Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Some Nintendo Consoles at Launch

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag raised eyebrows, as it marks a significant increase from what we've typically seen from Nintendo. However, with rising production costs and economic factors like tariffs, industry analysts had anticipated a price of at least $400 USD. Perhaps even more surprising was the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only hit the new $70 USD standard but also reached $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When considering the additional costs of accessories needed for the complete Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes substantial.

To put the Switch 2's pricing into perspective, let's adjust the launch costs of previous Nintendo consoles for inflation and see how they compare, as well as look at other gaming consoles.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

Launched in 1985 at $179 USD, the NES seems like a steal today. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $523 USD in 2025, making it the most expensive Nintendo console at launch when adjusted for inflation.

SNES

The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would be $460 USD in 2025 after inflation adjustment, showing a slight decrease from the NES but still higher than the Switch 2.

Nintendo 64

The 1996 release of the Nintendo 64 also came in at $199 USD, equating to $400 USD in today's dollars, which is still more than the Switch 2's price.

Nintendo GameCube

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

Wii

The motion-controlled Wii, released in 2006 for $249 USD, would cost about $394 USD in 2025, slightly less than the Switch 2.

Wii U

The less successful Wii U, launched in 2012 for $299 USD, would be $415 USD in 2025, making it quite close to the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, released in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD in today's dollars, still cheaper than the Switch 2 when it launches on June 5.

Despite the NES being the priciest when adjusted for inflation, the Switch 2's price remains a tough pill to swallow.

Credit: IGN

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was somewhat anticipated, the pricing of its games caused a stir. Mario Kart World will retail at a high of $80 USD, with other titles like Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $70 USD (or $65 digitally).

Comparing these to early NES cartridges is tricky due to the wide price variance back then. An NES game in the early 90s could cost anywhere from $34 to $45 USD, which translates to $98 to $130 USD in 2025. Despite this, many believe game prices could climb even higher.

The Switch 2's pricing is at the higher end of Nintendo's spectrum, only surpassed by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Real-world factors like production costs and regional pricing strategies, such as the cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 for Japan at 49,980 JPY ($340 USD), contribute to these price hikes.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, released in 2000 for $299 USD, would cost $565 USD in 2025, making it significantly more expensive than the Switch 2.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, launched in 2005 for $299 USD, would be about $500 USD in 2025, also more than the Switch 2.

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 competitors. For more in-depth coverage, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and their analysis of games like Mario Kart World, as well as discussions with analysts on the factors driving the Switch 2's pricing.