The base Nintendo Switch costs $299, but the total depends on what you want to play

A new Nintendo Switch console runs $299 for the standard model. That is the hardware alone — the tablet-like device, the dock, and the controllers. If you want to play games, you will need to buy them separately, and that is where the real cost adds up. Most Switch games cost between $40 and $60 each, though some are cheaper and a few cost more.

The Switch comes in three versions at different price points. The standard Switch at $299 is the full experience with a dockable screen and detachable controllers. The Switch Lite at $199 is smaller, portable-only, and cannot connect to a TV — it is meant for handheld play. The Switch OLED model at $349 has a larger, brighter screen and better speakers than the standard version, but plays the same games.

Beyond the console itself, you will need a game library, online service if you want to play multiplayer, and possibly extra controllers or storage. This section breaks down each cost so you can estimate what a full setup will run you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nintendo Switch console itself costs $299 for the standard model, $199 for the Lite, or $349 for the OLED version.
  • Most games cost $40 to $60 each, and you will need to buy them separately from the console.
  • Nintendo Switch Online costs $20 per year for basic online play, or $50 per year for the Expansion Pack that includes extra games and cloud saves.
  • Extra controllers cost $30 to $80 per pair depending on the type, and a microSD card for storage runs $15 to $30.
  • A realistic first-year budget for one person is $400 to $600 if you buy the console, one or two games, and online service.

Console prices and what each model includes

The standard Nintendo Switch at $299 is the original design. It has a 6.2-inch screen, detachable controllers called Joy-Cons, and a dock that lets you connect it to a TV. You can play in three modes: docked on your TV, in tabletop mode with the screen propped up, or handheld with the controllers attached. This is the most flexible option if you want to switch between TV play and portable play.

The Switch Lite at $199 is a smaller, lighter device built only for handheld play. It has a 5.5-inch screen and controllers that do not detach. You cannot dock it to a TV, and you cannot remove the controllers to use them separately. It is the cheapest way into the Switch ecosystem and works well if you only want to play on the go or in handheld mode at home. The trade-off is less flexibility — you cannot use it on a big screen without buying extra hardware.

The Switch OLED at $349 is the newest standard model. It has a 7-inch OLED screen that is brighter and shows colors more vividly than the standard Switch's LCD screen. The speakers are louder, and the dock has a built-in ethernet port for wired internet. It plays the exact same games as the standard Switch and has the same docking and handheld features. The OLED model is worth the extra $50 if you care about screen quality and plan to play handheld often.

Game costs and how many you might buy

Nintendo games typically cost $50 to $60 each. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are all in that range. Some games cost $40, and a few premium titles or special editions cost more. Third-party games from other publishers sometimes cost less, and the Nintendo eShop frequently discounts older games.

How many games you buy depends on what you want to play. If you are buying for one person, a realistic first year might include two to four games — one or two at launch and another couple over the first few months. That is $80 to $240 in games. If you are buying for a household with multiple people, you might buy more games to give everyone something they enjoy, or you might buy fewer if everyone plays the same titles.

The Switch also has free-to-play games like Fortnite and Pokémon Unite that cost nothing to read, though they include optional purchases inside the game. If budget is tight, you can start with the console and one game, then add more as you go.

Online service and what it costs

Nintendo Switch Online is required to play multiplayer games online. The basic plan costs $20 per year or $4 per month. It includes online multiplayer, cloud saves for your game progress, and access to a library of classic NES and SNES games. If you only play single-player games or local multiplayer with people in the same room, you do not need this service.

The Expansion Pack costs $50 per year and adds Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games to the library, plus DLC for certain games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It also includes cloud saves and online play. The Expansion Pack is worth it if you want to play the classic game library or if you plan to buy DLC for games you own.

You can also buy a family plan for $50 per year that covers up to eight accounts on one console. If you have multiple people in your household playing, the family plan is cheaper than buying individual subscriptions.

