Trump's Tariffs on Video Games Would Cause 'Significant Harm' to 'Everyday Americans,' ESA Warns

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) urges the Trump administration to collaborate with the private sector to mitigate potential harm to the video game industry resulting from the president's controversial import tariffs.

In a statement to IGN, the ESA stressed the need for dialogue with the private sector "to ensure continued economic growth within our industry." The statement highlighted the widespread popularity of video games in the U.S. and warned that tariffs on gaming devices and related products would negatively impact millions of Americans and the industry's substantial contribution to the U.S. economy. The ESA expressed its willingness to work with the administration and Congress to find solutions.

The ESA represents major gaming companies including Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, Ubisoft, Epic Games, and Electronic Arts.

President Trump recently signed an order imposing tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, prompting retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico, and a WTO lawsuit from China. While initially set to begin on Tuesday, Trump announced a one-month pause on tariffs against Mexico following a phone call with the Mexican president.

Although the tariffs currently target Canada, China, and Mexico, President Trump has indicated that tariffs against the European Union are "definitely happening," and expressed concerns about the UK's trade practices, stating (via Reuters) that the EU's actions are "an atrocity."

Industry analysts are assessing the potential impact. On X, MST Financial senior analyst David Gibson stated that the China tariffs would likely have minimal impact on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S., but tariffs on Vietnamese imports could alter this. He also noted potential challenges for the PlayStation 5, suggesting Sony might need to increase non-China production.

In a recent IGN interview, Super Joost newsletter author Joost van Dreunen discussed the potential impact of tariffs on the price and consumer reception of Nintendo's new console, emphasizing the influence of the broader economic climate and potential tariff implications.