Switch 2 Priced Lower Than Some Nintendo Launches

The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag certainly turned heads, especially given the higher price point compared to previous Nintendo consoles. However, with rising production costs and economic uncertainties such as tariffs, analysts had forecasted a price around $400 USD. The real surprise, however, was the cost of Switch 2 games, which not only meet the new $70 USD standard for new releases but can go as high as $80 USD for titles like Mario Kart World. When you factor in the costs of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes quite substantial.

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 comparisons might surprise you.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles

NES

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

SNES

In 1991, the SNES was released at $199 USD, $20 more than the NES. Adjusted for inflation, this translates to $460 USD in 2025.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's 3D gaming revolution in 1996, also launched at $199 USD, equating to $400 USD today after inflation adjustment.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube, released in 2001, had a launch price of $199 USD, which would be $359 USD in today's dollars. Its games will be available on the Switch 2 through Nintendo Switch Online's classic library.

Wii

The Wii, launched in 2006, became a global phenomenon with its motion controls. It was priced at $249 USD, or about $394 USD in 2025 after inflation adjustment.

Wii U

The less successful Wii U was released in 2012 for $299 USD, which translates to $415 USD in 2025, making it closer to the Switch 2's pricing.

Nintendo Switch

The highly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, would cost $387 USD in today's dollars, still cheaper than the Switch 2 when it hits the shelves on June 5.

When adjusted for inflation, the original NES emerges as the most expensive Nintendo console ever launched, which doesn't make the Switch 2's price any easier to accept.

But what about the games?

While the Switch 2's console price was anticipated by analysts, the game pricing caused more shock. Games like Mario Kart World are set at $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are priced at $70 USD (or $65 digitally).

Comparing these prices to the early NES cartridges is challenging due to the wide variance in prices back then. In the early 90s, an NES game could cost anywhere from $34 USD ($98 USD in 2025) to $45 USD ($130 USD in 2025), which is still more than Mario Kart World's current price. Many believe that game prices could increase further.

The Switch 2's pricing is at the higher end of Nintendo's historical range, surpassed only by the NES and SNES. Real-world factors such as production costs and economic conditions seem to influence this pricing, evidenced by a cheaper, region-locked Switch 2 for Japan, priced at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD.

How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles

PlayStation 2

Released in 2000, the PlayStation 2 is the best-selling console of all time. Its original price of $299 USD would be $565 USD in 2025 after inflation adjustment.

Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, Microsoft's most successful console, was released in 2005 for $299 USD, equating to about $500 USD in 2025.

So, that's how the Switch 2's price stacks up against its predecessors and some rivals. For more insights, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and games like Mario Kart World, as well as our discussions with analysts on the factors driving the Switch 2's and its ecosystem's pricing.