How Much Will Switch 2 Cost? Nintendo Says It Needs to Consider ‘The Price Range That Consumers Expect for Nintendo Products’

Nintendo is meticulously considering various elements as it determines the price for the upcoming Switch 2. While industry analysts have speculated to IGN that the Switch 2 might launch at $400 later this year, Nintendo has yet to confirm the price of its next-generation console.

In a recent Q&A session aimed at investors, Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, addressed the pricing considerations for the Switch 2. He acknowledged the significant changes in inflation and exchange rates since the original Nintendo Switch was launched in 2017. "We are aware that, in addition to how inflation is currently proceeding, the exchange rate environment has also changed significantly since around the time we launched Nintendo Switch in 2017," Furukawa stated.

Furukawa emphasized the importance of understanding consumer expectations regarding the price range for Nintendo products. "We also need to consider the price range that consumers expect for Nintendo products. We think a multifaceted consideration of these factors is needed when deciding on the price of a product. I cannot tell you a specific price for Nintendo Switch 2 at this time, but we are taking various factors into account."

It's important to delve into the details. The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299.99 and maintained that price for years. Now, nearly eight years later, what price range do consumers expect for Nintendo products? Competitors Sony and Microsoft have raised the prices of their current-generation consoles due to increased costs, inflation, and currency trends.

As previously mentioned, analysts predict that the Switch 2 might retail at $400. This would represent an increase from the $300 launch price of the original Switch, which Nintendo still upholds outside of sales or bundles. The Nintendo Switch OLED model is priced at $350, while the Nintendo Switch Lite is $200. Although detailed specifications and features of the Switch 2 are still under wraps beyond Nintendo's brief video reveal, the expectation of a more advanced, next-gen console supports a $400 price point as a reasonable estimate.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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Nintendo has scheduled a Switch 2 Direct for April 2, where they will offer a "closer look" at the console following its reveal last month. The initial reveal provided a glimpse of the Switch 2's form factor, hinted at a possible Mario Kart 9, and introduced a potential 'mouse' mode for the new Joy-Con.

However, many questions about the Switch 2 remain unanswered, including the function of the new Joy-Con button, the console's power capabilities, and the purpose of its new ports. Nintendo plans to host Switch 2 hands-on events in various cities worldwide to give fans a chance to experience the new console firsthand.

Shuntaro Furukawa also confirmed that Nintendo has no plans to adjust the price of the original Switch, despite the upcoming launch of the Switch 2, so expect the original model's pricing to remain stable.