Nintendo has not announced an official price for the Switch 2 yet

As of now, Nintendo has not released a price for the Switch 2. The company confirmed the console exists in January 2025 but has not said when it will launch or how much it will cost. Nintendo typically announces pricing closer to the release date, usually a few months before the console ships.

What we know from past Nintendo releases is that new consoles usually cost between $250 and $350 at launch. The original Switch launched at $299 in 2017. The Switch Lite came in at $199. The Switch OLED model launched at $349. The Switch 2 will likely fall somewhere in that range, but that is an estimate based on history, not an official figure.

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo has not announced a price or release date for the Switch 2 as of early 2025.
  • Past Nintendo consoles have launched between $199 and $349, so the Switch 2 will probably fall in that range.
  • Nintendo usually reveals pricing a few months before launch, so watch the official Nintendo website or their social media accounts for announcements.
  • Pre-orders typically open after the official price announcement, and popular consoles can sell out quickly at retailers.
  • The Switch 2 will likely play games that the original Switch cannot, so budget for new games as well as the console itself.

What Nintendo consoles have cost in the past

The original Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 at $299. This was the standard model with a dock, two Joy-Con controllers, and a grip. The Switch Lite, a smaller handheld-only version, launched in September 2019 at $199. The Switch OLED model, which added a larger screen and better speakers, launched in October 2021 at $349.

Nintendo has also released special editions and bundles that cost more than the base console. For example, Switch bundles that included a game or extra controllers often sold for $329 to $379. These bundles are separate from the console's base price but show what retailers charge when they package items together.

Where to find official pricing when it is announced

Nintendo will announce the Switch 2 price on its official website, nintendo.com. The company will also post the announcement on its social media accounts, including Twitter (now X), Facebook, and YouTube. Major retailers like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon will list the price once Nintendo makes it public.

Do not rely on leaks or rumors from gaming news sites. These sites sometimes report on unofficial information, and prices can change between rumor and official announcement. The safest way to know the real price is to wait for Nintendo's own statement or check the official Nintendo store.

How to prepare your budget before the announcement

If you plan to buy a Switch 2, start setting aside money now. Based on past launches, budget between $250 and $350 for the console itself. If you want to buy games at launch, add another $50 to $70 per game — most new Nintendo games cost $59.99 or $69.99.

You may also want to budget for accessories. A carrying case costs $15 to $30. Extra Joy-Con controllers cost $70 to $80 per pair. A Pro Controller (if Nintendo makes one for the Switch 2) typically costs $70. Screen protectors and stands are cheaper, usually $10 to $20. None of these are required to use the console, but many people buy them.

What might affect the price

Several factors could influence what Nintendo charges. If the Switch 2 has significantly better hardware — a faster processor, more memory, or a better screen — Nintendo might price it higher than the original Switch. If the company wants to compete with other gaming devices or reach more customers, it might price it lower.

Global supply chain issues and manufacturing costs can also affect pricing. Nintendo sets different prices in different regions. The Switch 2 might cost one amount in the United States, a different amount in Europe, and yet another amount in Japan. Currency exchange rates and local taxes play a role in these differences.

Pre-orders and launch availability

Once Nintendo announces the price, pre-orders usually open within a few weeks. Popular Nintendo consoles sell out quickly, especially in the first few months. If you want to buy one at launch, you may need to pre-order rather than wait to buy it in a store.

Pre-orders typically require you to pay in full or put down a deposit. You can usually pre-order online at retailers' websites or in person at physical stores. Some retailers limit how many consoles each customer can pre-order to prevent resellers from buying large quantities.

Comparing the Switch 2 to other gaming options

If you are deciding whether to buy a Switch 2, you might compare it to other gaming consoles. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X both cost around $500 and are designed for TV play. The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming computer, costs between $249 and $649 depending on storage. Mobile gaming on a phone or tablet costs nothing upfront but often involves in-game purchases.

The Switch 2 will likely sit in the middle price range. It will be cheaper than a PlayStation or Xbox but may cost more than a basic mobile device. The choice depends on what games you want to play and whether you prefer handheld or TV-based gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Switch 2 be backward compatible with original Switch games?

Nintendo has not confirmed whether the Switch 2 will play original Switch games. Past Nintendo consoles have sometimes been backward compatible and sometimes not. Wait for the official announcement to know for certain.

Can I trade in my old Switch to reduce the cost?

Yes. Retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, and Target accept trade-ins for used gaming consoles. The amount you receive depends on the console's condition and current market value. Trade-in values typically range from $100 to $200 for a used Switch, but this varies by retailer and condition.

Will the price drop after launch?

Nintendo consoles rarely drop in price when ready after launch. The Switch stayed at $299 for several years before Nintendo discontinued it. Price drops usually happen when a new model launches or when the console is being phased out. If you want to buy one, expect to pay the launch price for at least the first year.

Are there financing options to pay for the Switch 2 over time?

Some retailers offer payment plans through services like Affirm or PayPal Credit. These let you split the cost into monthly payments, though you may pay interest depending on the plan. Check with retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon to see what financing options they offer when the Switch 2 launches.

What if I cannot afford the Switch 2 at launch?

You do not have to buy it when ready. The original Switch is still available used or refurbished at lower prices. You can also wait to see if Nintendo releases a cheaper model later, as it did with the Switch Lite. Waiting a few months or a year may give you more options and time to save.