The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag has certainly raised eyebrows, especially considering Nintendo's historical pricing. However, given the rise in production costs and economic factors like tariffs, industry analysts had anticipated a price point around $400 USD. Yet, it's the pricing of Switch 2 games that has caused a stir, with titles like Mario Kart World reaching up to $80 USD, aligning with the new $70 standard for many new releases. When you factor in the cost of additional accessories for the complete Switch 2 experience, the total investment becomes 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 at $179 USD, seems like a steal today. However, adjusted for inflation, it would cost a hefty $523 USD in 2025.
SNES
In 1991, the SNES hit the market at $199 USD. With inflation, that price would be $460 USD in 2025, showing a slight increase over the original NES.
Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, also launched at $199 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would be $400 USD today.
Nintendo GameCube
The GameCube, which will see its games available on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online, was released in 2001 for $199 USD, translating to $359 USD in today's dollars.
Wii
The motion-controlled Wii, a global phenomenon, launched in 2006 at $249 USD, which equates to about $394 USD in 2025.
Wii U
The less successful Wii U, released in 2012, had a launch price of $299 USD, which would be $415 USD in 2025, closely aligning with the Switch 2's pricing.
Nintendo Switch
The highly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 at $299 USD, would cost $387 USD today, still undercutting the Switch 2's price when it hits shelves on June 5.
So, while the original NES stands as the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched when adjusted for inflation, the Switch 2's price remains a tough pill to swallow.
While the Switch 2's console price was somewhat anticipated, the game pricing has been a major talking point. With Mario Kart World priced at $80 USD and other titles like Donkey Kong Bananza at $70 USD (or $65 digitally), the cost of gaming on the Switch 2 is significant. Comparing these prices to the early days of the NES, where game prices varied widely, some NES games would cost up to $130 USD in today's money, while others were around $98 USD. Despite this, there's a growing concern that game prices might continue to rise.
The Switch 2's pricing is at the higher end of Nintendo's spectrum, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Real-world factors, including a cheaper, region-locked version for Japan at 49,980 JPY or $340 USD, highlight the impact of economic conditions on pricing.
How Switch 2's Price Compares to Other Consoles
When comparing the Switch 2 to other consoles, it's interesting to see how it stacks up against some of the biggest names in gaming history.
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2, the best-selling console ever, launched in 2000 at $299 USD. Adjusted for inflation, it would cost $565 USD in 2025.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360, Microsoft's most successful console, was released in 2005 for $299 USD, which would be about $500 USD in 2025.
In conclusion, the Switch 2's pricing, while high, is part of a broader trend in the gaming industry. 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.
