Nintendo Switch 2 Price: A Major Leap from the Original Console
Nintendo has officially confirmed the Nintendo Switch 2 price at $449.99, a sharp increase from the original model’s $299.99 launch in 2017. The next-gen console hits shelves on June 5, 2025, promising a sleeker design, boosted specs, and a larger display—but also stirring debate over affordability.
So, what’s behind the price surge? A mix of high-end tech upgrades and political curveballs—including fresh tariffs on Chinese imports—are at the heart of this new price tag.
Why the Nintendo Switch 2 Price Is Higher This Time
New Features Driving Up the Nintendo Switch 2 Price
This isn’t just a rehash of the OG Switch. The Nintendo Switch 2 includes:
- A 7.9-inch LCD screen (larger than the original)
- Redesigned Joy-Cons with trackpad-like precision
- Built-in GameChat audio features
All that extra firepower doesn’t come cheap—and it’s a big reason why the Nintendo Switch 2 price has jumped by $150.
Tariffs Add Fuel to the Fire
Complicating matters is the Trump administration’s new 34% tariff on Chinese electronics, which affects Switch 2’s production supply chain. Nintendo has already postponed U.S. preorders, originally set for April 9, as it evaluates how much of the cost burden to pass on to consumers.
Game Prices Also Climb Alongside Nintendo Switch 2 Price
First-Party Titles See a Bump
Not only is the Nintendo Switch 2 price going up, but the games are too. Launch title Mario Kart World is expected to retail at $79.99, up from the previous $59.99 standard. Nintendo says this reflects deeper gameplay, improved visuals, and expanded online functionality.
Robust Launch Lineup Softens the Blow
Over 30 titles are planned for release day, including:
- “Donkey Kong Bananza” – A jungle adventure exclusive
- “The Duskbloods” – A FromSoftware original
- Remastered classics from the GameCube era, available through Nintendo Switch Online
Backward compatibility is confirmed, which means your current Switch games will still work on the new system—a welcome move in a pricey generation shift.
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Price Hurt Sales?
Nintendo is banking on its loyal fanbase and fresh hardware to justify the cost. However, with inflation-weary consumers, tariff anxiety, and rising game prices, there’s pressure to prove the console is worth every penny.
That said, the Nintendo Switch 2 price may simply be the new normal for next-gen gaming—especially in a world of premium handheld-tech expectations and volatile trade policies.
