The Dreaded Switch 2 Price Hike Has Finally Arrived

Nintendo has confirmed a $50 price increase for the Switch 2, bringing its retail cost to $499.99, effective September 1.

This adjustment extends to international markets as well, with European pricing rising by €30 to €499.99 and Canadian pricing increasing by $50 CAD to $679.99 CAD. Nintendo has yet to clarify whether consumers in the U.K. will face similar adjustments.

Japanese consumers face the most significant impact, with steeper and more immediate price hikes across a broader catalog. Starting May 25, the cost for all Switch models, the Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions will increase. Specifically, the Japanese Switch 2 model is set to rise by ¥10,000 to ¥59,980, while existing Switch models will see increases ranging from ¥8,000 to ¥11,000. Additionally, the annual Nintendo Switch Online subscription will go up by ¥1,000.

Attributing these decisions to “shifts in market conditions and a comprehensive review of the global business outlook,” Nintendo’s move aligns with widespread industry expectations. The decision follows a prolonged global shortage of computer memory, which has significantly inflated the costs of RAM and storage components.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience these price revisions may cause our valued customers and stakeholders, and we appreciate your understanding,” the company stated.

Nintendo had maintained its pricing for longer than its competitors, exercising restraint despite the ongoing memory supply crisis. In contrast, Sony increased the price of the PlayStation 5 by $100 to $150 back in March, and Microsoft implemented two separate price hikes for its Xbox Series consoles throughout 2025, totaling increases between $100 and $200.

Partially due to these pricing updates, Nintendo informed investors on Friday that it anticipates sales momentum for the Switch 2 to moderate over the coming year, rather than accelerate as typically seen in a console’s second year. However, bolstered by a remarkably successful launch, the platform remains in a strong position. With 19.86 million units sold to date, the Switch 2 is projected to move another 16.5 million units in the next year—a trajectory that keeps it firmly ahead of the original Switch’s performance at the same point in its lifecycle.

Source: Polygon