Switch 2 Priced Competitively at Launch, Not Nintendo's Priciest Console

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag raised eyebrows, as it marks a significant increase over the prices we're accustomed to from Nintendo. However, with rising production costs and economic factors like tariffs, analysts had anticipated a price point around $400 USD. Perhaps even more surprising was the cost of Switch 2 games, which not only align with the new $70 USD standard but can reach up to $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the price of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.

To better understand the Switch 2's pricing, let's compare it to previous Nintendo consoles adjusted for inflation and see how it stacks up against other gaming systems. The results might surprise you...

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 at $179 USD, seems like a bargain today. However, adjusted for inflation, it would cost $523 USD in 2025. That's a hefty sum!

SNES

In 1991, the SNES hit the market at $199 USD. Considering inflation, that equates to $460 USD in 2025, making it a bit more expensive than the Switch 2.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, released in 1996 at $199 USD, brought 3D gaming to the forefront. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $400 USD today.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, which launched in 2001 at $199 USD, would cost $359 USD in today's dollars. Its games will also be available on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online's classic library.

Wii

The motion-controlled Wii became a global phenomenon in 2006, priced at $249 USD. In 2025 dollars, that's about $394 USD.

Wii U

The less successful Wii U was released in 2012 for $299 USD, which translates to $415 USD in 2025, closely aligning with the Switch 2's price.

Nintendo Switch

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

So, when adjusted for inflation, the original NES stands out as the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched. Does this make the Switch 2's price any easier to accept? Not really.

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's price was somewhat anticipated, the game pricing was a shock. Titles like Mario Kart World will retail for up to $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are priced at $70 USD (or $65 digitally).

It's challenging to directly compare these prices to early NES cartridges due to the variability in pricing back then. In the early 90s, an NES game could cost as much as $45 USD, which is $130 USD in 2025, while some were sold for as little as $34 USD, or $98 USD today. Despite this, many believe game prices could rise further.

The Switch 2's price places it on the higher end of Nintendo's spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES. Real-world factors, including a cheaper, region-locked version for Japan at 49,980 JPY ($340 USD), contribute to this pricing strategy.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

Let's look at how the Switch 2's price compares to other consoles from the past:

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, released in 2000 and the best-selling console ever, cost $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that's $565 USD in 2025.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, released in 2005 for $299 USD, would cost about $500 USD today.

So, that's how the Switch 2's price compares to its predecessors and some competitors. For more in-depth analysis, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and details on games like Mario Kart World, as well as discussions with analysts on the reasons behind the Switch 2's pricing.