When the Nintendo Switch 2's price of $450 USD was announced, it certainly raised eyebrows due to its higher cost compared to previous Nintendo consoles. However, considering the increase in production costs and economic factors like tariffs, analysts had anticipated a price around $400 USD. The real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only met the new $70 USD standard but also reached up to $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. Including the cost of various accessories necessary for the full Switch 2 experience, the total expenditure can become quite significant.
To better understand the pricing, let's look at how the Switch 2's cost compares to previous Nintendo consoles when adjusted for inflation.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles
NES
The NES, launched in 1985 at $179 USD, would cost $523 USD in 2025 after adjusting for inflation. This makes it the most expensive console Nintendo has ever released when inflation is considered.
SNES
The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would be priced at $460 USD in today's dollars. It's slightly less than the NES but still more than the Switch 2.
Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64, which hit the market in 1996 at $199 USD, would equate to $400 USD in 2025, aligning closely with the Switch 2's price.
Nintendo GameCube
The GameCube, launched in 2001 for $199 USD, would cost $359 USD today. Its games will be accessible on the Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online classic library.
Wii
The Wii, released in 2006 for $249 USD, would be about $394 USD in 2025, making it a close match to the Switch 2.
Wii U
The Wii U, launched in 2012 for $299 USD, would cost $415 USD in today's terms, closely approaching the Switch 2's pricing.
Nintendo Switch
The highly successful Nintendo Switch, released in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD in 2025, still less than the Switch 2's price when it launches on June 5.
This comparison shows that, while the Switch 2's price might seem high, it's not unprecedented when considering inflation-adjusted prices of past consoles. Yet, this doesn't necessarily make it easier to accept.
But what about the games?
The pricing of Switch 2 games has also caused a stir. With titles like Mario Kart World at $80 USD and others like Donkey Kong Bananza at $70 USD (or $65 digitally), the costs are significantly higher than historical norms. For instance, early NES games ranged widely in price, from $34 USD to $45 USD, which translates to $98 USD to $130 USD today. Despite these historical comparisons, many believe game prices may continue to rise.
It's worth noting that the Switch 2's pricing is on the higher end for Nintendo, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. However, Nintendo has introduced a cheaper, region-locked version for Japan at 49,980 JPY, which converts to about $340 USD, reflecting real-world economic considerations.
How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles
When comparing the Switch 2 to other consoles, adjusted for inflation, it's interesting to see where it stands:
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2, launched 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, released in 2005 for $299 USD, would equate to about $500 USD today, also higher than the Switch 2's price.
In conclusion, the Switch 2's price, while high, fits within the historical context of console pricing when adjusted for inflation. For more insights, 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 these costs.
