Nintendo Switch 2 gets a price hike, now costs as much as the PS5 originally did
Source: Android Authority
Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Nintendo is raising the Switch 2 price in several regions; in the US it will go from $449.99 to $499.99 on September 1 2026.
- Canada, Europe, and Japan see similar hikes, and even older Switch models are becoming more expensive in Japan.
- Nintendo apologized to customers and acknowledged the impact of the increase.
Price Increase Details
Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Switch 2 price will rise across multiple markets:
| Region | Current price | New price (effective Sept 1 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $449.99 | $499.99 |
| Canada | $629.99 | $679.99 |
| Europe | €469.99 | €499.99 |
| Japan | +10,000 ¥ (exact figures not disclosed) | — |
The US price now matches the original launch price of the PlayStation 5, highlighting the significance of the hike.
Impact on the Market
- Consumer expectations: Consoles typically become cheaper over a generation; this reversal is unusual.
- Older hardware: In Japan, the original Switch is also seeing a price increase, indicating a broader pricing adjustment across Nintendo’s lineup.
- Competitive landscape: The move underscores the pressure on hardware manufacturers from rising component costs and supply‑chain challenges.
Industry Context
The tech sector is grappling with:
- Higher manufacturing costs for RAM, storage, and other components.
- Supply‑chain instability that drives up prices for finished goods.
- Increased demand for AI‑related hardware, which tightens component availability.
These factors affect a wide range of products, from smartphones and GPUs to gaming consoles.
Nintendo’s Response
Nintendo chose to announce the change openly rather than bury it in corporate jargon. The company:
- Acknowledged that the price rise could affect customers.
- Issued an apology for the inconvenience.
While the apology doesn’t lessen the financial impact, it does soften the perception of the decision.
Nintendo Switch 2 Overview
- Improved performance
- Surprisingly great LCD display (7.9‑inch, 1080p, 120 Hz)
- Fun social features (GameChat)
MSRP: $449.00 (pre‑hike)
The Switch 2 brings a larger, higher‑refresh‑rate screen, a custom NVIDIA processor, 256 GB of internal storage, and enhanced social capabilities compared with the original Switch.
References
- Official Nintendo announcement:
- Switch 2 review:
- PlayStation 5 launch price reference:
- Android Authority comment policy: