Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag certainly raised eyebrows, marking a significant increase from what we've historically seen from Nintendo. With rising production costs and economic factors such as tariffs in play, industry analysts had anticipated a price around $400 USD. However, the real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only reached the new industry standard of $70 USD but soared to $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the cost of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.

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

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 for $179 USD, would cost a staggering $523 USD today after inflation adjustment. It's a reminder of how much prices have escalated over time.

SNES

The SNES, which debuted in 1991 at $199 USD, translates to $460 USD in 2025 dollars. Although it was more expensive than the NES at launch, its adjusted price is still higher than the Switch 2's.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, released in 1996 for $199 USD, would be $400 USD today. This console marked a significant leap into 3D gaming for Nintendo.

Nintendo GameCube

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

Wii

The Wii, a revolutionary console with motion controls, hit the market in 2006 for $249 USD, equating to $394 USD in 2025.

Wii U

The less successful Wii U was released in 2012 for $299 USD, which would be $415 USD today, bringing it closer to the Switch 2's price point.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch was launched in 2017 for $299 USD, which equates to $387 USD today, making it still more affordable than the Switch 2 when it launches on June 5.

When comparing the Switch 2 to its predecessors, it's clear that the original NES would be the most expensive console if adjusted for inflation. However, this historical context doesn't necessarily make the Switch 2's price more palatable.

But what about the games? The pricing strategy for Switch 2 games has been a significant talking point, with titles like Mario Kart World priced at $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are set at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). Comparing these to the fluctuating prices of NES cartridges in the early '90s, which ranged from $34 to $45 USD (or $98 to $130 USD in 2025 dollars), it's evident that game pricing has evolved considerably.

The Switch 2's pricing is at the higher end of Nintendo's historical spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Real-world economic factors have influenced this pricing, as evidenced by Nintendo's decision to offer a region-locked, cheaper version of the Switch 2 in Japan for 49,980 JPY or $340 USD.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, launched in 2000 for $299 USD, would cost $565 USD today, making it the highest-priced console in our comparison when adjusted for inflation.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, released in 2005 for $299 USD, would be about $500 USD in 2025, illustrating the significant impact of inflation on console pricing.

In summary, the Switch 2's price is competitive when viewed against its predecessors and some of its rivals. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on experience with the Switch 2, along with their coverage of games like Mario Kart World. Additionally, IGN offers discussions with analysts explaining the rising costs of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem.