Ethan Crossfield 
The Nintendo Switch 2 is now more expensive in several major markets, ending the console’s original $449.99 price point. The increases took effect on September 1 after Nintendo announced them in May, giving shoppers some warning but making the system a costlier purchase for the rest of 2026. Anyone considering Nintendo’s upcoming releases will now need to weigh the higher hardware price against possible bundles and special editions.
What changed for Nintendo Switch 2 buyers
The standard Nintendo Switch 2 received a $50 price increase in North America, taking its manufacturer’s suggested retail price to $499.99. Canada also saw a $50 increase, while prices rose by €30 in Europe and ¥10,000 in Japan. The adjustments are linked to wider market volatility and the RAM shortage affecting console manufacturers.
This change brings Nintendo’s latest system closer to the pricing of current competing hardware. The Switch 2 now matches the cost of the least expensive Xbox Series S mentioned in the source material, although it remains cheaper than every PS5 model. The increase also follows price rises for other major consoles during the past year, including the PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X/S.
Who should consider buying now
The higher price matters most to players who have not yet entered Nintendo’s current hardware generation. Unlike competing platforms, Nintendo does not offer a less expensive Switch 2 model for shoppers on a tighter budget. Some major 2026 releases are still available on the original Switch, but other upcoming games, including Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, are skipping the older system.
That makes the decision depend heavily on a player’s planned library. Those interested in Nintendo’s upcoming releases may have fewer reasons to wait for a cheaper version, while owners of the original Switch can continue using it for games that support the older hardware. The price increase does not change the capabilities of the console, but it does raise the cost of joining its ecosystem.
What to watch before spending
Nintendo has announced a Switch 2 bundle containing the upcoming Nintendo Switch Sports Resort for $529.99. It launches on October 22, and compared with the new $499.99 console price, the bundle effectively prices the game at $30. That could make it a more appealing entry point for shoppers who already want the title.
Another reason to wait is the reported Zelda-themed Switch 2 special edition planned alongside The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake. Details remain unclear, including whether the system will include a copy of the remake, so buyers should look for official information before choosing a standard console in the coming months. The latter half of 2026 also includes Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, giving prospective owners several upcoming releases to consider.
What players should know
- The North American MSRP is now $499.99, up $50 from the original $449.99 price.
- Canada, Europe, and Japan also received regional price increases.
- Nintendo does not currently offer a cheaper Switch 2 model.
- Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is part of a $529.99 bundle releasing October 22.
- A Zelda-themed Switch 2 may arrive with Ocarina of Time Remake, but its contents have not been confirmed.
Nintendo Switch 2 price changes by region
| Region | Increase | Stated new MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| North America | $50 | $499.99 |
| Canada | $50 | Not stated |
| Europe | €30 | Not stated |
| Japan | ¥10,000 | Not stated |
Expert View
The Switch 2 price increase makes waiting for a discount more sensible for undecided buyers, especially because Nintendo has not introduced a cheaper model. However, players already targeting the platform’s upcoming exclusives may find the higher entry cost unavoidable. The October bundle offers some value, while the possible Zelda edition gives collectors another reason to delay. Until Nintendo confirms that special edition’s contents, the standard system or Sports Resort bundle are the clearest options.
