by Samuel Apr 28,2025
The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 at a price point of $450 USD certainly raised eyebrows, as it marks a significant increase over previous Nintendo console prices. This price hike comes amidst rising production costs and economic uncertainties like tariffs, with analysts having predicted a starting price of around $400 USD. However, the real shock came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, which have hit the new $70 USD standard, with some titles like Mario Kart World reaching $80 USD. When you factor in the cost of additional accessories, the total investment for the full Switch 2 experience is quite substantial.
To better understand the Switch 2's pricing, let's compare it to the launch prices of previous Nintendo consoles, adjusted for inflation to today's dollars:
The NES, launched in 1985 at $179 USD, would cost a staggering $523 USD in 2025 when adjusted for inflation. That's a hefty price tag compared to today's standards.
The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would set you back $460 USD today after inflation adjustments. Despite being $20 more than the NES at launch, it remains a costly console in today's terms.
The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would be equivalent to $400 USD in 2025.
The GameCube, which hit shelves in 2001 at $199 USD, would cost $359 USD today. Its games will be accessible on the Switch 2 through the Nintendo Switch Online’s classic library.
The motion-controlled Wii, released in 2006, was a global hit priced at $249 USD. In today's dollars, that's about $394 USD.
The Wii U, which wasn't as successful as its predecessor, was launched in 2012 for $299 USD, equating to $415 USD in 2025, closely aligning with the Switch 2's price.
The highly successful Nintendo Switch, released in 2017 for $299 USD, would cost $387 USD today. It's still cheaper than the Switch 2, set to launch on June 5.
When you consider the inflation-adjusted costs, the original NES stands out as the most expensive Nintendo console at launch. This historical perspective doesn't necessarily make the Switch 2's price easier to accept, but it does provide context.
While the Switch 2's console price was anticipated by analysts, the pricing of its games has been a major talking point. Games like Mario Kart World are priced at $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are set at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). Comparing these prices to the early NES cartridges, which varied widely in cost, some NES games could reach $45 USD back then, or $130 USD today after inflation. However, the lowest-priced NES games at the time would be equivalent to $98 USD today, still higher than the cost of Mario Kart World. There's a prevailing concern that game prices might continue to rise.
The Switch 2's pricing is on the higher end of Nintendo's historical range, only surpassed by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Factors like production costs and economic conditions have influenced this, as evidenced by the announcement of a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 for Japan at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD.
Let's see how the Switch 2's price compares to other notable consoles from the past, adjusted for inflation:
The PlayStation 2, released in 2000 at $299 USD, would cost $565 USD in 2025. It remains the best-selling console of all time.
The Xbox 360, Microsoft's most successful console, was launched in 2005 for $299 USD, equivalent to about $500 USD today.
In summary, the Switch 2's pricing aligns with historical trends when adjusted for inflation and compared to its predecessors and some competitors. For more insights, check out 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 the costs of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem.
Girls Frontline 2: Exilium Global Website Goes Live, Along With Its Socials!
Marvel Rivals: Understanding Bussing and Catching It
New Game Plus in Assassin's Creed Shadows: Confirmed?
Top Skills to Prioritize for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Pokemon GO Leak Teases New Adventure Effects
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Movements Reviewed by Two Parkour Athletes
Amazon Music Unlimited: Free 3-Month Trial Available
Death Stranding 2 Release Date Unveiled in Massive Trailer
Category 
