The Nintendo Switch 2 might soon become a lot more expensive. Nintendo has hinted at potential price increases for its newest console following an official announcement that its previous-generation Switch systems will see a price bump in the United States starting August 3. If you were waiting for the holidays to buy the Switch 2, you might want to reconsider.
Launched in June 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently available in two versions. The base model comes in at $449.99, which includes the console, dock, cables, and the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers. A $499.99 bundle adds a digital copy of Mario Kart World, one of the console’s standout launch exclusives. Both editions have held their launch pricing so far, but that could change very soon.
The pricing pressure comes in the wake of the reintroduced Trump tariffs, which are already impacting the cost of gaming hardware. Nintendo’s recent update confirmed that the entire original Switch lineup will get more expensive in the U.S. market. The standard Switch is jumping from $299.99 to $339.99, the OLED model from $349.99 to $399.99, and the Lite from $199.99 to $229.99. While Switch 2 pricing has yet to be officially adjusted, Nintendo has made it clear that "price adjustments may be necessary in the future" a warning gamers should take seriously.
Historically, video game consoles become cheaper over time as production scales and components become more affordable. But in a rare turn of events, Nintendo is going the other way, potentially raising prices on current-generation products. Market conditions are being blamed, but for gamers, the reality is simple. Delaying your Switch 2 purchase might end up costing you more.
There are valid reasons why some fans have held off. A segment of the audience is hoping for an OLED version of the Switch 2, while others believe the system doesn’t yet have a strong enough lineup of exclusives to justify a purchase. But that logic could prove costly if the new tariffs stick around for an extended period. Nintendo has not ruled out raising prices on games or Switch Online memberships either, making the case for early adoption even stronger.
For those worried about limited exclusives, there is some good news. The Switch 2 may be new, but it already supports backward compatibility, giving it access to nearly the entire library of Switch 1 games. And when it comes to new content, Nintendo has delivered with titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, which is already being hailed as one of the year’s best, and Mario Kart World, a must-have for fans of the franchise.
Retailers are also expected to introduce trade-in and upgrade incentives for those willing to part with their older systems, meaning you might score a better deal now than months down the line.
Whether you are a casual gamer, a longtime Nintendo fan, or a parent planning to buy a console during the holidays, the warning is clear. The longer you wait, the more you might pay.
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