Controllers and accessories you might need

The standard Switch comes with two Joy-Con controllers built in. If you want extra controllers for multiplayer games or replacements, a pair of Joy-Cons costs $70 to $80 depending on color. A Pro Controller, which is a traditional gamepad style, costs $70. Some games work better with a Pro Controller, though most work fine with Joy-Cons.

You might also want a carrying case to protect the console when you travel — these run $15 to $40. A screen protector costs $5 to $15. A microSD card for extra storage is useful because the Switch has only 32 GB of built-in space, and many games take up 10 to 20 GB each. A 128 GB microSD card costs around $15 to $25, and a 256 GB card costs $25 to $35.

None of these accessories are required to play, but they become useful if you plan to carry the console around, play a lot of games, or play with multiple people.

Storage and why you might need a microSD card

The Switch comes with 32 GB of storage, but the operating system takes up about 2 GB, leaving roughly 30 GB for games. A single large game like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes up 18 GB. If you want to own more than one or two games at a time, you will run out of space quickly.

A microSD card solves this. You insert it into a slot on the bottom of the console, and it expands your storage. A 128 GB card gives you enough room for about four to six large games. A 256 GB card holds eight to ten. The card costs $15 to $35 depending on the brand and size, and installation takes 30 seconds.

If you only plan to own one or two games and delete them when you finish, you might not need a microSD card. But if you like to keep multiple games installed so you can switch between them, a card is a practical purchase.

Total cost breakdown for different scenarios

A single person buying a standard Switch with one game and online service would spend roughly $420 in the first year: $299 for the console, $60 for one game, and $20 for a year of basic online service. If you add a microSD card and a carrying case, that rises to around $470.

A household buying a Switch Lite for one person with two games, a microSD card, and a family online plan would spend about $360: $199 for the console, $120 for two games, $25 for a microSD card, and $16 for the family plan split across multiple accounts. If you buy the standard Switch instead of the Lite, add $100.

A family buying a standard Switch for shared use with four games, extra controllers, a microSD card, and a family online plan might spend $700 to $800 total. That breaks down as $299 for the console, $240 for four games, $70 for an extra pair of Joy-Cons, $25 for a microSD card, and $50 for the Expansion Pack.

These are estimates. Your actual cost depends on which console you choose, how many games you buy, whether you need online service, and what accessories you add.

Where to buy and whether prices vary

Nintendo Switch consoles and games are sold at most electronics retailers: Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and the Nintendo eShop online. Prices for the console and new games are the same across retailers because Nintendo sets a standard price. You will not find a cheaper Switch at one store than another.

Used consoles and games are sometimes cheaper on the secondhand market through sites like eBay or local classifieds, but you lose the manufacturer warranty and cannot be certain of the condition. If you buy used, inspect the console and controllers carefully and ask the seller about any damage or issues.

The Nintendo eShop occasionally discounts games, especially older titles or during sales events. If you are willing to wait, you can sometimes buy games for $30 to $40 instead of the full $60. Checking the eShop regularly or following Nintendo's announcements can help you catch these sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a game with the console?

No. The console works on its own, and you can read free games like Fortnite or Pokémon Unite without buying anything. However, most people buy at least one game in the first month because the console is not much fun without something to play.

Can I play games without paying for Nintendo Switch Online?

Yes, if the games are single-player or local multiplayer only. Games like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario do not require online service. You only need it for online multiplayer, cloud saves, and access to the classic game library.

Is the Switch Lite cheaper to own long-term?

The Switch Lite costs $100 less upfront, but you cannot dock it to a TV. If you later want TV play, you would have to buy a standard Switch or OLED model. The Lite is cheaper only if you are certain you will never want to play on a big screen.

How much does it cost to add more storage?

A microSD card ranges from $15 to $35 depending on capacity. A 128 GB card is usually the best value and costs around $20. You only need one card — it stays in the console permanently and expands your storage for all games.

Can I share games with other people on the same console?

Yes. If multiple people have accounts on the same Switch, they can all play games that are installed on that console. You buy the game once and everyone can access it, which saves money if you are buying for a household.