The current Nintendo Switch price depends on which model you buy

A new Nintendo Switch costs between $200 and $350, depending on which version you choose. The standard Switch is $299. The Switch Lite, a smaller handheld-only model, is $199. The Switch OLED model, which has a larger screen and better speakers, is $349. These are the manufacturer's suggested prices — the actual price at a store may be lower, especially during sales or at warehouse retailers like Costco.

The price you pay also depends on whether you buy the console alone or as a bundle. A bundle that includes a game, a carrying case, or extra controllers costs more upfront but may save you money if you were planning to buy those items anyway. Used consoles from resellers like GameStop or Facebook Marketplace are cheaper, typically $150 to $250, but come without a warranty.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Nintendo Switch costs $299 new; the Lite costs $199; the OLED model costs $349.
  • Actual store prices may be lower than the manufacturer's suggested price, especially during holiday sales or at warehouse clubs.
  • Bundles that include games or accessories cost more upfront but may be cheaper than buying items separately.
  • Used consoles cost $150 to $250 but do not come with a manufacturer warranty.
  • You will need to budget separately for games, a microSD card for storage, and a carrying case if you want them.

What each Nintendo Switch model includes in the box

All three models come with the console itself, a dock (except the Lite), two Joy-Con controllers, wrist straps, a USB-C charging cable, and an HDMI cable (except the Lite). The standard Switch and OLED model both dock to a TV; the Lite does not. The OLED model's screen is larger and brighter than the standard Switch's, which matters if you play mostly in handheld mode.

None of the models come with a game, a microSD card for storing games, or a carrying case. You will need to buy these separately if you want them. A microSD card costs $10 to $30 depending on storage size. A carrying case costs $15 to $40. Games range from $20 for older titles to $60 for new releases.

Why the three models have different prices

The Switch Lite is the cheapest because it is smaller, lighter, and cannot connect to a TV. It is designed for people who play games on the go or in handheld mode only. If you want to play on a TV, you need either the standard Switch or the OLED model.

The standard Switch sits in the middle. It connects to a TV, has a larger screen than the Lite, and costs $100 less than the OLED model. The OLED model costs more because its screen is larger, brighter, and has better color. It also has better speakers and a larger storage drive built in. The difference matters most if you play in handheld mode frequently or if you watch videos on the console.

Where to find the best price

Major retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon all sell Nintendo Switch consoles at the manufacturer's suggested price most of the time. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club sometimes sell them at a discount, but you need a membership. GameStop and other used game retailers sell refurbished and used consoles for less, though these do not come with a full warranty.

Prices drop most often during Black Friday, the week after Thanksgiving, and around the winter holidays. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a sale can save $20 to $50. Sign up for price alerts on Amazon or Best Buy if you want to know when a price drops.

What you will spend beyond the console itself

The console is only the starting cost. Most people spend another $100 to $200 in the first few months on games, storage, and accessories. A single new game costs $50 to $60. If you want to play multiple games, the cost adds up quickly. Nintendo Switch Online, a subscription service that lets you play online multiplayer and access classic games, costs $20 per year for the basic plan or $50 per year for the expanded plan.

A microSD card is nearly essential — the console's built-in storage fills up after two or three games. A 128GB card costs about $15 to $20 and holds roughly 15 to 20 games, depending on their size. A carrying case protects the console if you travel with it and costs $20 to $40. Extra Joy-Con controllers, if you want to play with others, cost $70 to $80 per pair.

How used and refurbished consoles compare to new ones

A used Nintendo Switch from a reseller typically costs $150 to $250 depending on condition and which model it is. Refurbished consoles sold by Nintendo directly cost around $240 to $290 and come with a one-year warranty. Used consoles from private sellers usually have no warranty at all.

The risk with a used console is that the Joy-Con controllers may have drift — a problem where the analog stick registers movement even when you are not touching it. This is a known issue on older Switch units. If you buy used, test the controllers thoroughly before you leave the store or meet the seller. A new pair of Joy-Con controllers costs $70 to $80, so a used console with drifting controllers may not be the bargain it looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nintendo Switch OLED model worth the extra $50?

It depends on how you play. If you use the TV dock most of the time, the OLED screen does not matter much. If you play in handheld mode regularly, the larger, brighter screen is noticeable and worth the cost to many people. The better speakers and larger storage drive are nice but not essential.

Can I find a Nintendo Switch for less than $199?

Occasionally, during major sales like Black Friday or holiday promotions, retailers discount the Switch Lite to $150 to $180. Used consoles from resellers cost less, but you take on the risk of drift or other hardware problems. Refurbished consoles from Nintendo cost slightly less than new ones and come with a warranty.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play games?

No. You can play single-player games and local multiplayer without a subscription. You only need Nintendo Switch Online if you want to play online multiplayer, access classic NES and SNES games, or use cloud saves. The basic plan costs $20 per year.

What is the difference between a refurbished Switch and a used one?

A refurbished console has been tested, repaired if needed, and comes with a warranty from the manufacturer or retailer. A used console is sold as-is, usually without a warranty. Refurbished consoles cost more than used ones but are safer because they have been inspected.

Can I return a Nintendo Switch if I change my mind?

Most retailers allow returns within 14 to 30 days if the console is unopened or in original condition. Once you open it and use it, the return window is usually shorter or the console may not be returnable at all. Check the retailer's return policy before you buy.