Switch 2 Priced Competitively at Launch, Not Nintendo's Priciest Console

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag certainly raised eyebrows, marking a significant increase from what we've typically seen from Nintendo. This higher price point can be attributed to rising production costs and economic factors such as tariffs, which analysts had anticipated would push the price to at least $400 USD.

However, the real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games. Not only do they align with the new industry standard of $70 USD, but some titles, like Mario Kart World, are priced at a staggering $80 USD. When you factor in the cost of additional accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.

To put the Switch 2's price into perspective, let's compare it to previous Nintendo consoles after adjusting for inflation:

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 for $179 USD, would cost a hefty $523 USD in 2025 when adjusted for inflation.

SNES

The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would set you back $460 USD today.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, which hit the market in 1996 at $199 USD, would now cost $400 USD after inflation adjustments.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, available in 2001 for $199 USD, would be priced at $359 USD in today's dollars.

Wii

The Wii, launched in 2006 for $249 USD, would cost about $394 USD in 2025.

Wii U

The Wii U, released in 2012 for $299 USD, would be $415 USD today, making it closer to the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, which debuted in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD in today's terms, still cheaper than the Switch 2.

When comparing the Switch 2's price to its predecessors, it's clear that the original NES, adjusted for inflation, remains the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched. This historical context doesn't necessarily make the Switch 2's price easier to accept.

Credit: IGN

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was somewhat expected, the pricing of its games has been a major talking point. With titles like Mario Kart World priced at $80 USD and others like Donkey Kong Bananza at $70 USD (or $65 digitally), the cost of gaming on the Switch 2 is significant. Comparing these prices to the early days of the NES, where games ranged from $34 to $45 USD (which translates to $98 to $130 USD in 2025), it's evident that game prices have escalated over time.

The Switch 2's pricing strategy reflects its position at the higher end of Nintendo's historical pricing, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Real-world economic factors have influenced this decision, as evidenced by the cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 model for Japan, priced at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

Let's see how the Switch 2's price compares to other iconic consoles:

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, launched in 2000 for $299 USD, would cost $565 USD in 2025 after adjusting for inflation.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, released in 2005 for $299 USD, would be about $500 USD today.

Console prices adjust for inflation. The PS3 was super expensive! Image credit: IGN

In conclusion, the Switch 2's pricing, when compared to its predecessors and competitors, places it in a unique position. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and detailed analyses of games like Mario Kart World, as well as discussions with analysts on the factors driving these costs.