Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 at a price point of $450 USD has certainly raised eyebrows, given that it's higher than what we've typically seen from Nintendo. However, considering the increase in production costs and economic factors such as tariffs, industry analysts had already forecasted a price tag of at least $400 USD for the new console. The real surprise, however, came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, with titles like Mario Kart World setting a new high at $80 USD, while other games like Donkey Kong Bananza are priced at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). When you add the costs of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite significant.

But how does the Switch 2's price compare when adjusted for inflation against previous Nintendo consoles? And how does it stack up against other gaming systems? The comparisons might just offer some perspective...

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

When the NES hit the market in 1985, it was priced at $179 USD. While that seems like a steal today, adjusted for inflation, it would cost a staggering $523 USD in 2025.

SNES

In 1991, the SNES followed, priced at $199 USD. Despite being $20 more than its predecessor at launch, inflation-adjusted to 2025, it would cost $460 USD.

Nintendo 64

Nintendo's leap into 3D gaming with the Nintendo 64 in 1996 retained the $199 price point of the SNES. However, that equates to $400 USD when adjusted for inflation to today's dollars.

Nintendo GameCube

With the Nintendo GameCube launching in 2001 at $199, its games will soon be available on the Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online’s classic library. Adjusted for inflation, the GameCube would cost $359 USD in 2025.

Wii

Following the GameCube, the motion-controlled Wii became a global hit when released in 2006 at $249 USD, which translates to about $394 USD in today's terms.

Wii U

Despite being less successful than its predecessor, the Wii U launched in 2012 for $299 USD, which would be $415 USD in 2025, bringing it closer to the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

With the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo found its stride again, launching in 2017 for $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that comes out to $387 USD, still less than the Switch 2, set to hit the shelves on June 5.

When you compare the original NES's inflation-adjusted price, it turns out to be the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched. Does this make the Switch 2's price more palatable? Not necessarily.

Credit: IGN

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's price was somewhat anticipated, the pricing strategy for its games has been the real eye-opener. With Mario Kart World reaching $80 USD and other titles like Donkey Kong Bananza at $70 USD (or $65 digitally), the costs are climbing. Early NES cartridges had a wide range of prices, from $34 to $45 USD back in the day, which would be $98 to $130 USD today. Yet, even with these historical comparisons, the current game pricing suggests a potential for further increases in the future.

It's clear that the Switch 2 is at the higher end of Nintendo's pricing spectrum, only surpassed by the inflation-adjusted costs of the NES and SNES. External economic factors appear to be driving these price hikes, as evidenced by the announcement of a less expensive, region-locked version of the Switch 2 for Japan, priced at 49,980 JPY or about $340 USD.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

When we look at how the Switch 2's price compares to other consoles, past and present, it's interesting to see where it falls.

PlayStation 2

Launched in 2000, the PlayStation 2, the best-selling console ever, cost $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that would be $565 USD in 2025.

Xbox 360

In 2005, the Xbox 360 hit the market at $299 USD, which translates to about $500 USD in today's dollars.

Console prices adjust for inflation. The PS3 was super expensive! Image credit: IGN

These comparisons show how the Switch 2's pricing stacks up against its predecessors and competitors. For further insights, check out IGN's hands-on experience with the Switch 2 and its games like Mario Kart World, as well as discussions with analysts about the reasons behind the rising costs of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem.