Die-hard Nintendo fans have been waiting for news on the soon-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2 console. When early price rumors hit, suggesting it would be priced significantly higher than the original, many people lost their excitement.
The new console is set to be released June 5 of this year with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $449.99. Some stores are taking preorders for as much as $499.99, officially making the Switch 2 the most expensive Nintendo console to date.
However, the Switch 2 isn’t just a small upgrade with an expensive price tag – it’s a big leap in handheld consoles. Don’t let the familiarity fool you – it may look similar to the original Switch, but what’s under the hood makes it worth every dollar.
Before getting into the reasons behind the high price, let’s dive into why this console is one of Nintendo’s best releases yet.
The original Switch has been a favorite for many years, but it’s never been as powerful as full-size consoles, like the PS4 and Xbox One. The Switch 2 is a game-changer in terms of raw power. It’s easy to carry in a backpack, and with a protective Switch 2 case, you can take it anywhere without worrying about damage.
With the Switch 2, you get faster loading times and better frame rates thanks to the custom Nvidia processor. Your games will run smoother, with fewer stutters and more uninterrupted play. The Switch 2’s performance is so powerful that rumors say it could rival the Steam Deck.
Thanks to upgraded hardware, you can expect sharper graphics, dynamic lighting, and an overall better visual experience that comes close to the PS5, but in a console that fits in your backpack. The OLED display will enhance your games dramatically, especially when you play games like Zelda or Metroid Prime in handheld mode. As an added bonus, OLED displays draw less power, so you also get a better battery life.
All those original Switch games you bought can be played on the Switch 2. You won’t need to buy another copy of your favorite games, like Mario Kart, Smash Bros, or Animal Crossing. You’ll be able to start playing from day one without having to spend extra money on new games.
The new Switch 2 makes it easy to share screenshots and clips directly to another device or social media platforms with a single tap. Even better, you can use your mobile device as a control center for your console for voice chat and remote downloads.
Now that we’ve covered all the reasons the Switch 2 is worth the cost, let’s touch on why this new console is priced so high, starting with inflation.
Every year, inflation increases the price of everything we buy and sell. There’s no way around this. This makes it impossible to compare prices on the surface. For example, the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) sold for $149.99 in 1985, which sounds cheap at first.
However, after adjusting for inflation, that’s about $450 today, making the price of the Switch 2 on par with past consoles.
Still, other factors (like stagnant, low wages and a high cost of living) will make the price of this console hit people’s wallets harder.
According to a major Nintendo supplier, game consoles are now subject to a 245% U.S. tariff when made in China. The majority of Switch 2 consoles have been made in China. It’s been speculated that pre-orders have been suspended to give Nintendo time to figure out exactly how the tariffs will impact Switch sales. In either case, unless the Trump administration exempts game consoles, there will be tariffs, and that means the price will remain high.
The Switch 2 is equipped with several high-end features, like a custom Nvidia chip, an OLED display, and redesigned Joy-Cons with mouse controls and system-wide chat. According to Nintendo, this adds more value to the console and increases the cost.
Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 is more expensive than previous consoles, even after adjusting for inflation. But what you get in return is a powerful, flexible, upgraded gaming system that will serve as an entertainment hub and creative escape all in one package.
The Switch 2 isn’t just another gadget that will end up at the bottom of your closet – it’s a console you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
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