Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag has certainly caught the attention of gamers and industry analysts alike, especially considering this is a higher price point than we're accustomed to seeing from Nintendo. With rising production costs and economic factors such as tariffs, analysts had anticipated the Switch 2's price to be around $400 USD at the minimum. However, the surprise didn't end there; the pricing of Switch 2 games also turned heads, with titles like Mario Kart World reaching up to $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are priced at $70 USD, or $65 digitally. When you factor in the additional cost of accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total cost can become quite substantial.

To put the Switch 2's price into perspective, let's look at how it compares to the launch prices of previous Nintendo consoles when adjusted for inflation:

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 at $179 USD, would cost a staggering $523 USD in 2025 after adjusting for inflation.

SNES

The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would set you back $460 USD today.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, which marked Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that's $400 USD in 2025.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, released in 2001 for $199 USD, would cost $359 USD today, and its games will be available on the Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online’s classic library.

Wii

The motion-controlled Wii, a global phenomenon released in 2006 for $249 USD, would be $394 USD in 2025.

Wii U

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

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, released in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD today, still cheaper than the Switch 2 when it hits the shelves on June 5.

When comparing these adjusted prices, it becomes clear that the original NES would be the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched in today's terms. This historical context might not make the Switch 2's price any more palatable, but it's interesting to note.

Regarding the pricing of games, the Switch 2's titles are certainly on the higher end. While comparing them directly to the varying prices of early NES cartridges is challenging due to the price fluctuations back then, it's notable that some NES games, which ranged from $34 to $45 USD, would equate to $98 to $130 USD today. This suggests that even with the high prices of Switch 2 games, they're still within the realm of historical norms when adjusted for inflation.

The Switch 2's pricing strategy seems to be influenced by real-world factors, evidenced by Nintendo's decision to offer a cheaper, region-locked version in Japan for 49,980 JPY, roughly $340 USD.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

Let's see how the Switch 2's price stacks up against other iconic consoles:

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console of all time, was released in 2000 for $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $565 USD in 2025.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, Microsoft's most successful console, launched in 2005 for $299 USD, which would be about $500 USD today.

In summary, the Switch 2's pricing reflects the current economic landscape and aligns with the adjusted historical prices of other consoles. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and discussions with analysts about the factors driving these costs.