Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 at a price of $450 USD raised eyebrows, given the higher cost compared to previous Nintendo consoles. Economic factors such as increased production costs and tariffs have led analysts to predict a minimum price of around $400 USD. However, the real surprise was the pricing of Switch 2 games, with titles like Mario Kart World reaching up to $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are set at $70 USD, or $65 for digital versions. The total cost, including accessories, can add up significantly.

Let's delve into how the Switch 2's price compares when adjusted for inflation against previous Nintendo consoles and other gaming systems.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 for $179 USD, would cost $523 USD in 2025 after adjusting for inflation. This makes it the most expensive Nintendo console launch in today's terms.

SNES

The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would equate to $460 USD in 2025, showing a significant jump in cost over time.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, which marked Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would be $400 USD today.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, which debuted in 2001 for $199 USD, would now cost $359 USD. Its games will be accessible on the Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online’s classic library.

Wii

The motion-controlled Wii, released in 2006 for $249 USD, would be around $394 USD today, reflecting its impact as a global phenomenon.

Wii U

The Wii U, launched in 2012 for $299 USD, would be $415 USD in today's dollars, bringing its price close to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, released in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD today, still lower than the Switch 2's price at launch on June 5.

The original NES emerges as the priciest launch in Nintendo's history when adjusted for inflation, which does little to ease the sting of the Switch 2's price.

But what about the games?

The pricing of Switch 2 games, with Mario Kart World at $80 USD and Donkey Kong Bananza at $70 USD (or $65 digitally), has been a significant talking point. Comparing these prices to the early NES games is tricky due to the wide price variation back then, but even the most expensive NES games would cost more in today's dollars.

The Switch 2's price is on the higher end of Nintendo's spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Economic factors, including a cheaper, region-locked version in Japan for 49,980 JPY ($340 USD), highlight the influence of real-world costs.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

PlayStation 2

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

Xbox 360

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

The Switch 2's pricing aligns with market trends and economic factors, yet it remains a significant investment for gamers. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and discussions with analysts on the rising costs in the gaming industry.