Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag caused quite a stir, as it represents a significant increase over the prices we've seen from Nintendo in the past. However, given the rise in production costs and economic factors like tariffs, analysts had anticipated that the Switch 2 would cost at least $400 USD.

The real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only align with the new $70 USD standard for new releases but can go as high as $80 USD, as seen with titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the cost of additional accessories for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.

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

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

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

SNES

The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would set you back $460 USD in today's terms after inflation adjustments.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's 3D gaming revolution in 1996, was also priced at $199 USD, equivalent to $400 USD today.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, which hit the market in 2001 for $199 USD, would cost $359 USD in 2025. Its games will be accessible on the Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online's classic library.

Wii

The motion-controlled Wii, a global phenomenon launched in 2006, was priced at $249 USD, which translates to about $394 USD in 2025.

Wii U

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

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD in 2025, still cheaper than the Switch 2, which is set to hit shelves on June 5.

When adjusted for inflation, the original NES emerges as the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched. This historical context doesn't necessarily make the Switch 2's price easier to accept.

Credit: IGN

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was somewhat anticipated, the pricing of its games was a major talking point. Titles like Mario Kart World are priced at $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are set at $70 USD (or $65 digitally).

Comparing these prices to the earliest NES cartridges is challenging due to the wide variance in pricing back then. In the early 90s, an NES game could cost anywhere from $34 USD to $45 USD, which translates to $98 USD to $130 USD in 2025. Despite this, many believe that game prices could continue to rise.

The Switch 2's pricing is at the higher end of Nintendo's historical range, surpassed only by the NES and SNES. Real-world factors, such as the announcement of a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 for Japan at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD, highlight the impact of these factors on pricing.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

Let's see how the Switch 2's price compares to other notable consoles when adjusted for inflation.

PlayStation 2

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

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, Microsoft's most successful console, launched in 2005 for $299 USD, equivalent to about $500 USD in 2025.

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

This analysis shows how the Switch 2's price compares to its predecessors and some of its rivals. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and games like Mario Kart World, as well as discussions with analysts on the factors driving the Switch 2's pricing.