Switch 2 Price at Launch: Not the Priciest Among Nintendo Consoles

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag has certainly stirred conversations among gamers, especially considering it's higher than what we're used to seeing from Nintendo. However, given the rise in production costs and economic factors like tariffs, analysts had forecasted the Switch 2 to be priced around $400 USD at the very least. Perhaps even more surprising was the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only meet the new $70 USD standard but can go as high as $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the cost of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment can be quite substantial.

To put the Switch 2's price into perspective, let's examine how it compares to previous Nintendo consoles when adjusted for inflation, as well as to other consoles on the market.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 for $179 USD, seems like a bargain today. However, adjusting for inflation, it would cost a whopping $523 USD in 2025. That's quite a jump!

SNES

Following up in 1991, the SNES was priced at $199 USD. Considering inflation between the two launch years, it would be $460 USD in today's terms.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, which brought 3D gaming to the forefront in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that's equivalent to $400 USD in 2025.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, released in 2001 for $199 USD, would set you back $359 USD today. Its games are now available through the Nintendo Switch Online’s classic library on the Switch 2.

Wii

The innovative Wii, launched in 2006 at $249 USD, would cost about $394 USD in 2025, reflecting its status as a global phenomenon.

Wii U

The less successful Wii U, released in 2012 for $299 USD, would be priced at $415 USD today, aligning more closely with the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, would cost $387 USD in today's dollars, still undercutting the Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5.

When comparing the Switch 2 to its predecessors, it's clear that the original NES takes the crown as the most expensive console when adjusted for inflation. This historical perspective doesn't necessarily make the Switch 2's price any more palatable.

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was somewhat anticipated by industry analysts, the pricing of its games has caused quite a stir. Games like Mario Kart World are priced at a steep $80 USD, with other titles like Donkey Kong Bananza coming in at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). Comparing these prices to the early days of gaming can be tricky due to the wide variance in prices back then. For instance, an NES game in the early 90s could cost anywhere from $34 USD ($98 USD in 2025) to $45 USD ($130 USD in 2025). Despite this, there's a growing sentiment that game prices may continue to rise.

The Switch 2's pricing sits at the higher end of Nintendo's historical range, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when inflation is considered. External economic factors are likely contributing to this increase, evidenced by Nintendo's decision to offer a cheaper, region-locked version of the Switch 2 in Japan for 49,980 JPY, or roughly $340 USD.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

PlayStation 2

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

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, launched in 2005 for $299 USD, would be around $500 USD in today's money, illustrating how console prices have evolved over time.

In conclusion, the Switch 2's pricing, while higher than its immediate predecessor, fits within a broader context of rising costs across the gaming industry. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on experience with the Switch 2, reviews of games like Mario Kart World, and discussions with analysts about the factors driving these price increases.