The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag certainly raised eyebrows, as it marks a significant increase over previous Nintendo consoles. This price hike aligns with rising production costs and economic factors such as tariffs, which analysts had anticipated would push the cost to at least $400 USD. However, it was the pricing of Switch 2 games that truly shocked many, with titles reaching the new industry standard of $70 USD, and some, like Mario Kart World, going as high as $80 USD. When you factor in the additional costs of accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the overall investment becomes quite substantial.
To better understand the Switch 2's pricing, let's look at how it compares to the launch prices of previous Nintendo consoles, adjusted for inflation to 2025 dollars.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles
NES
The NES launched in 1985 at $179 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that would be $523 USD in 2025, making it the most expensive Nintendo console launch when adjusted for inflation.
SNES
Released in 1991 for $199 USD, the SNES would cost $460 USD in 2025 after inflation adjustments.
Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64, which marked Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. This translates to $400 USD in today's terms.
Nintendo GameCube
The GameCube, whose games will be available on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online’s classic library, was released in 2001 for $199 USD, which equates to $359 USD in 2025.
Wii
The motion-controlled Wii, a global phenomenon, launched in 2006 for $249 USD, or about $394 USD in 2025.
Wii U
The Wii U, released in 2012, was priced at $299 USD at launch, which would be $415 USD in 2025, making it closer in price to the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch
The highly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, would cost $387 USD in 2025, still cheaper than the Switch 2, set to launch on June 5.
Despite the NES being the most expensive when adjusted for inflation, the Switch 2's price remains a significant jump from the original Switch.
But what about the games?
While the Switch 2's console price was anticipated, the game pricing was a surprise. Titles like Mario Kart World are priced at $80 USD, while others, such as Donkey Kong Bananza, are at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). Comparing this to the early NES days, where game prices varied wildly, some games cost as much as $45 USD ($130 USD in 2025), while others were as low as $34 USD ($98 USD in 2025). Despite this, many believe game prices could rise further.
The Switch 2's pricing reflects real-world factors, as evidenced by a cheaper, region-locked version for Japan at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD.
How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console ever, launched in 2000 for $299 USD, which would be $565 USD in 2025.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360, released in 2005 for $299 USD, would cost about $500 USD in 2025.
Console prices adjust for inflation. The PS3 was super expensive! Image credit: IGN
In summary, the Switch 2's pricing reflects a combination of market trends and economic factors. While it may not be the most expensive console when adjusted for inflation, it represents a significant increase over its immediate predecessor, the original Nintendo Switch. For more insights, explore IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and analyses on why the costs have risen.
