Minority Mindset

As a passionate gamer, I’ve got some news that might impact my Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order. Last week, tariffs on countries where Nintendo manufactures its consoles and games, like Vietnam, skyrocketed by over 40%. However, the U.S. President announced yesterday, via his social media platform Truth Social and the Associated Press, that these high tariffs would be put on hold, but a 10% tariff will still apply across the board for now. This has led to some delays in U.S. pre-orders, yet I’m relieved to hear that Nintendo is still aiming for the launch of the Switch 2 on June 5th, 2025 – yes, you read it right! Despite the hiccups, this upcoming release date falls within the 90-day window since it’s over two years away. Let’s hope everything goes smoothly and we can get our hands on the Switch 2 soon!

Kinda Funny Games questioned Nintendo Senior Vice President Nate Bihldorff about whether having The Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch Online meant that the upcoming Switch 2 wouldn’t receive an updated port of the Wii U version at a later date. Bihldorff swiftly responded, “No,” indicating that all possibilities are being considered. Tim Gettys, the host of Kinda Funny, further clarified that while nothing is definitively decided yet, there have been numerous instances where games available on Nintendo Switch Online have also appeared in other forms.

On Wednesday, Trump announced that tariffs will generally be reduced to 10% in many areas. However, China now faces an elevated tariff rate of 125%. These adjustments take effect immediately. Moreover, Trump declared he is putting a temporary halt on new tariff agreements for a period of 90 days. The deadline for this pause is July 8, 2025.

Showing that camaraderie in online gaming groups can be just as strong as in real life, GSniper1 recently shared a video they were proud of, despite calling themselves “bad.” This clip highlights an exciting match full of swift judgments and high tension, which are key elements of the Valorant gameplay. Many players can relate to GSniper1’s self-assessment, as they too may struggle in a game that demands not just aiming skills but also strategy, teamwork, and lightning-fast reflexes. The fact that they managed to create a moment worthy of celebration demonstrates the unexpected charm of gaming. Unlike most videos, which often focus on perfect play and advanced strategies, it’s refreshing to see a player take pleasure in their personal gaming journey, regardless of their self-declared skill level.

In Valorant, pivotal moments are the kind often spoken about in tales of heroism. They can dramatically alter the direction of a game and, significantly, the mental state of a competitor. Sezikawara’s post vividly portrays one such instance where it seemed like he was up against insurmountable odds. He was finding it tough, even falling behind, which can be discouraging for any player in a competitive environment. The pressure is immense, and every round feels like a fight not only against the opposing team but also against self-doubt. However, at the brink of losing, Sezikawara’s determination took over. He transformed a shaky performance into an outstanding victory, and while the specific details of his clutch were impressive, the context surrounding it makes it all the more thrilling. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, all you need for triumph is the perfect mix of chaos and calmness amidst the usual turmoil in a Valorant match.

For a gamer moving from CS2, where they were used to fighting against dishonest players, the reality of triptyq’s Valorant experience is undoubtedly disappointing. Instead of learning the game mechanics or meeting the colorful roster of agents, they encountered cheating almost immediately. Barely an hour into their first match, this player found themselves up against a clear cheater, effectively ruining any chance of a fun and fair competition.