What the Nintendo Switch 2 costs

Nintendo has not announced an official price for the Switch 2 as of now. The company typically reveals pricing closer to launch, usually a few months before the console becomes available for purchase. When Nintendo did announce the original Switch in 2016, the price came out about two months before release.

Based on how Nintendo has priced hardware in the past, the Switch 2 will likely fall somewhere between $250 and $350, but this is an estimate based on historical patterns, not confirmed information. The original Switch launched at $299. The Switch Lite, a smaller handheld-only version, launched at $199. The Switch OLED model, released in 2021 with a larger screen and better speakers, launched at $349.

Nintendo's official website and the Nintendo eShop will be the first places to see the real price when it is announced. You can also check major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, which typically list pricing when ready after Nintendo's announcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo has not yet announced the Switch 2 price, though historical pricing suggests it will likely be between $250 and $350.
  • The original Switch cost $299 at launch, and the OLED model cost $349, which can give you a sense of Nintendo's typical pricing range.
  • Pricing announcements usually come two to three months before the console launches, so check Nintendo's official channels regularly.
  • Different retailers may offer bundles with games or accessories included, which can affect the total cost of getting started.

How Nintendo typically prices new hardware

Nintendo does not usually undercut competitors on price. Instead, the company prices based on what features and performance the hardware offers compared to its own previous models. When the Switch OLED came out, it cost $50 more than the original Switch because it added a larger screen, better audio, and more storage — not because it was more powerful than competitors' consoles.

The Switch 2 is expected to have significantly better processing power and graphics than the original Switch, which suggests Nintendo may price it closer to the OLED model's $349 or potentially higher. However, Nintendo sometimes prices new hardware at the same level as the model it replaces, especially if it is meant to be the standard option going forward.

What affects the total cost of buying in

The console price is only part of what you will spend. You will also need games, and Nintendo Switch games typically cost between $40 and $70 each for new releases. If you want online multiplayer, Nintendo Switch Online costs $20 per year for the basic plan or $50 per year for the Expansion Pack, which includes access to classic NES and SNES games.

Many retailers bundle the console with a game — often a popular title like Mario Kart or The Legend of Zelda — which can add $50 to $70 to the upfront cost but may save you money if you were planning to buy that game anyway. You may also want a carrying case ($20 to $40), a screen protector ($10 to $20), and extra controllers if you plan to play with others ($60 to $80 per pair).

Comparing the Switch 2 to other gaming options

If you are deciding between the Switch 2 and other consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X both cost around $500 and offer more powerful graphics and processing, but they are stationary — you play them connected to a TV. The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC, starts at $399 and plays a different library of games. The Switch 2 is designed to work both as a handheld device and docked to a TV, which is a different use case than either of those options.

The choice between them depends on what you want to play and where you want to play it. If you want Nintendo's exclusive games like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, you need a Switch. If you want the largest selection of third-party games and the best graphics, a PlayStation or Xbox makes more sense. If you want portability and don't mind a smaller screen, the Steam Deck is an alternative, though it runs a different operating system and game library.

Where to watch for price announcements

Nintendo announces new hardware pricing through its official website, Nintendo.com, and through press releases that major gaming news outlets cover when ready. You can also follow Nintendo's social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram, where announcements typically appear first.

Retailers like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and GameStop will list the price and begin taking preorders shortly after Nintendo's official announcement. Preorders usually open a few weeks after the price is revealed and before the console actually ships. If you want to be among the first to buy one, preordering is often necessary because stock can sell out quickly in the first weeks after launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Switch 2 cost more than the original Switch?

It is likely to cost at least as much, possibly more. The original Switch was $299, and the OLED model was $349. The Switch 2 is expected to have better hardware, which historically means Nintendo prices it at or above the OLED model's price point.

Can I preorder the Switch 2 now?

Not yet. Preorders typically open after Nintendo announces the official price and release date, which has not happened. Once announced, major retailers will open preorders within a few weeks.

Will there be different versions of the Switch 2 at different prices?

Nintendo has not confirmed this. With the original Switch, there was a standard model and a Lite version at different prices. The company may do the same with the Switch 2, but there is no official information yet.

Do I need to buy games separately, or do they come with the console?

Games are sold separately in most cases. Some retailers bundle the console with one game included, but you pay extra for that bundle. The console itself does not come with games pre-installed.

What if I want to trade in my old Switch toward a new one?

GameStop, Best Buy, and other retailers offer trade-in programs where you can sell your old Switch and put the value toward a new purchase. The amount you get depends on the condition of your device and current market demand. You can check trade-in values on each retailer's website.