How Much Will Switch 2 Cost? Nintendo Says It Needs to Consider ‘The Price Range That Consumers Expect for Nintendo Products’

Nintendo is meticulously evaluating several factors as it deliberates on the pricing strategy for the upcoming Switch 2. While industry analysts have speculated to IGN that the Switch 2 could be priced at $400 upon its anticipated release later this year, Nintendo has not yet made an official announcement regarding the price of this next-generation console.

In a recent investor-focused Q&A session, Shuntaro Furukawa, the president of Nintendo, addressed concerns about how inflation and shifts in exchange rates since the original Switch's launch in 2017 might impact the pricing of the Switch 2. Furukawa acknowledged the significant changes in the economic landscape and emphasized the need for a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. "We are aware that, in addition to how inflation is currently proceeding, the exchange rate environment has also changed significantly since around the time we launched Nintendo Switch in 2017," he stated. He further added, "We also need to consider the price range that consumers expect for Nintendo products. We think a multifaceted consideration of these factors is needed when deciding on the price of a product. I cannot tell you a specific price for Nintendo Switch 2 at this time, but we are taking various factors into account."

It's crucial to consider the broader context. The original Nintendo Switch was launched at $299.99 and has maintained this price for several years. Now, almost eight years on, what price range do consumers expect from Nintendo? Competitors like Sony and Microsoft have raised the prices of their current-generation consoles due to increased costs, inflation, and currency fluctuations.

Analysts anticipate that Nintendo will set the Switch 2's price at $400. This would represent an increase from the $300 launch price of the original Switch, which Nintendo continues to offer outside of sales or bundles. The Nintendo Switch OLED model retails for $350, while the Nintendo Switch Lite is priced at $200. Although detailed specifications and features of the Switch 2 remain undisclosed beyond the initial video reveal, indications suggest a more robust and powerful next-gen console, making a $400 price point seem plausible.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

28 Images

Nintendo has scheduled a Switch 2 Direct for April 2, where they will offer a more detailed look at the console following its initial reveal last month. The reveal showcased the Switch 2's form factor, hinted at what appears to be Mario Kart 9, and suggested a new 'mouse' mode for the updated Joy-Con.

However, many questions remain unanswered about the Switch 2, such as the function of the new Joy-Con button, the console's power capabilities, and the purpose of its new ports. Nintendo plans to host Switch 2 hands-on events in various cities worldwide to provide further insights.

In the meantime, Furukawa confirmed that Nintendo has no intentions of altering the price of the original Switch despite the imminent launch of the Switch 2, indicating that the pricing for the existing model will remain stable.