Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch, Undercuts Other Nintendo Consoles

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag certainly raised eyebrows, especially given that it's higher than what we've typically seen from Nintendo. Yet, with rising production costs and economic factors like tariffs, analysts had already forecasted a price around $400 USD. However, the real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only meet the new $70 USD standard but can go up to $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the additional costs of accessories for the full Switch 2 experience, it all adds up to a significant investment.

But how does the Switch 2's price compare to previous Nintendo consoles when adjusted for inflation? Let's take a look:

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 at $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 in today's dollars.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, which marked Nintendo's 3D revolution in 1996, also launched at $199 USD, equating to $400 USD in 2025 after inflation adjustments.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, whose games will be accessible through the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online's classic library, hit the market in 2001 for $199 USD, or $359 USD today.

Wii

The motion-controlled Wii, a global phenomenon since its 2006 release, cost $249 USD at launch, which translates to about $394 USD in 2025.

Wii U

The less successful Wii U, released in 2012, had a starting price of $299 USD, which equates to $415 USD today, making it quite close to the Switch 2's price.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, would be valued at $387 USD in today's terms, still cheaper than the Switch 2 set to launch on June 5.

Despite these adjustments, the NES remains the most expensive Nintendo console at launch when accounting for inflation. This historical perspective might not make the Switch 2's price easier to accept, but it offers some context.

But what about the games?

The pricing of Switch 2 games has been a significant shock. Titles like Mario Kart World are priced at $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza come in at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). Comparing these prices to the early days of the NES is challenging due to the wide variance in game prices back then. NES games in the early '90s could range from $34 to $45 USD, which equates to $98 to $130 USD today. Despite these comparisons, there's a widespread belief that game prices might continue to rise.

It's evident that the Switch 2 falls on the higher end of Nintendo's pricing spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES. Real-world factors, such as the release of a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 in Japan for 49,980 JPY ($340 USD), highlight the impact of these factors on pricing.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

Let's see how the Switch 2's price stacks up against other notable consoles when adjusted for inflation:

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, launched in 2000 for $299 USD, would cost a staggering $565 USD in 2025.

Xbox 360

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

In summary, the Switch 2's pricing aligns with industry trends but remains a significant investment, especially when considering game and accessory costs. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on experience with the Switch 2 and discussions with analysts about the factors driving these costs.