The Nintendo Switch 2 costs $349 for the standard model

Nintendo announced the Switch 2 will launch at $349 in the United States. This is $50 more than the original Switch cost at launch in 2017, though Nintendo has sold multiple versions at different price points over the years. The $349 price includes the console, two Joy-Con controllers, a dock, and an HDMI cable.

Pricing in other countries differs based on local taxes and currency. The Switch 2 costs £299 in the United Kingdom, €349 in Europe, and 41,980 yen in Japan. If you are outside the US, check Nintendo's official website for your region to see the exact price in your currency.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 standard model costs $349 and includes the console, two Joy-Con controllers, a dock, and an HDMI cable.
  • Nintendo has not announced a cheaper or more expensive version of the Switch 2 at launch, unlike the original Switch which had a Lite model.
  • The price is $50 higher than the original Switch's $299 launch price in 2017, but does not include any additional accessories beyond the basics.
  • Additional Joy-Con controllers, a carrying case, a screen protector, or a Pro controller will cost extra and are sold separately.

What is included in the $349 box

When you buy a Switch 2 for $349, you receive the console itself, a dock that connects to your TV, two Joy-Con controllers (one left, one right), an HDMI cable, and a USB-C power adapter. You do not receive a game, a carrying case, or a screen protector. The console comes with 64 GB of internal storage, though Nintendo has not confirmed whether this is the same across all units or if a higher-storage version will be available later.

The Joy-Con controllers are built into the price and cannot be removed from the bundle. If you want extra controllers for multiplayer gaming or as backups, you will need to buy additional Joy-Con sets separately, which typically cost around $80 per pair based on current Switch pricing.

Costs beyond the base price

The $349 does not cover everything you might want to use the console. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to play online multiplayer games, access cloud saves, and play classic NES and SNES games. Nintendo offers two tiers: a basic plan and an Expansion Pack, with prices that vary by region and subscription length.

A carrying case designed for the Switch 2 will likely cost $20 to $40, depending on the brand and features. A tempered glass screen protector typically runs $10 to $20. If you want a Pro controller instead of using the Joy-Cons, that is another $70. Games themselves are sold separately and usually cost $50 to $70 for new Nintendo titles, though prices vary by game and retailer.

How the Switch 2 price compares to other gaming consoles

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X both launched at $499, making them $150 more expensive than the Switch 2. However, those consoles are designed for high-performance gaming on a TV, while the Switch 2 is a hybrid device that works both docked to a TV and as a portable handheld. The Steam Deck, a portable gaming device, starts at $399 for the base model, which is $50 more than the Switch 2.

The original Nintendo Switch Lite, a handheld-only version released in 2019, launched at $199. Nintendo has not announced a Lite version of the Switch 2, so there is no cheaper option available at launch. If you are looking for a lower-cost Nintendo device, the Switch Lite remains available from retailers, though it cannot connect to a TV and uses older hardware.

Where to buy and potential discounts

The Switch 2 will be sold at major retailers including Best Buy, Target, Walmart, GameStop, and Amazon. Nintendo's official online store also sells the console directly. Prices are the same across retailers at launch, as console manufacturers typically enforce a standard price during the first months after release.

Discounts and bundle deals may appear after the initial launch window. Retailers sometimes offer bundles that include a game, a carrying case, or a screen protector at the standard $349 price, which effectively reduces the cost of those extras. Watch for these bundles if you were planning to buy accessories anyway, but do not expect a price cut on the console itself in the first few months.

Storage and memory considerations

The Switch 2 comes with 64 GB of internal storage, but this is shared between the operating system and your games. In practice, you have less than 64 GB available for games and saves. Nintendo games are large — a single title can take 10 to 20 GB of space — so you will likely need additional storage if you want to keep more than a few games installed at once.

A microSD card is not included in the $349 box. You can buy a microSD card separately for $15 to $30 depending on capacity and speed. A 256 GB card is a common choice for Switch owners and typically costs around $20 to $25. This is not a required purchase if you plan to delete games after finishing them or if you have a fast internet connection and do not mind re-downloading titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 price the same everywhere?

No. The US price is $349, but other regions have different prices in their local currency. The UK price is £299, Europe is €349, and Japan is 41,980 yen. Check Nintendo's official website for your country to see the exact price you will pay.

Will the Switch 2 price drop soon after launch?

Console prices rarely drop in the first few months after launch. Retailers may offer bundle deals that include games or accessories, but the $349 price itself is unlikely to change before late 2025 or 2026. Waiting for a price cut means missing out on new games and the largest player base.

Do I need to buy anything else to use the Switch 2 right away?

No. The $349 box includes everything needed to play single-player games on your TV or as a handheld. You will need to buy games separately, and you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online multiplayer. A microSD card is optional but recommended if you want to store more than a few games.

Why is the Switch 2 more expensive than the original Switch?

The Switch 2 has more powerful hardware, a larger screen, and improved Joy-Con controllers compared to the original. These upgrades increase manufacturing costs, which is why Nintendo raised the price by $50. The original Switch Lite remains cheaper at $199 if you want a handheld-only device.