The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's price at $450 USD raised eyebrows, as it marks a significant jump from what we're accustomed to seeing from Nintendo. However, considering the increase in production costs and economic factors like tariffs, experts had anticipated a price tag of at least $400 USD for the Switch 2.
The real surprise, however, was the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only align with the new $70 USD standard but can go as high as $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the cost of additional accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.
But how does the Switch 2's price compare when adjusted for inflation against previous Nintendo consoles? And how does it stack up against other gaming systems? The answers might just surprise you.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles
NES
The NES, launched in 1985 for $179 USD, may seem like a steal today. However, adjusted for inflation, it would cost a staggering $523 USD in 2025.
SNES
In 1991, the SNES hit the market at $199 USD, a $20 increase from the NES. Adjusted for inflation, it would be equivalent to $460 USD in 2025.
Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's 3D gaming revolution in 1996, was also priced at $199 USD. Today, that would translate to $400 USD after adjusting for inflation.
Nintendo GameCube
The GameCube, whose classic games will be accessible through the Switch 2's Nintendo Switch Online library, launched in 2001 for $199 USD, or $359 USD today.
Wii
The motion-controlled Wii, which became a global sensation, was released in 2006 for $249 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that's about $394 USD in 2025.
Wii U
The less successful Wii U hit the market in 2012 at $299 USD, which translates to $415 USD today, closely aligning with the Switch 2's pricing.
Nintendo Switch
The highly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, would be equivalent to $387 USD in today's dollars, making it more affordable than the Switch 2 when it launches on June 5.
So, while the original NES tops the list as the most expensive Nintendo console launch when adjusted for inflation, it doesn't make the Switch 2's price any easier to accept.
While the Switch 2's console price was anticipated, the pricing of its games caused a stir. Games like Mario Kart World will retail for up to $80 USD, with other titles such as Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $70 USD (or $65 digitally).
Comparing these prices to the early NES cartridges is tricky due to the wide variance in game prices back then. In the early 90s, an NES game could cost up to $45 USD, which equates to $130 USD in 2025, while some were priced at $34 USD, or $98 USD after inflation adjustment. Despite this, some believe game prices could continue to rise.
The Switch 2's pricing is on the higher end of Nintendo's spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES. This increase seems to be influenced by real-world economic factors, as evidenced by Nintendo's decision to offer a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 in Japan for 49,980 JPY or $340 USD.
How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles
We previously analyzed the cost of the PS5 Pro against other Sony consoles, but how does the Switch 2 measure up to other gaming systems?
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console of all time, launched in 2000 for $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $565 USD in 2025.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360, Microsoft's most successful console, was released in 2005 for $299 USD, which equates to about $500 USD in 2025.
In summary, the Switch 2's price is competitive when compared to its predecessors and some of its rivals. For a deeper dive, explore IGN's hands-on experience with the Switch 2 and its games, including Mario Kart World, and our discussions with analysts on the factors driving these costs.
