The Nintendo Switch launched at $299 in March 2017

The original Nintendo Switch cost $299 when Nintendo released it on March 3, 2017. This was the price for the standard model that came with two Joy-Con controllers, a dock, and an HDMI cable. That $299 price point remained the same across North America, Europe, and most other regions where the console launched simultaneously.

The $299 price was positioned between Nintendo's previous home console (the Wii U at $299–$349) and their handheld (the 3DS at $199–$249). Nintendo marketed the Switch as a hybrid device that worked both docked on a TV and as a portable handheld, which justified the higher price compared to a traditional handheld system.

Key Takeaways

  • The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299 in March 2017 and included two Joy-Con controllers, a dock, and an HDMI cable in the box.
  • The price remained $299 across all major regions at launch, making it more expensive than Nintendo's previous handheld but comparable to their home console.
  • Nintendo later released the Switch Lite in 2019 at $199 as a handheld-only option, and the Switch OLED model in 2021 at $349.
  • If you bought a Switch at launch in 2017, the hardware itself has not changed in price, though the console is no longer sold new by Nintendo as of 2024.

What was included in the $299 launch box

The $299 Switch package contained the console itself (the tablet-like unit with the screen), two Joy-Con controllers (one red, one blue), a dock for connecting to your TV, an HDMI cable, a USB-C power adapter, and a wrist strap for each Joy-Con. You did not need to buy anything else to play games on the TV or in handheld mode.

Nintendo sold additional Joy-Con controllers separately for $79.99 per pair, and a Pro Controller (a more traditional gamepad) for $69.99. These were optional — the two controllers in the box were sufficient for most games, though some players preferred the Pro Controller's layout for certain titles.

How the launch price compared to other Nintendo systems

The Wii U, Nintendo's previous home console from 2012, launched at $299 for the basic model and $349 for the deluxe version. The Nintendo 3DS handheld launched at $249 in 2011. The Switch's $299 price was positioned as a middle ground — more expensive than a dedicated handheld but the same cost as a home console, because it did both.

In the broader gaming market at launch, the PlayStation 4 was selling for $299 (it had launched in 2013 at the same price), and the Xbox One was $499. The Switch's lower price and portability made it attractive to players who wanted something different from traditional home consoles.

Price changes after the original launch

Nintendo kept the original Switch at $299 until it was discontinued. However, Nintendo released two new models with different prices. The Switch Lite launched in September 2019 at $199 — this was a handheld-only version without TV docking capability, designed for players who did not need the hybrid functionality.

In October 2021, Nintendo released the Switch OLED model at $349. This version had a larger, brighter screen and better speakers than the original, but the core hardware and game library remained the same. The original Switch model was discontinued in early 2023, leaving the Lite and OLED as the only new options available from Nintendo.

What you pay for a used original Switch today

Because Nintendo stopped manufacturing the original Switch model, the price on the used market varies. A used original Switch in good condition typically sells for $200–$250 on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or GameStop's used section. The price depends on the condition, whether all original accessories are included, and the current demand.

If you are looking to buy a Switch now, you have two choices: the Switch Lite at $199 (handheld only, smaller screen) or the Switch OLED at $349 (larger screen, TV docking included). The original $299 model is no longer sold new by Nintendo or major retailers, though you can still find used units.

Why the $299 price mattered at launch

The $299 price was significant because it positioned the Switch as an affordable alternative to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, while offering something those systems could not — true portability. At the time, no other major gaming console could be played on a TV and then when ready taken as a handheld device.

The price also meant the Switch was accessible to a wider audience than high-end gaming PCs or the latest home consoles. This helped drive adoption among casual players, families, and people who wanted gaming flexibility. The combination of price and hybrid functionality became the Switch's defining feature in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Switch price ever drop below $299 at retail?

Nintendo never officially lowered the $299 price for the original Switch while it was in production. Retailers occasionally ran sales or bundle deals, but the manufacturer's suggested retail price remained $299 from 2017 until the model was discontinued in 2023.

Is the Switch Lite cheaper because it is worse?

The Switch Lite is $199 because it removes TV docking and uses a smaller screen — not because the internal hardware is inferior. It plays the same games as the original Switch. The choice between Lite and OLED depends on whether you want portability and lower cost (Lite) or a larger screen and TV play (OLED).

What was the most expensive thing you had to buy separately at launch?

Games were the biggest additional cost. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which launched with the Switch, cost $59.99. Most Switch games cost between $39.99 and $59.99. Extra Joy-Con pairs at $79.99 were the most expensive accessory, but they were optional.

Could you play Switch games without buying anything else besides the console?

Yes. The $299 box included everything needed to play games on a TV or in handheld mode. You just needed to buy games separately. The dock, controllers, and power adapter were all included, so there were no hidden costs to get the system running.