The announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2's $450 USD price tag certainly raised eyebrows, given that this is higher than what we've traditionally seen from Nintendo. However, with the rise in production costs and economic factors such as tariffs, industry analysts had anticipated the Switch 2 to be priced at around $400 USD at the very least. The real surprise, however, came with the pricing of Switch 2 games, with titles like Mario Kart World reaching up to $80 USD, while others like Donkey Kong Bananza are set at $70 USD (or $65 digitally). When you factor in the additional costs of various accessories needed for the full Switch 2 experience, it all adds up to a significant investment.
When we adjust the launch prices of previous Nintendo consoles for inflation, how does the Switch 2 compare? And how does it stack up against other consoles? Let's delve into the numbers to see if they might surprise you.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price Vs Previous Nintendo Consoles
NES
The NES, launched in 1985 at $179 USD, seems like a steal now. But 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 today after accounting for inflation.
Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64, marking Nintendo's entry into 3D gaming in 1996, was priced at $199 USD. In today's dollars, that's $400 USD.
Nintendo GameCube
The GameCube, launched in 2001 for $199 USD, now equates to $359 USD when adjusted for inflation. Its games will be available on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online's classic library.
Wii
The Wii, a global phenomenon released in 2006 for $249 USD, would cost around $394 USD in 2025.
Wii U
The less successful Wii U, launched in 2012 for $299 USD, would be $415 USD today, making it closer in price to the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch
The incredibly successful Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017 for $299 USD, equates to $387 USD in today's dollars, still cheaper than the Switch 2, set to launch on June 5.
Looking at these adjusted prices, it's clear that the original NES would be the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched if we account for inflation. Does this perspective make the Switch 2's price more palatable? Not necessarily.
The pricing of Switch 2 games, with titles like Mario Kart World at $80 USD, has been a significant point of discussion. In comparison, early NES cartridges had widely varying prices. In the early 90s, an NES game could cost anywhere from $34 USD (which is $98 USD in 2025) to $45 USD ($130 USD in 2025). Despite this, many believe that game prices might continue to rise.
The Switch 2's price is at the higher end of Nintendo's historical pricing, surpassed only by the NES and SNES when adjusted for inflation. Real-world factors like production costs have influenced this, 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
The PlayStation 2, released in 2000 for $299 USD, would cost $565 USD in 2025 when adjusted for inflation. It remains the best-selling console of all time.
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360, launched in 2005 for $299 USD, equates to about $500 USD in today's terms.
So, that's how the Switch 2's price compares to its predecessors and some of its rivals. For a deeper dive, check out IGN's hands-on with the Switch 2 and their coverage of games like Mario Kart World. Additionally, IGN has discussed with analysts the reasons behind the Switch 2's pricing and the associated costs of its ecosystem.
