Tech

Nintendo’s Switch 2 faces challenges from tariffs

Nintendo delays Switch 2 preorders due to tariffs, shifting production away from China to mitigate costs.

Published

1 week ago

April 12, 2025

Ahron Young

Nintendo delays Switch 2 preorders due to tariffs, shifting production away from China to mitigate costs.

In Short

Nintendo is delaying preorders for the Switch 2 due to new U.S. tariffs, though the launch date remains unchanged.

The company is reassessing pricing strategies amidst potential increased costs and has shifted production from China to Vietnam to minimise tariff impacts.

Nintendo announced it will delay preorders for its highly anticipated Switch 2 due to new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government.

The announcement coincided with President Trump’s introduction of tariffs on imported goods, causing concern among consumers. The Switch 2, priced at $450, is aimed at expanding Nintendo’s market share in the gaming industry.

Parts of the consoles are assembled in China, which currently faces significant U.S. tariffs. Other units are manufactured in Vietnam and Cambodia, which face lower tariffs for the time being. This situation complicates pricing strategies for consumer electronics.

Original launch date

A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed they are assessing the impact of the tariffs on the preorder timeline but will maintain the original launch date of June 5. The potential for increased costs due to tariffs could affect pricing for consumers.

Shipping data indicates that Nintendo has adapted its manufacturing strategies in response to trade tensions, shifting production from China to Vietnam. By April, a significant portion of products entering the U.S. originated from Vietnam, minimising tariff exposure.

However, if tariff rates change, Nintendo may have to increase the price of the Switch 2 significantly. This price volatility creates uncertainty for consumers, especially considering the existing price point positioning the device similarly to the latest offerings from competing companies.

Tech

Nvidia to build AI supercomputers in the U.S. for first time

Nvidia invests $500 billion in U.S. AI supercomputers, shifting production to Texas to strengthen supply chains and boost domestic growth amid rising tariffs and national tech pressures.

Published

3 days ago

April 18, 2025

Veronica Dudo

Nvidia invests $500 billion in U.S. AI supercomputers, shifting production to Texas to strengthen supply chains and boost domestic growth amid rising tariffs and national tech pressures.

Nvidia to build AI supercomputers in the U.S. for the first time — a $500 billion move that could redefine the global tech industry.

With new tariffs on imports from China and Taiwan, the chip giant is shifting production to Texas, partnering with Foxconn and Wistron.

Nvidia says the decision will strengthen its supply chain and boost domestic economic growth.

The announcement comes amid growing pressure to secure national tech infrastructure and reduce reliance on Asia. How will this impact jobs, prices, and America’s AI ambitions?

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Tech

‘Stuck in the past’: Has Apple lost its edge?

Apple, once an innovator, faces criticism for stale updates and designs, prompting comparisons to 1980s IBM and calls for Tim Cook’s departure.

Published

5 days ago

April 16, 2025

Ahron Young

Apple, once an innovator, faces criticism for stale updates and designs, prompting comparisons to 1980s IBM and calls for Tim Cook’s departure.

Apple, once a symbol of innovation, is now under fire for uninspiring product updates.

The headline “Has Apple lost its edge? Critics say it’s stuck in the past” captures growing frustration over recycled designs and underwhelming features.

From the original iPhone to the lacklustre Apple Intelligence, critics now compare the company to IBM in the 1980s. Is it time for Tim Cook to step aside?

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#Apple #TimCook #TechNews #iPhone #AppleIntelligence #Innovation #BradGastwirth #TechDebate

Tech

OpenAI explores social network to rival Elon Musk

OpenAI is considering a social network to rival Musk’s X, spurred by the success of its new image-generation feature.

Published

5 days ago

April 16, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI is considering a social network to rival Musk’s X, spurred by the success of its new image-generation feature.

In Short

OpenAI is considering creating a social network to compete with Elon Musk’s X and Meta’s Instagram, following high demand for its new image-generation tool.

The company has raised $40 billion in funding and is facing increased server demands, prompting efforts to temporarily limit the tool’s usage.

OpenAI is contemplating the development of a social network to rival Elon Musk’s X and Meta’s Instagram, according to an informed source.

This initiative is reportedly in the early stages and has emerged following the success of OpenAI’s latest image-generation tool, which has stressed the company’s servers.

The announcement was first reported by The Verge, while OpenAI has chosen not to comment on the matter.

Image-generation

In March, OpenAI launched its new image-generation feature designed to create various visual content, including diagrams, infographics, and logos. This tool also enables users to produce artistic renditions from their uploaded images.

Recently, images generated by this feature have gained significant traction on social media, with OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman recently using one for his profile photo on X. Altman noted the overwhelming popularity has led to increased server demands.

He mentioned that the company is currently looking to limit the feature’s usage temporarily while they enhance its efficiency.

The generative AI sector is highly competitive, particularly with the involvement of Musk’s xAI, which recently acquired X. The relationship between Altman and Musk has become contentious, particularly surrounding OpenAI’s move to become a for-profit entity.