The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag has certainly caught the attention of gamers worldwide, as it marks a significant increase from previous Nintendo console prices. With rising production costs and economic factors like tariffs, analysts had anticipated the Switch 2 to be priced at around $400 USD. However, the real surprise came with 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 digitally. When you factor in the cost of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.
To put the Switch 2's pricing into perspective, let's compare it to previous Nintendo consoles after adjusting for inflation:
NES
The iconic NES launched in 1985 for $179 USD, which, when adjusted for inflation, equates to $523 USD in 2025. That's a hefty price tag by today's standards!
SNES
Following in 1991, the SNES was priced at $199 USD, translating to $460 USD in 2025 after accounting for inflation between the two launch years.
Nintendo 64
The leap to 3D gaming came with the Nintendo 64 in 1996, also priced at $199 USD, or $400 USD in today's dollars after inflation adjustments.
Nintendo GameCube
The GameCube, whose games will be accessible on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online's classic library, hit the market in 2001 for $199 USD, which would be $359 USD today.
Wii
The motion-controlled Wii became a global sensation upon its 2006 release at $249 USD, equivalent to about $394 USD in 2025.
Wii U
The less successful Wii U launched in 2012 for $299 USD, which would be $415 USD in 2025, closely aligning with the Switch 2's pricing.
Nintendo Switch
The highly successful Nintendo Switch was released in 2017 for $299 USD, adjusting to $387 USD in today's terms, making it more affordable than the Switch 2 set to launch on June 5.
Adjusted for inflation, the NES stands out as the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched. This historical context might not make the Switch 2's price easier to digest, but it does provide a broader perspective.
When it comes to game pricing, the Switch 2's range from $70 to $80 USD is notable. While direct comparisons to early NES cartridges are challenging due to the variability in prices back then, some NES games in the early '90s could cost up to $45 USD, or $130 USD in 2025 after inflation adjustments. Despite this, there's a concern that game prices may continue to rise.
The Switch 2's pricing also reflects real-world economic factors, as evidenced by a cheaper, region-locked version for Japan, priced at 49,980 JPY, or about $340 USD.
Comparing Switch 2 to Other Consoles
When comparing the Switch 2 to other consoles, adjusted for inflation:
PlayStation 2
The best-selling console of all time, the PlayStation 2, launched in 2000 for $299 USD, which would be $565 USD in 2025.
Xbox 360
Microsoft's Xbox 360, released in 2005 for $299 USD, would cost about $500 USD in 2025.
Console prices adjusted for inflation. The PS3 was notably expensive! Image credit: IGN
In conclusion, the Switch 2's pricing is in line with current market trends and economic factors, but it's interesting to see how it stacks up against both its predecessors and competitors. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and discussions on the rising costs of gaming.
