is only the good parts according to an interview.
The USA 's democratic system asked and voted for this... So I honestly have no sympathy, I just hope there is a return to normalcy sooner rather than later.
As an American who voted against this... fuck him.
Honestly, as an American, I am hoping the world wakes up and realizes America can no longer be trusted given that Trump got put into power not only once but twice, despite everyone understanding the chaos and corruption he would cause. Nations need to cut ties with us and remove the US from the seat of power in the world. Our govt and our electorate simply cannot be trusted to make basic sane choices anymore. Once was an insane mistake, twice shows that US is a collapsing nation.
The world at large should not suffer just because the American people can't tell the difference between sanity and a mad king. Other nations need to strengthen ties between themselves and sever ties with the US.
The Vatican just elected an American pope. Though they may have picked him because he is American AND opposes Trump.
I can only speak for myself, but I certainly don't trust the US anymore, and the earliest the US could regain the trust it once had is not the next presidential election but the one after so we can be relatively sure it's not just another brief period of sense between periods of madness.
I hope all these trade deals get worked out very soon. I know a new one just got worked out between the US and UK.
The "deal" was a big nothngburger. He has nothing. Just like he has nothing with China. You're seeing the Art of the Grift here.
Frankly, it's better than no deal.
There is no actual deal.
It's a framework of a deal, nothing has been signed.
Fair enough.
Or maybe the moron who started this nonsense because he doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing just ends it!!!!
That would've been ideal.
Don’t worry about those prices or even owning video game consoles. Trump has assured Americans that all they need are 3 dolls and 5 pencils for their entertainment.
THREE dolls? Well, lah-di-dah, Mr. Elon Musk. /s
“What do you call it?”
“A car hole!”
We're already seeing the price increases! Is this implying even more? Nobody's gonna be able to afford a console!
MULTI TARIFF COMBOOOOOOOO
Will we see a 2TB Xbox Series X or PS5 Pro for $1000 ?
The good thing is that those tarrifs are NOT a taxe on people right? :)
That Trump knows what he is talking about for sure! He is the "deal" maker...
Well the people buying switch 2 will be hurt in the wallet more. Trump is terrible in making a deal ..he has had 6 bankruptcy
Only d-heads would buy Nintendo switch 2
