Top Gaming Brands Facing 2025 Tariff Risks

The Trump administration's trade policies are now directly impacting American shoppers, with potential for more significant effects in coming months. When these measures were first introduced in March, economic analysts cautioned about potential price increases and supply chain complications that could influence everything from gaming consoles to physical game media and associated accessories.

This April saw the White House implement a comprehensive 10% tariff on imports from all trading partners, followed by so-called "retaliatory tariffs" targeting over 50 nations. At their peak, Chinese imports faced 145% duties before a temporary reduction to 30% in May.

While the current tariff landscape remains fluid and challenging to monitor, one consequence emerges clearly: these policies are already transforming the video game sector. Industry leaders including Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are evaluating price adjustments, reconsidering manufacturing networks, and bracing for a volatile business environment.

Major Gaming Brands

Industry titans like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo may withstand these economic headwinds better than most thanks to substantial financial resources and adaptable production networks. However, prolonged tariffs will inevitably lead to consumer price increases that even these companies cannot avoid indefinitely.

Sony

Sony's response to the latest U.S. tariffs has been notably subdued. Despite a significant stock price drop following April's retaliatory measures, PlayStation's parent company hasn't yet adjusted U.S. product pricing.

However, warning signs have emerged. Sony already raised PS5 prices in European, UK, Australian, and New Zealand markets, citing "challenging economic conditions including high inflation and currency fluctuations." CFO Lin Tao recently indicated the company is monitoring market conditions closely and may ultimately "pass on cost increases to consumers." Tao estimates potential tariff impacts could reach $685 million annually.

While most PlayStation hardware originates from Chinese factories, Sony is actively diversifying its supply chain and considering U.S. production options. The company has strategically stockpiled three months of PS5 inventory in American warehouses as a buffer against immediate tariff effects.

Microsoft

Microsoft acted swiftly in response to the tariff changes. On May 1, the company implemented price increases across all Xbox hardware, with the Xbox Series X now retailing for $600. With most Xbox products manufactured in China, Microsoft is passing these additional costs directly to consumers.

The tech giant possesses advantages in manufacturing flexibility, already utilizing facilities in Mexico for final Xbox assembly and reportedly shifting some production to Vietnam since 2023. Microsoft has also confirmed upcoming price increases for first-party Xbox games.

Nintendo

Nintendo faced unfortunate timing with its Switch 2 announcement coinciding with new tariff implementation. After initially suspending U.S. preorders to evaluate market conditions, the company ultimately maintained its $449 base price while increasing accessory costs by $5-$10 per item.

About one-third of Switch 2 production now occurs in Vietnam, though most manufacturing remains in China. Nintendo expects to sell 15 million units in the console's first year despite economic uncertainties.

Razer

The premium gaming peripheral manufacturer maintains most production in China, making it particularly tariff-sensitive. Razer already temporarily halted U.S. sales of certain products including its Blade 16 laptop when tariffs peaked at 145%.

Additional Brands Facing Tariff Pressure

Numerous other gaming brands with Chinese manufacturing bases will likely experience tariff impacts:

• 8BitDo (China)
• ASUS (China/Taiwan)
• Corsair (Taiwan/China/SE Asia)
• Gigabyte (China/Taiwan)
• HORI (China)
• HP (China/Mexico/SE Asia)
• Logitech (China/Taiwan/SE Asia)
• PowerA (China)
• Samsung (Global)
• SanDisk (Asia)
• Secretlab (China)
• Steelseries (China/Taiwan)
• Turtle Beach (China)
• Valve (China)