Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag has certainly caused a stir, marking a significant jump from what we've typically seen from Nintendo. However, given the increase in production costs and economic factors like tariffs, industry analysts had anticipated a price of at least $400 USD. The real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, which align with the new $70 USD standard, with some titles like Mario Kart World reaching up to $80 USD. When you factor in the cost of additional accessories needed for the full experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.

To better understand the Switch 2's pricing, let's look at how it compares to previous Nintendo consoles when adjusted for inflation:

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 for $179 USD, would cost a staggering $523 USD in today's money when adjusted for inflation.

SNES

The SNES, released in 1991 at $199 USD, would equate to $460 USD in 2025 dollars after inflation adjustment.

Nintendo 64

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

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, released in 2001 for $199 USD, would be valued at $359 USD in today's dollars. Notably, its games will be available on the Switch 2 through the Nintendo Switch Online's classic library.

Wii

The Wii, introduced in 2006 for $249 USD, would cost about $394 USD in 2025, reflecting its status as a global phenomenon.

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 point.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, would be priced at $387 USD today, still lower than the Switch 2's $450 USD when it hits shelves on June 5.

The NES stands out as the priciest Nintendo console launch when adjusted for inflation, yet this historical context doesn't necessarily make the Switch 2's price more palatable.

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was anticipated, the pricing of its games has been a notable surprise. Games like Mario Kart World are set at $80 USD, while others such as Donkey Kong Bananza are priced at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). Comparing these prices to the launch prices of NES cartridges is challenging due to the wide variation in pricing at the time. For instance, an NES game in the early 90s could cost anywhere from $34 USD (equivalent to $98 USD today) to $45 USD ($130 USD in 2025), which still exceeds the price of Mario Kart World. There's speculation that game prices might rise further.

The Switch 2's pricing reflects the higher end of Nintendo's range, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. This increase can be attributed to real-world economic factors, as evidenced by the announcement of a cheaper, region-locked version of the Switch 2 for Japan at 49,980 JPY, or approximately $340 USD.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

To gauge the Switch 2's value, let's compare it to other notable consoles:

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console ever, was released in 2000 for $299 USD, which would be $565 USD in today's terms.

Xbox 360

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

These comparisons show how the Switch 2's pricing aligns with its predecessors and competitors. For further insights, explore IGN's hands-on experience with the Switch 2 and its games, like Mario Kart World, and delve into discussions with analysts about the rising costs surrounding the Switch 2.