ESA, trade association of now-defunct E3, warns against Trump's tariffs on video games

Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has now spoken up against Trump’s tariffs that could negatively impact the video game industry in the US.

ESA is the trade association behind the now-defunct E3 annual trade event. It is now urging President Trump and his administration to consult with companies before imposing these tariffs as the gaming industry is already going through hard times thanks to rounds of layoffs.

The tariffs, set to take effect today February 4, 2025, could lead to price hikes for video game consoles, physical games, and related components, with estimates suggesting that American consumers could pay an additional $7 billion for consoles.

In an updated statement to Inverse, ESA also says, “Video games are one of the most popular and beloved forms of entertainment for Americans of all ages. Tariffs on video game devices and related products would negatively impact hundreds of millions of Americans and would harm the industry’s significant contributions to the U.S. economy.”

“We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to find ways to sustain the economic growth supported by our sector,” the statement continues.

The tariffs may also affect the launch of upcoming systems like the Nintendo Switch 2.

The new tariffs are also causing more headaches for retro gaming gear manufacturers. Companies like RetroTink, Voultar, and HD Retrovision, which rely on Chinese imports for essential components, face the prospect of raising prices due to increased import costs and compliance fees.

Ouch.