The prices of video game consoles could increase soon.

There are many questions regarding what a second presidential term for Donald Trump would look like, and one of the main concerns revolves around the proposed tariffs on imports, especially those affecting China. The approval of these tariffs could mark a significant change in the manufacturing of hardware and software for video games, potentially leading to price increases for consumers.

Analysts have assessed the potential impact of these tariffs on technology related to video game consoles. Currently, a tariff of 10% or 20% is proposed for all imports, along with a specific 60% tariff for products coming from China. Some analysts consulted decided not to comment on the repercussions of these tariffs since, although Trump has discussed this plan, it has yet to materialize and may not be implemented. However, experts like Serkan Toto from the consulting firm Kantan have warned that consumers could be the most affected if these measures are enacted. Toto mentioned that the "effects would be devastating for video game enthusiasts," emphasizing that Americans would bear the cost, not China.

A recent report from the Consumer Technology Association indicates that an increase in tariffs on PC peripherals, video games, and other electronic devices, such as smartphones, could reduce the spending capacity of American consumers by up to $90 billion. Since many products in the video game and electronics industry are manufactured in China, most items that consumers can purchase would be affected. Projections suggest that the price of video game consoles could rise by 40%. Toto estimates that the cost of a PlayStation 5 could climb to $800 instead of the current $500, and that a typical game priced at $70 could reach $112.

In previous instances when Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Chinese imports, it was anticipated that GPU prices would skyrocket, with the example of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 potentially increasing from $699 to $874 before taxes. Considering the upcoming successor to the Nintendo Switch, while the tariffs would not impact current production, they could increase costs for users at the time of purchase.

Beyond PC components and consoles, the National Retail Federation estimates that the proposed tariffs would generate annual costs of between $46 billion and $78 billion for Americans, equivalent to approximately $2,600 per person per year. However, these tariffs may not be implemented as presented; it is likely that some action will be taken, given that Trump imposed tariffs during his previous term through executive orders. Moreover, companies are exploring solutions, such as shifting their manufacturing outside of China.

There is the possibility of exceptions for certain products. Toto provides the example of iPhones, which are manufactured in both China and India, questioning whether consumers would accept a price increase, for instance, from $1,000 to $1,600. In the past, in response to the imposition of tariffs, the Consumer Technology Association joined with major console manufacturers—Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo—to oppose and obtain exemptions for popular tech products. Therefore, the future for video game consumers, already affected by rising prices in consoles and games, is still uncertain.