Does the $499 price include any games or accessories?

No, the $499 price is for the console only without any games or accessories. New Nintendo first-party games now use a split pricing model — $59.99 for digital and $69.99 for physical copies.

Was the original Switch 2 price $449 since launch?

Yes, the Switch 2 launched in June 2025 at $449.99 and this is its first price increase. For context, the original Switch launched at $299, meaning the Switch 2 at $449 was already 50% more expensive than its predecessor at launch.

Does the price increase affect the original Nintendo Switch too?

In Japan, the Switch OLED, Switch Lite, and standard Switch are all seeing price increases as well. For other markets, Nintendo has only confirmed Switch 2 increases for now with further announcements expected.

How does $499 compare to competing consoles?

Sony raised the PlayStation 5 price by $100 in March 2026 to $599 for the standard disc edition. Xbox Series X has also seen price increases. The Switch 2 at $499 remains the most affordable current-generation console among the three major platforms.

Is it worth buying now before the price increase?

If you were already planning to buy a Switch 2, you have a window until August 31 to get it at $449 before the increase takes effect. That said, a $50 difference isn't reason enough to rush a purchase if you weren't already ready to buy.

Nintendo Switch 2 Getting More Expensive — Official Price Increase from $449 to $499 Starting September 2026

Nintendo Switch 2 Is Getting More Expensive

Beginning on September 1, 2026, Nintendo of America will revise the MSRP of the Nintendo Switch 2 system in the US from $449.99 to $499.99, in response to various changes in market conditions expected to extend over the medium to long term.

Price Increases Across All Markets

In Europe, prices will increase by 30 euros to reach €499.99, and in Canada by $50 to reach $679.99. Japan will be the first market to see the new pricing effective May 25, 2026, with a ¥10,000 increase.

Why Now?

Nintendo had previously resisted raising the price of Switch 2 hardware even as competitors Sony and Microsoft raised prices on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X due to tariff costs and production expenses. Significant increases in RAM prices over the past year — mainly attributed to AI data center demand — combined with broader global economic pressures ultimately forced Nintendo's hand.

Sales Figures and Forecasts

Nintendo sold 19.86 million Switch 2 units in the past fiscal year. For fiscal year 2027, the company forecasts sales of 16.5 million units — well below the 20-plus million some analysts had expected. The price increase may further pressure those projections.

Nintendo Promises a Strong Software Lineup

Nintendo's president stated the company will prepare a robust software lineup to enhance Switch 2 ownership value and overcome this barrier, while also noting that current demand for the Switch 2 in its second year remains "firm" and overall adoption is progressing smoothly.

Separate Pricing for Digital and Physical Games

The announcement came alongside Nintendo introducing a format-split pricing model for first-party games, with digital titles at $59.99 versus $69.99 for physical copies — the first time Nintendo has formally priced the two formats differently at launch.

Your Window to Buy at the Old Price

For American, Canadian and European gamers who have been waiting to buy a Switch 2, the announcement creates a roughly four-month window to purchase one at its original price.