Schedule 1 games typically cost between $50 and $70 on current consoles, though prices vary by retailer, release date, and whether you buy physical or digital copies

Schedule 1 is Nintendo's classification for games released on a fixed date with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). Unlike indie games that launch at whatever price the developer chooses, Schedule 1 titles follow Nintendo's standard pricing structure. Most new releases land at $59.99 on Switch, though some special editions or bundles cost more.

The price you actually pay depends on where you shop and when you buy. Launch day prices are almost always full MSRP at major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and the Nintendo eShop. Older Schedule 1 games often drop in price within weeks or months, especially at physical retailers. Digital copies rarely discount as quickly as physical ones.

Key Takeaways

  • Most new Schedule 1 games cost $59.99 at launch, with some special editions reaching $69.99 or higher.
  • Physical copies often drop in price faster than digital versions, sometimes within a month of release.
  • Retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart frequently discount physical games, while the Nintendo eShop maintains MSRP longer.
  • Buying used physical copies from GameStop or local stores can cut the cost in half within a few months of release.
  • Nintendo Switch Online membership does not include Schedule 1 games, though it does cover a separate library of older titles.

Where the $59.99 price comes from

Nintendo sets the MSRP for Schedule 1 games at $59.99 for standard editions on Switch. This price point has held steady since the Switch launched in 2017, even as production costs have risen. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe all launched at this price.

Special editions and bundles cost more. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet had a dual-pack option at $119.98 for two games. Limited editions with physical items—art books, figurines, or special cases—often run $79.99 to $99.99. These are still Schedule 1 games, but the higher price reflects the extra content.

The $59.99 figure applies to physical cartridges and digital downloads equally at launch. After the first few weeks, physical prices often drop while digital prices stay fixed. This is because physical retailers compete on price to move inventory, while Nintendo controls digital pricing on the eShop.

How prices change over time

Physical copies of Schedule 1 games typically drop within four to eight weeks of release. Target and Walmart often mark down games to $49.99 or lower once initial sales slow. GameStop discounts used copies even faster—you can find popular titles for $30 to $40 within two months of launch.

Digital prices on the Nintendo eShop move much slower. Nintendo rarely discounts new Schedule 1 games in the first three to six months. When discounts do appear, they are usually 10 to 20 percent off, not the deeper cuts you see at physical retailers. Older games—those released a year or more ago—are more likely to go on sale digitally.

Black Friday, holiday sales, and end-of-year clearances are the main times digital prices drop significantly. Physical retailers discount year-round, but these seasonal events bring the biggest markdowns on both formats.

Physical versus digital pricing

Physical copies cost the same as digital at launch—both are $59.99 for a standard Schedule 1 game. The difference emerges after a few weeks. Physical games can be resold, traded in, or bought used, which creates a secondary market that drives prices down. Digital games cannot be resold, so there is no secondary market to create competition.

If you plan to keep a game long-term, the format matters less. If you think you might sell or trade it in later, physical is cheaper over time. A physical copy you buy for $59.99 and sell for $25 costs you $34.99 net. A digital copy at $59.99 stays that price forever.

Storage is another factor. Physical games take up shelf space but use almost no console storage. Digital games read to your Switch's storage or a microSD card. If you own many games, digital storage adds up quickly and may require buying a larger microSD card (around $20 to $40).

Where to find the best prices

For physical copies at launch, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all sell Schedule 1 games at the standard $59.99 MSRP. None of these retailers typically discount on day one. After the first week or two, Target and Walmart often drop prices first, sometimes to $49.99 or lower. Best Buy's pricing follows a similar pattern but may lag slightly behind.

GameStop sells new and used copies. New games are $59.99, but used copies drop based on how long the game has been out. A game released two months ago might be $39.99 used; one released six months ago could be $25 to $30. GameStop also offers trade-in credit if you bring in other games.

The Nintendo eShop is the only place to buy digital copies directly from Nintendo. Prices stay at MSRP longer here than anywhere else. Some third-party retailers like Amazon sell digital eShop codes at a slight discount, but these are rare for new Schedule 1 releases.

What you should know about bundles and special editions

Nintendo sometimes releases Schedule 1 games in bundles with hardware or other games. A game bundled with a Switch console or controller costs more than the game alone, but you are paying for the extra hardware. If you already own a Switch, these bundles are not a good deal for the game itself.

Collector's editions with physical extras—art books, steelbook cases, or figurines—are priced higher and rarely discount as quickly as standard editions. Pokémon Legends: Arceus had a Collector's Edition at $79.99 with a Pokédex replica. These editions appeal to collectors but are not necessary to play the game.

Pre-order bonuses sometimes include in-game items or cosmetics but do not change the game's price. You still pay $59.99 whether you pre-order or buy on launch day. Pre-ordering guarantees a copy on day one if stock is limited, but most Schedule 1 games have adequate stock.

Comparing Schedule 1 to other game pricing

Schedule 1 games are Nintendo's premium tier. Indie games on the eShop range from $4.99 to $29.99 and rarely cost more than $39.99. Games like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Stardew Valley launched at $14.99 or less. These are full games, not demos or lite versions, but they carry lower price tags because they have smaller budgets and teams.

Nintendo also sells older games and smaller titles at lower prices. Games from the NES and SNES libraries are $5.99 to $7.99 each. Nintendo Switch Sports launched at $49.99, slightly below the standard $59.99. The price reflects the game's scope and production cost relative to a full-scale release like Zelda or Mario.

On other platforms, new AAA games often cost $69.99 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Nintendo's $59.99 standard is actually lower than competitors, though the Switch is less powerful hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play Schedule 1 games?

No. Schedule 1 games work whether you have Switch Online or not. Switch Online is a separate subscription ($20 per year for basic, $50 for Expansion Pack) that gives you access to a library of older NES and SNES games, cloud saves, and online multiplayer for compatible games. You buy Schedule 1 games separately.

Can I return a Schedule 1 game if I don't like it?

Return policies depend on the retailer. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart typically allow returns within 30 days with a receipt. GameStop has a 7-day return window for new games. Digital purchases on the Nintendo eShop cannot be returned once downloaded, though Nintendo may make exceptions for technical issues.

Why do some Schedule 1 games cost $69.99 instead of $59.99?

Special editions, deluxe versions, or games bundled with extra content cost more. Some publishers also price certain games higher based on perceived value or market positioning. Standard editions of Schedule 1 games are almost always $59.99.

Is it cheaper to buy Schedule 1 games on sale or used?

Used physical copies are usually cheaper than waiting for a sale. A used copy two months old might be $30 to $40, while a digital sale might only drop the price to $48 to $50. However, sales happen more often during holidays, so patience can pay off if you are flexible on timing.

Do prices differ between regions or countries?

Yes. Schedule 1 games cost different amounts in different countries based on local pricing, taxes, and currency. A game that costs $59.99 in the US might cost £49.99 in the UK or €59.99 in Europe. If you travel or use a different region's eShop account, prices will reflect that region.