The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to follow in the footsteps of one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles when it launches later this year. However, there’s still one major mystery surrounding the release: the price.
While Nintendo has teased the Switch 2’s design and a few details, the company has been tight-lipped about its cost, leaving fans and analysts speculating. Here’s what we know so far about the potential price of the Nintendo Switch 2 and how it might compare to other consoles in today’s market.
What Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Cost?
Industry analysts and leaks suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 may launch with a base price of $399 in the United States. This would position it competitively against other gaming hardware, especially in the handheld market.
For context, the original Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017 at $299, followed by the Switch Lite at $199 in 2019 and the Switch OLED model at $350 in 2021. These pricing strategies contributed to the Switch becoming the third best-selling console of all time, with 146 million units shipped globally as of September 2024.
Nintendo’s pricing philosophy often aims to strike a balance between affordability and value, making its consoles appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers. With the Switch 2, the company will likely continue this trend while navigating the competitive landscape of portable gaming.
Image via Nintendo.
Competitive Pricing in the Handheld Market
The handheld gaming market has evolved significantly since the original Switch launched. Devices like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally now offer portable, console-quality gaming experiences, but often at higher price points:
- Steam Deck: Starting at $399 for the base LCD model.
- Asus ROG Ally: Early models begin at $499, with enhanced versions exceeding $500.
The Switch 2, if priced at $399, would undercut many of these devices, making it an attractive option for families and casual gamers. Analysts like Rhys Elliott from MIDiA suggest that while core gamers may compare the Switch 2’s power unfavorably to these devices, Nintendo’s primary audience—families and casual players—will likely see the console as a worthwhile investment.
Image via Nintendo.
Could the Price Be Higher?
There’s also speculation that the Switch 2 could cost more than $400, depending on demand and production constraints. Nintendo might capitalize on early adopters who are willing to pay a premium for the latest hardware.
According to Elliott, “If the Switch 2 is supply-constrained at launch, Nintendo could charge more. Early adopters would be willing to pay for it, and if it’s going to sell out anyway, Nintendo might think, ‘Why not?’”
Nintendo’s reliance on its console business means the company is less likely to take significant losses on hardware pricing, unlike Sony or Microsoft, which offset console costs through other revenue streams. This financial reality could push the Switch 2’s price higher, particularly if demand is strong at launch.
Conclusion
While we don’t yet have an official price for the Nintendo Switch 2, the $399 mark appears to be a likely starting point based on industry analysis and trends in gaming hardware. However, factors such as production costs, market competition, and demand could influence Nintendo’s final decision.
More details, including the official price and release date, are expected to be revealed during the April Nintendo Direct. Until then, gamers can only speculate on how much they’ll need to save for Nintendo’s next big console.
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