Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Expected at Launch

When the Nintendo Switch 2 was announced with a price tag of $450 USD, it certainly raised eyebrows, especially considering Nintendo's history of more budget-friendly consoles. However, with rising production costs and economic factors like tariffs, analysts had anticipated a price point around $400 USD. The real surprise came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, which not only reached the new industry standard of $70 USD but also soared to $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the cost of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite significant.

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 results might surprise you.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

The NES, launched in 1985 for $179 USD, seems like a steal today. However, adjusted for inflation, it would cost a hefty $523 USD in 2025.

SNES

The SNES, released in 1991 for $199 USD, would set you back $460 USD in today's dollars after accounting for inflation.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. Adjusted for inflation, that's $400 USD in 2025.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, which will see its games available on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online's classic library, was released in 2001 for $199 USD, or $359 USD today.

Wii

The motion-controlled Wii, a global phenomenon, hit the market in 2006 for $249 USD, which translates to about $394 USD in 2025.

Wii U

The less successful Wii U, launched in 2012 for $299 USD, would cost $415 USD in 2025, making it closer to the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, released in 2017 for $299 USD, would be $387 USD in today's dollars, still cheaper than the Switch 2 set to launch on June 5.

So, even though the original NES is the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched when adjusted for inflation, it doesn't make the Switch 2's price any easier to digest.

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was somewhat expected, the game pricing was a shock. Titles like Mario Kart World are priced at $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza come in at $70 USD (or $65 digitally).

Comparing these prices to the earliest NES cartridges is tricky due to the wide price variance back then. In the early 90s, an NES game could cost anywhere from $34 USD to $45 USD, which translates to $98 USD to $130 USD in 2025. Despite this, many believe game prices could rise even further.

The Switch 2's pricing is on the higher end of Nintendo's spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Real-world factors, such as the announcement of a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 for Japan at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD, highlight the impact of these factors on pricing.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

When we look at how the Switch 2's price compares to other consoles, the analysis becomes even more interesting.

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console of all time, was released 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, launched in 2005 for $299 USD, which equates to about $500 USD in 2025.

In conclusion, the Switch 2's pricing, while high, is in line with the inflation-adjusted costs of its predecessors and some of its rivals. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and games like Mario Kart World, as well as discussions with analysts on the factors driving these costs.