Current Nintendo Switch Prices
A new Nintendo Switch costs between $200 and $350 depending on which model you buy. The Switch Lite is the cheapest at $200 and plays handheld only. The standard Switch runs $300 and works as a handheld or docked to a TV. The Switch OLED is $350 and adds a larger, brighter screen but otherwise plays the same games as the standard model.
These are the manufacturer's suggested prices at major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. You may find older stock discounted, especially during holiday sales or when new models are about to release. Used Switch consoles from resellers typically cost $150 to $250 depending on condition and which model you're buying.
Nintendo does not make the Switch anymore — the company stopped production in 2023 to prepare for the next console. This means new stock is limited and prices may not drop further. If you see a new Switch below $180, it is likely refurbished or from a seller outside the United States.
Key Takeaways
- The Switch Lite costs $200, the standard Switch costs $300, and the Switch OLED costs $350, with no price changes expected since Nintendo stopped making them in 2023.
- You need to add the cost of games (typically $40 to $70 each), a microSD card ($15 to $30), and optionally a carrying case ($20 to $50) to your console purchase.
- Nintendo Switch Online ($20 per year for basic, $50 per year for Expansion Pack) is required to play online multiplayer and access classic NES and SNES games.
- The Switch Lite cannot connect to a TV and has a smaller screen, while the standard Switch and OLED model both dock to televisions.
- Used Switch consoles are cheaper but carry the risk of battery wear, missing components, and no manufacturer warranty.
What Each Model Includes in the Box
Every new Switch comes with the console itself, two Joy-Con controllers, a dock (except the Lite), a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter. The Switch Lite includes only the console, controllers, cable, and power adapter — no dock. None of the models include a game, a microSD card, or a carrying case.
The dock is the plastic stand that lets you connect the console to a TV. If you buy a Switch Lite, you cannot add a dock later because the Lite has no TV output. The standard Switch and OLED model both use the same dock, so you can swap consoles if you upgrade.
The Joy-Con controllers are small and attach to the sides of the handheld screen. They drift (stick input becomes unreliable) on many units after a year or two of use. Nintendo repairs drifting Joy-Cons for free if your console is still under warranty, but replacement controllers cost $80 for a pair if you buy them separately.
Games, Storage, and Accessories You'll Need to Budget For
Nintendo Switch games cost between $40 and $70 new. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are all $60. Smaller indie games on the eShop (Nintendo's digital store) range from $5 to $30. If you plan to own five games, add $250 to $350 to your console cost.
The Switch comes with 32 GB of storage, but games take up space quickly. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom alone uses 16 GB. You will almost certainly need a microSD card to store more than two or three games. A 256 GB card costs $15 to $30 and holds roughly 40 to 50 games depending on their size. A 512 GB card costs $25 to $40.
A carrying case is not required but protects the screen and controllers if you travel. Basic cases run $20 to $30. A more durable case with room for games and cables costs $40 to $60. If you keep the Switch at home on a TV, you do not need a case.
Nintendo Switch Online Subscription Costs
Playing online multiplayer in games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Splatoon 3 requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The basic plan costs $20 per year and includes online play and cloud saves. The Expansion Pack costs $50 per year and adds access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, plus DLC for certain titles.
You can buy a month of basic Switch Online for $4 or three months for $8 if you want to test it before committing to a year. Family plans are available: a family group of up to eight people can share one Expansion Pack subscription for $50 per year, which works out to about $6 per person if split evenly.
Switch Online is not required to play single-player games or local multiplayer (playing with someone in the same room). You only need it for online multiplayer and to back up your save files to Nintendo's servers.
Comparing Total Cost Across the Three Models
| Item | Switch Lite | Standard Switch | Switch OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Console | $200 | $300 | $350 |
| microSD card (256 GB) | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| Carrying case | $30 | $30 | $30 |
| One game ($60) | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Switch Online (1 year) | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| Total for first year | $330 | $430 | $480 |
The Switch Lite is the cheapest entry point but only works as a handheld. If you want to play on a TV, the standard Switch at $300 is the better value than the OLED, which costs $50 more for a brighter screen but plays the same games at the same speed.
After the first year, you will spend less on subscriptions and games. Switch Online renews at $20 per year for basic service. Games remain $40 to $70 each, but you can also buy used games or wait for sales on the eShop.
Where to Buy and What to Watch For
New Switch consoles are sold at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and the official Nintendo Store. Prices are the same everywhere for new units. Used consoles are available from GameStop, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local resellers.
When buying used, check the battery health if possible — a Switch with a worn battery may only last two to three hours on a charge instead of the original five to six hours. Ask the seller whether the console has ever been repaired or had Joy-Con replacements. Missing the dock or charging cable will cost you $30 to $50 to replace.
Refurbished Switch consoles sold by Nintendo directly come with a one-year warranty and cost less than new ones, though they are harder to find. GameStop and Best Buy also sell refurbished units with shorter warranties (usually 90 days to one year).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Switch OLED worth the extra $50 over the standard Switch?
The OLED screen is brighter and has better colors, which makes handheld play more enjoyable in bright rooms. If you play mostly docked on a TV, the difference is invisible. If you travel with your Switch or play handheld most of the time, the OLED is worth considering. The standard Switch is the better value if budget matters.
Can I play the same games on all three Switch models?
Yes. The Switch Lite, standard Switch, and OLED all play the same game library. The only difference is that the Lite cannot connect to a TV. Game performance is identical across all three models.
Do I need to buy Nintendo Switch Online right away?
Not when ready. You can play single-player games and local multiplayer without it. You only need a subscription when you want to play online multiplayer or back up saves to the cloud. Many people wait a few weeks to see if they enjoy the console before subscribing.
What is the cheapest way to get your free guide with a Switch?
Buy a used Switch Lite for $120 to $150, add a $20 microSD card, and start with one or two games. This gets you playing for under $200. You can add Switch Online later if you want to play online. A used standard Switch costs more upfront but gives you TV play if you decide you want it.
Will Nintendo make a new Switch console soon?
Nintendo has announced a successor to the Switch but has not released it yet. The current Switch will continue to work and receive games for several more years. If you buy a Switch now, you will not be forced to upgrade when ready when the new console launches.