Switch 2 Price at Launch: Not the Most Expensive Among Nintendo Consoles

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag certainly raised eyebrows, as it marks a significant increase over what we've typically seen from Nintendo. This jump can be attributed to rising production costs and economic factors such as tariffs, which industry analysts had anticipated would push the price to at least $400 USD. However, the real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, with titles like Mario Kart World setting a new standard at $80 USD, while other games like Donkey Kong Bananza are priced at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). When you factor in the costs of accessories necessary for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.

To put the Switch 2's price into perspective, let's look at how it compares to previous Nintendo consoles when adjusted for inflation. This comparison might offer some insight into whether the Switch 2's pricing is as shocking as it initially seems.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

Launched in 1985 at $179 USD, the NES might seem like a bargain today. However, adjusted for inflation, it would cost you $523 USD in 2025. That's a significant amount for what was considered a revolutionary console back in its day.

SNES

The SNES hit the market in 1991 with a price tag of $199 USD. Although it was $20 more than the NES at launch, adjusted for inflation, it would equate to $460 USD in 2025, still placing it among the pricier options in Nintendo's lineup.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, released in 1996, also carried a $199 price point at launch. In today's dollars, that would be $400 USD, reflecting the console's advanced 3D capabilities and the excitement it brought to gamers.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, launched in 2001 for $199, would cost $359 USD in 2025 when adjusted for inflation. It's noteworthy that the Switch 2 will offer GameCube games through the Nintendo Switch Online's classic library, adding value to its ecosystem.

Wii

The Wii, released in 2006, marked a shift with its motion controls and became a global phenomenon. Priced at $249 USD, it would be equivalent to $394 USD in 2025, showing a moderate increase over its predecessors.

Wii U

The Wii U, which didn't capture the same success as the Wii, launched in 2012 at $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $415 USD in 2025, bringing it closer to the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch, one of Nintendo's most successful consoles, was released in 2017 at $299 USD. Adjusted to today's dollars, it would be $387 USD, still cheaper than the Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5.

When you compare the Switch 2 to its predecessors, the original NES stands out as the most expensive launch if adjusted for inflation. However, this historical context doesn't necessarily make the Switch 2's price easier to accept.

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was anticipated, the pricing of its games caused a stir. With Mario Kart World priced 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 notably higher. In comparison, early NES cartridges had wildly varying prices, with some costing up to $45 USD in the early '90s, which would be $130 USD today, while others were as low as $34 USD, or $98 USD after inflation adjustment. Despite these historical prices, many believe that game costs could continue to rise.

It's clear that the Switch 2 is at the higher end of Nintendo's pricing spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Real-world factors, such as production costs and tariffs, contribute to this increase. Notably, Nintendo has introduced a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 for Japan at 49,980 JPY, equivalent to $340 USD, catering to its key domestic market.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console of all time, launched in 2000 for $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $565 USD in 2025, making it significantly more expensive than the Switch 2.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, released in 2005 for $299 USD, would be approximately $500 USD in 2025, illustrating the impact of inflation on console pricing over time.

These comparisons show that the Switch 2's price is competitive when viewed alongside other consoles, both past and present. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2, reviews of games like Mario Kart World, and discussions with analysts on the factors driving the costs associated with the Switch 2.