Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag certainly raised eyebrows, marking a notable increase over previous Nintendo consoles. This jump in price aligns with rising production costs and economic factors like tariffs, which analysts had predicted would push the console's price to at least $400 USD. However, the real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, setting a new standard at $70 USD, with some titles like Mario Kart World reaching $80 USD. When you add the costs of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes significant.

To understand the Switch 2's pricing better, let's adjust the launch costs of previous Nintendo consoles for inflation and see how they compare:

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 for $179 USD, would cost a staggering $523 USD in 2025 after adjusting for inflation. This makes it the most expensive Nintendo console launch when inflation is considered.

SNES

In 1991, the SNES was priced at $199 USD, which translates to $460 USD in today's dollars. Despite being $20 more than the NES at launch, inflation makes it less costly than the NES in 2025 terms.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $400 USD in 2025.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, which hit the market in 2001 for $199 USD, would be priced at $359 USD today. Its games will be available on the Switch 2 through the Nintendo Switch Online's classic library.

Wii

The Wii, a revolutionary motion-controlled console, was released in 2006 for $249 USD, equating to $394 USD in 2025.

Wii U

The Wii U, launched in 2012 for $299 USD, would cost $415 USD in today's dollars, making it closer to the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

The incredibly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD in today's terms, still cheaper than the Switch 2 when it launches on June 5.

Despite the NES being the priciest when adjusted for inflation, the Switch 2's $450 USD price remains a significant jump, making it harder to justify for many consumers.

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was somewhat anticipated, the game pricing caused a stir. With Mario Kart World at $80 USD and other titles like Donkey Kong Bananza at $70 USD (or $65 digitally), the cost of gaming on the Switch 2 is set to be higher than ever. Comparing this to the early days of the NES, where game prices ranged from $34 to $45 USD, which would be $98 to $130 USD in 2025, it's clear that game prices have been on an upward trend. Many speculate that these costs could continue to rise.

The Switch 2's pricing sits at the higher end of Nintendo's historical range, surpassed only by the inflation-adjusted costs of the NES and SNES. External factors, such as production costs and market conditions, are evident in Nintendo's decision to offer a cheaper, region-locked version of the Switch 2 in Japan for 49,980 JPY, or about $340 USD.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

When comparing the Switch 2 to other consoles, it's interesting to see how it stacks up:

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, launched in 2000 for $299 USD, would cost $565 USD in 2025, making it more expensive than the Switch 2 when adjusted for inflation.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, released in 2005 for $299 USD, would be priced at around $500 USD in 2025.

In conclusion, the Switch 2's price, while high, is competitive when compared to its predecessors and some rival consoles when adjusted for inflation. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on review of the Switch 2 and discussions on the pricing strategies behind it.