Nintendo Raises Switch Prices by Up to $50 Amid Global Economic Pressures
Nintendo Raises Switch Prices by Up to $50 Amid Global Economic Pressures
Last week, Nintendo confirmed it would be adjusting prices for its current Switch hardware and accessories in the United States. Now, those changes are live — and shoppers are seeing just how much more they’ll need to pay for last-gen consoles and popular add-ons.
While the upcoming Switch 2 will launch at the promised $449, older models aren’t getting the same protection. The increases, which range from $30 to $50 on consoles and $1 to $10 on accessories, are now active on Nintendo’s official online store, with major retailers expected to follow soon.
Switch Console Prices Jump Up to $50
The most noticeable changes hit the core Switch lineup:
- Original Nintendo Switch: $300 → $340
- Nintendo Switch Lite: $200 → $230
- Nintendo Switch OLED: $350 → $400
That’s a 15% increase on the high end, making the current OLED model significantly closer in price to the next-gen Switch 2. At just $50 difference, some buyers may now consider skipping the old generation entirely.
Accessories Get a Price Bump Too
It’s not just consoles. Nintendo has raised prices across a wide range of accessories:
- Joy-Con Controllers: $80 → $90
- Switch Pro Controller: $70 → $80
- NES Classic Controllers: $60 → $70
- Switch 2 Pro Controller: $85 → $90
- Joy-Con 2 (for Switch 2): $95 → $100
Even smaller items like charging docks, wrist straps, amiibo figures, and the Nintendo Alarmo smart alarm clock have gone up by $1 to $5.
Why Is Nintendo Raising Prices?
In its announcement, Nintendo cited “current market conditions” in the U.S. as the reason for the changes — a common phrase used during periods of inflation, supply chain strain, and currency volatility.
While the company didn’t provide detailed breakdowns, experts believe rising manufacturing and logistics costs are likely driving the move. Other tech and gaming companies have made similar adjustments in recent years, so Nintendo isn’t alone — but it’s still a hit for budget-conscious gamers.
Switch 2 Stays at $449 — For Now
One silver lining: the Switch 2 will still launch at $449. Nintendo confirmed the price remains unchanged for the new console’s release.
However, the company didn’t rule out future adjustments, and even suggested that prices for Switch 2 games and Nintendo Switch Online memberships could also go up later. So this might not be the last change fans see.
What This Means for Gamers
With the Switch OLED now costing $400, the value gap between old and new is shrinking. For many players, especially those upgrading late, it might make more sense to wait for the Switch 2 instead of investing heavily in aging hardware.
Meanwhile, replacement parts and accessories are also more expensive — which could make repairs or expansions costlier than expected.
Final Thoughts: The Era of Cheap Switches Is Ending
Nintendo’s latest move signals a shift. The days of picking up a Switch Lite for $200 or an OLED model for $350 are over — at least for now.
As the company prepares for its next generation, it’s also repositioning its current lineup in a tougher economic landscape. Whether these prices stick or climb further, one thing is clear: getting into the Nintendo ecosystem now costs more than it did just a week ago.
