As Nintendo Raises Switch 2 Price, a Rival Console Slashes Costs by 40%

19 minutes ago

While industry anticipation builds around the potential price hike for the upcoming Switch 2, one competitor in the family gaming space has opted to become more accessible. Board, the innovative interactive tablet designed specifically for tabletop gaming, has permanently slashed its price, dropping from $700 down to $400.

Board bridges the gap between classic tabletop experiences and modern digital gaming through a clever interface. The device features a expansive 24-inch touchscreen that players navigate using tangible physical pieces. It is purpose-built to revitalize family game night, though the initial $700 entry fee proved to be a significant barrier to widespread adoption at launch.

An animated demonstration of the Board tablet interface

GIF: Board via Polygon

Following a quiet 40% price adjustment earlier this spring, the hardware now sits at $399. While still a notable investment, this price point appears much more competitive in today’s shifting gaming hardware landscape. With reports indicating that the Nintendo Switch 2 may debut at $500 this September and the PlayStation 5 currently retailing for as much as $650, $400 is beginning to look like an entry-level price for premium gaming hardware in 2026, especially as manufacturers navigate ongoing global RAM shortages.

The package currently includes seven titles complete with custom physical accessories. Board has confirmed plans to expand its library with 10 additional releases this year, beginning with The Heist in June. Users can explore and acquire further games and accessories directly through Board’s official website.

‘There’s a demand for togetherness’: Board aims to challenge PlayStation and Nintendo with tabletop tech

We go hands-on with Board and speak with the developers about their vision for a more tactile, social style of gaming.

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When Polygon’s EIC Matt Patches tested the hardware last year, he was impressed by the intuitive controls and the variety of the software lineup. “It’s a bit of a cliché that rings true for Board: even among the 12 launch titles, there was something for everyone — and every attention span — in our early tests,” Patches noted.

While it may not serve as a direct competitor to the upcoming Switch 2, Board presents a compelling alternative for parents seeking an interactive gaming system that prioritizes social connection over traditional solitary play. As we’ve seen with the unexpected popularity of devices like the Nex Playground, there is clearly a growing appetite for family-focused hardware that offers a refreshing change of pace from standard consoles.